General Care and Maintenance Tips
Hardwood floors are a lifetime investment and you have spent a considerable amount of money to beautify and add value to your home.
Dog & Animal Care
Keep nails clipped. Dogs running through the house will scratch any finish. Put down a mat to stand between your pet's water dish and your wood floor.
Area Rug Backings
Only rugs with a natural backing (i.e., felt) are safe for a wood floor. Avoid rugs with a rubber or abrasive backing, as these can damage or discolor a floor.
Floor Protectors
Non-abrasive, felt-backed products are best. Rubber or plastic backed products can trap moisture & discolor your floor.
Removing Scuff Marks
If scuff cannot be removed using a damp rag, stubborn scuffs can be removed by the use of a tennis ball or pencil eraser. Gently rub in direction of grain.
Floor Cleaning
During the cleaning process, rinse applicator often in a separate pail of clean water. A dirty applicator can spread dirt to other areas, causing streaks & haziness.
Remember: use a damp (never wet) applicator — Squeeze out surplus water and ensure that the residual water evaporates from the floor within one minute. If it takes longer, there is too much moisture on the applicator.
Moving Appliances
When moving heavy items, such as appliances, slide a 1/8” Masonite sheet under the heavy objects to prevent floor damage.
Dos and Don’ts
DOS
Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum the floor regularly. Use a vacuum designed for hard surfaces. If vacuum has a beater bar (rotating bristle brush) it should be disengaged before use.
Immediately wipe up liquid spills with cloth or paper towels.
Maintain with the appropriate floor cleaner. *See below.
Use felt protectors or furniture coasters under heavy furniture.
Close curtains or blinds to limit direct sun exposure.
Maintain room temperature (60°–80° F) year round.
Maintain relative humidity in room/building between 30-50% year round.
Caster wheeled chairs should have wide casters.
A protective mat should be placed under office chairs.
In areas with icy or snowy winters, extra protection against salt & grit may be needed.
Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
Remember that cleats, sport shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
Place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.
DON’TS
Use oil based soaps.
Use paste wax based products (NEVER wax a lacquered finished floor).
Drag sharp wooden legs or metal furniture legs as it can scratch/dent hardwood floors.
Expose to direct sunlight for extended period of time as it may dry/fade natural wood.
Use steam cleaners. They are not recommended for use on natural wood flooring.
Place porous flower pots or vases on the floor.
Use steel wool or scourers.
Move heavy furniture without protecting wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or bottom of items.
Ever wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull a finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
