CDS Hardwood Floors
Hardwood Floor Maintenance in Maryland, Virginia & DC
Quick Answer
Regular maintenance — proper cleaning products, correct technique and a screen-and-recoat every 5–7 years — can double the lifespan of a hardwood floor.
The single fastest way to destroy a hardwood floor is to clean it wrong. Vinegar dulls the finish. Murphy's Oil Soap leaves a residue that prevents future refinishing. Steam mops force moisture into the seams. Swiffer Wet cloths degrade waterborne finishes.
We consult with clients on a proper maintenance routine, provide starter Bona kits and offer scheduled screen-and-recoat visits every 5–7 years to keep the finish fresh — pushing full refinish cycles out to 20+ years.
Key Takeaways
- Bona (or Loba) cleaner only — nothing else
- No steam, no vinegar, no oil soap, no Swiffer Wet
- A screen-and-recoat every 5–7 years doubles finish life
Benefits
- • Extends floor life from 15 years to 25+ years
- • Preserves warranty coverage
- • Keeps your finish looking new
Our Process
Daily
Sweep or vacuum with soft brush attachment.
Weekly
Damp mop with a pH-neutral wood cleaner (Bona is standard-issue).
Every 5–7 years
Professional screen-and-recoat before finish wears through to bare wood.
Every 15–25 years
Full sand and refinish.
Ready to talk about your project?
Materials We Use
- • Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- • Microfiber mops (never string mops)
- • Felt furniture pads
- • Walk-off mats at entries
What to Expect
- • A floor that outlives multiple ownerships when maintained properly
What Affects Pricing
We don't publish flat pricing — every home is different. These are the factors we weigh in your written estimate:
- • Maintenance products cost ~$50/year
- • A screen-and-recoat every 5–7 years is a fraction of a full refinish
Common Problems & How We Solve Them
Cloudy or hazy finish
Almost always Murphy's, vinegar or Swiffer residue. We can strip and recoat.
Scratches from furniture
Felt pads on every leg; area rugs in high-traffic paths.
Maintenance Tips
- • Trim pet nails regularly
- • Maintain 30–50% humidity year-round with a humidifier in winter
- • Use walk-off mats at every exterior door
Warranty & Guarantee
All CDS craftsmanship is backed by our workmanship guarantee. Manufacturer finish warranties are transferred to you in full.
Why Choose CDS Hardwood Floors
Family-owned, licensed (MHIC #141267), fully insured and bonded, with 15+ years serving Maryland, Virginia, DC, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Our craftsmanship has earned us landmark commercial work (including DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC) alongside thousands of luxury residential projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hardwood floor maintenance take in a typical home?
Most residential projects are completed within 3–7 working days, depending on square footage, drying times and any repairs required. We provide a firm timeline in your written estimate.
Do I need to move out during hardwood floor maintenance?
In most cases, no. Our dustless equipment keeps the home habitable, though we recommend staying off finished areas for 24–72 hours to let the finish cure.
Can I schedule a consultation?
Yes. Every hardwood floor maintenance project starts with a free on-site consultation and a detailed written quote, usually delivered within 24 hours.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. CDS Hardwood Floors is a Maryland-licensed contractor (MHIC #141267), fully insured and bonded for your protection.
Related Services
Screen and Recoat
A screen-and-recoat lightly abrades your existing finish and applies a fresh coat — restoring sheen and adding years of protection without a full sand-down.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Hardwood floor refinishing is the process of sanding off the existing finish and top surface of your wood floor, then applying new stain and 2–3 coats of protective finish — restoring worn floors to like-new condition.