Hardwood Care & Maintenance

Your new wood floor was made to last a lifetime or beyond. You can keep it looking great and providing many years of enjoyment by following a simple routine of care, maintenance and protection.

Clean

With today’s advances in wood stains and factory-sealed finishes, cleaning your solid or engineered hardwood floors has never been easier. Everyday cleaning requires little more than sweeping with a nylon bristle broom or microfiber mop, or vacuuming with a wood floor attachment. When a liquid spill occurs, be sure to wipe it up immediately with a dry or slightly dampened cloth. Allowing spills to remain on wood floors could damage the finish and possibly the wood. ANY AND ALL STANDING WATER SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY CLEANED UP.

When your floor begins to look a little dull, renew its luster with a recommended wood floor cleaner. Check the manufacturer’s warranty for information on compatible clearers and be sure to use the product as directed. Using the wrong type of cleaning product could damage the finish. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A STEAM MOP EVER BE USED ON A HARDWOOD FLOOR.

Protect

Place door mats inside and outside entrances to trap dirt and grit that can scratch and dull the finish of your wood floor. Likewise, don’t slide furniture across a hardwood floor. Always lift furniture to move it and place soft plastic or felt glides under the legs to prevent scuffing and scratching. Wear and tear from pets can also wreak havoc on hardwood floors. Keep your pets’ nails trimmed and paws free from dirt and gravel. That goes for human occupants as well. Make sure your shoes are not excessively soiled or have gravel embedded in the tread. Avoid walking on hardwood floors with work boots or sports shoes with cleats. Be aware that high heels can exert a lot of pressure in a small area, enough to dent any floor surface.

Maintain

Wood floors expand and contract as humidity levels change in your house. Maintain a relative humidity range between 35% – 55% to prevent cupping or gapping between boards.

Hardwood floors will change color over time from exposure to the UV rays of sunlight or indirect light. Move furniture and area rugs periodically so your floor ages evenly. You may be able to prevent or slow down this process with window treatments that restrict UV rays.