Hardwood floors are a lifetime investment and you have spent a considerable amount of money to beautify and add value to your home.

Most important in keeping your investment at peak condition (healthy) is to allow for the right room climate by maintaining a stable environment in the home. To keep your investment healthy, a room temperature of 15° to 26° C and a humidity range of 30-50% is recommended year round. (The use of a humidifier or de-humidifier may be required.)

Todays hardwood floors are quick & easy to maintain, and with a few low cost cleaning tools and a little preventative maintenance can look beautiful for years to come. In addition to maintaining a stable environment, your hardwood floor should be cleaned regularly. Simply sweep, dust mop or vacuum to remove dirt & grit. When necessary clean your floor with a hardwood floor cleaning product.

CAUTION: It is important to only use a cleaning product compatible with the type of finish of your flooring.

Carefully follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Avoid using a wet mop as over time this can damage the finish. Remember: water & wood do not mix.

All purpose cleaners are not recommended as they can dull your floor’s finish or leave a hazy residue.

DO’S

  • Sweep, vacuum, or dust mop regularly.
  • 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 (15°­–26° C) 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.

Normal exposure to sunlight, heat, air conditioners, etc. will bring about natural changes in the original color as the floor ages. If possible, use blinds or drapes to protect floor from excessive sunlight. When some areas of the floor are covered, as in large furniture pieces and area rugs, the change under these pieces can be lighter than the surrounding floor, as they are not exposed to the same conditions. This is normal and is not a defect. Rotating the position of area rugs and furniture from time to time will allow the covered areas to slowly adjust in color to the surrounding floor.

Seasonal gapping can be expected, especially on wider planks. This is normal and not a defect. Throughout its life, wood will naturally expand and contract in response to the wet & dry seasons and also from the environmental conditions in the home. To keep these dimensional changes to a minimum, maintain the home temperature & relative humidity within the range outlined above.

During the winter months of low humidity, minor surface cracks (checks) may appear in wood flooring, then often close up again in the summer months when the humidity is higher. This is a normal characteristic of natural wood and not a basis of a complaint against the manufacturer, especially if there is no structural failure.

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.

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