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Plan on refinishing your floors every seven to 10 years to keep them looking their best. If you spot heavy scratches, sun-faded boards, water stains, or a thinning finish in high-traffic areas, consider moving up the timeline. A quick check each season lets you catch trouble early and protect the wood for the long haul.

You can skip full sanding only if the finish is still in great shape. In that case, your hardwood flooring pro can lightly buff the surface and apply a fresh topcoat. You can maintain regular sweeping and vacuuming to keep grit at bay. But if you see wax buildup, dents, or deep scratches, sanding is a must. Otherwise, the new coat will highlight every flaw.

Sweep or dust-mop every few days, then follow up with a slightly damp microfiber mop and a cleaner specifically designed for wood floors—avoid anything harsh that can strip the finish. For stubborn marks, rub lightly with fine steel wool and a bit of mineral spirits, then buff with wax. Adding blinds or curtains also shields boards from sun-fade and keeps the color even.