Weekly Maintenance

1. Dry mop with a Swiffer.
2. Vacuum with a soft brush head attachment.
3. Use only Hardwood Floor cleaning products that are specifically made for hardwood flooring.
4. Do not wet mop the floor as this will cause water damage and discoloration over time.

 

  


 

 

 

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is a term more common to industry than to residential or office floor care, but its importance cannot be over-emphasized. Good preventative maintenance lengthens the intervals between the major renovation operations such as re-coating, re-waxing and refinishing. Here are some basic rules that apply to all types of floor finishes.

 

  • Keep grit off the floor. Use dirt-trapping, walk-off mats at all exterior doors to help prevent dirt, grit and sand from getting inside the building. Throw- rugs or small sections of carpet just inside the entrances are also recommended. Dirt and grit are any flooring's worst enemy and that includes carpets and vinyl as well as hardwoods. Keep door mats clean.

 

  • In kitchens, use area rugs at high spill locations and at work stations-stove, sink, and refrigerator. Cotton is generally the best fabric since it is easily washed. Mats with a smooth backing, i.e. rubber or vinyl, may trap water beneath.

 

  • Finishes and certain chemicals in wood oxidize and are affected by ultra violet light sources causing the wood and finish to change color and develop a patina or age. To avoid uneven appearance, move area rugs occasionally and drape or shade large windows.

 

  • Put fabric glides on the legs of your furniture; they allow furniture to be moved easily without scuffing the floor. Clean the glides regularly since grit can become embedded in them. Some furniture may require barrel type roller casters as ball type casters may cause damage. Grey, non-marking rubber casters are the best. Avoid casters made of hard materials like metals or hard plastics.

 

  • Vacuum or Sweep the floor regularly to keep it free of dust, grit and other abrasive material. Vacuum with a brush attachment works beautifully. Sweep or use a dust mop daily or as needed, but do not use a household dust treatment as this may cause your floor to become slick, dull the finish, or interfere with re-coating. We recommend using a cleaner that is made strictly for hardwood floors.

 

  • Wipe up food and other spills promptly with a dry cloth or paper towel. Use a slightly moistened cloth for sticky spills if necessary. Then wipe the floor dry with another cloth or paper towel.

 

  • Keep heels on shoes in good repair, especially high heels. Heels that have their protective cap missing or worn away exposing the steel support rod will dent any floor surface, even concrete.

 

  • Pet’s nails will scratch and mark the floor surface. Keep pets’ nails trimmed to minimize damage to the surface. Pets also track in dirt, using rugs or bedding in pet areas is also advised

 

  • Never wet mop the hardwood floor when cleaning; avoid walking on the floor with wet feet or foot wear. Excessive water causes wood to expand, possibly damaging the flooring. Finishes are used to protect the stain and face of the wood. They are not bonding or water-proofing products

 

  • Ensure that environmental conditions are maintained with a temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C) and humidity at 35-55% at all times. Hardwood flooring reacts to changes in the environment. Excessive heat or dryness can result in gapping or splitting; excessive humidity can result in cupping. Gapping, splitting, cupping or other problems resulting from exposure to improper environmental conditions are not covered by the product warranty.

 

  • If the floor is installed over a radiant heating system never allow the surface temperature of the floor to exceed 82°F (28°C). Avoid dramatic temperature changes; always adjust the system gradually in 5° increments.

 

  • By observing these simple suggestions you'll go a long way toward keeping your hardwood floors beautiful and making their care easier.