Follow
these tips for care and cleaning of your hardwood.
Use Area Rugs
Use quality area rugs inside entryways to prevent dirt and moisture from
being tracked onto your hardwood floor. To prevent slippage, only use a
quality vinyl rug pad from your retailer. Don't use rubber, foam back or
plastic pads as they may discolor the floor. Avoid excessive exposure to
water from tracking during periods of inclement weather.
Area rugs and furniture should be rearranged occasionally as they block
sunlight, which may give the appearance of discoloring under the rug. UV
sunlight and direct lighting will change the color of different wood
species to varying degrees.
Minimize Natural Expansion and Contraction
Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level of 40% to 60%
throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of
wood. A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage of wood
floors due to low humidity levels. This is especially important during
the winter or when using a wood stove or electric heat, which tends to
cause very dry conditions. In damp conditions, proper humidity levels
can be maintained with an air conditioner, dehumidifier or by
periodically turning on your heating system during the summer months.
Protect Your Floor from Marring
All wood floors can be scratched, gouged or dented. Sharp or pointed
objects, severe impact or concentrated weight can damage your wood
floor. Don't walk on your floor with "stiletto-style" heels as
they may cause indentations. Keep all pets' nails trimmed and filed in
order to minimize scratches.
General Care and Cleaning
Damp mopping is appropriate for some finishes — see your
manufacturer's care instructions for guidelines. Never clean or wet mop
your hardwood floor with water; it can dull the finish and permanently
damage the floor. Do not use any wax or cleaner that must be mixed with
water, such as oil soap, as this may ruin your floor and result in the
loss of the warranty.
Do not use wax, polish, abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring
powder.
Wood Flooring With a Urethane Finish
When a spill occurs, spot clean by applying the manufacturer's
recommended "no wax" cleaner onto a clean cloth and rubbing it
onto the spot. More stubborn stains may require additional scrubbing
with the appropriate scrub pad. Never topically apply wax to your
urethane floor. Periodically clean your floor by applying the
recommended cleaner to a dampened sponge mop. DO NOT allow puddles of
cleaner to remain on the floor's surface. Excess liquid may damage the
fiber of the wood.