Hardwood Care

Cleaning your hardwood floors is easy. Regular maintenance includes sweeping with a soft-bristle broom and vacuuming with the beater bar turned off. You also should clean your floors periodically with a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by the wood flooring manufacturer.
Steps you can take to maintain the beauty of your wood floors.

• Do not use vinyl or tile cleaning products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
• Use proper tools to clean your floor-a mop paired with a machine washable, microfiber pad for dusting and cleaning. Electrostatic action attracts dirt, microparticles, and common household allergens.
• Avoid using water and vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners on your hardwood floors. Vinegar and water dull the floor’s finish over time, while soap and wax leave residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.
• Use throw rugs at doorways to help prevent debris from being tracked in and scratching your floor. Note that rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats or rugs could damage your floor.
• Do not wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
• Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened towel.
• Put stick-on felt protectors under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching. Replace these often as dirt and debris can become imbedded on the pad and act like sandpaper on the flooring surface.
• Avoid walking on your wood floors with sports cleats and high heels in disrepair. A 125-pound woman walking in high heels with an exposed heel nail can exert up to 8,000 pounds per square inch. This kind of impact can dent any floor surface.
• When moving heavy furniture, do not slide it on wood flooring. It is best to pick up the furniture to move it and to prevent scratches.
• For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug at the kitchen sink.
• Use a humidifier throughout the winter months to minimize gaps or cracks.
• Color loss and shading will happen with all hardwood floors over time with exposure to sunlight. Window treatments are recommended to shade and protect your wood floor from the sun’s UV rays.
• It is recommended that you trim your pet’s nails regularly and keep all other sharp objects away from your wood floors. Any pet water and food bowls should not be placed directly on the hardwood floor.
• Love your floors and your floors will love you back for a long time