It is important to care for your hardwood floor with the proper cleaning solutions and tools. Wood is a natural, beautiful and timeless design and decorating element. Caring, consistent and proper maintenance will insure it remains that way. These are some of our floor care tips:

Some say best wood flooring performance is obtained when the Relative Humidity (RH) is controlled between 35-65% RH. Others state the RH should be maintained between 35-55%. Still others say the general recommended range is 30-50% RH. Still others use the 35-65% range and warn that RH falling below this range can result in cupping, gaps, and checks in the flooring. These statements suggest that flooring does not perform well when humidity levels are outside these ranges.

Use mats or area rugs at each entryway or in high traffic areas in order to collect dirt and grit that might be tracked in from outdoors. Even the tiniest particles may act like sandpaper and will scratch your floor.

Note that using rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats or rugs may damage your floor. Instead use mats or rugs made especially for hardwood floors and remember to shake them out regularly. You may also wish to put mats in any areas where water may be splashed, such as near a kitchen sink. “Finish in Place” hardwood floors should not have mats or area rugs placed on them for a minimum of 30 days after final coat.

Purchase a good quality broom and sweep your new floor regularly to pick up grains of dirt, dust and other particles. A vacuum cleaner, without a beater bar, can be helpful in between planks and other hard to reach areas. Once dirt and grease are gone, buffing can help restore the luster of your hardwood floor.

Cleaning techniques will vary depending on the installation and finish of your hardwood floor. For “Finish in Place” hardwood floors, it is recommended to use an 8″x14″ terrycloth mop with a rotating head that makes cleaning corners, under cabinets and along base boards easy. Spray a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by your retailer to safely remove tough stains and spills without dulling your floor’s finish. Manufacturers of “Pre-finished” hardwood floors recommend their own specific products designed for their floors routine maintenance.

If your floor is showing excessive wear beyond normal cleaning you may want to consider screening and recoating. Screening is the process used to abrade the polyurethane finish that is currently on the floor. Then, fresh coats of urethane are applied. Screening and recoating will rejuvenate and prolong the life of your hardwood floor. If the damage to the floor is severe and has gone through the stain of the boards down to the bare wood, you can sand and refinish. This should only be done if a screening and recoating does not solve the problem. This is an extensive process where the floor is sanded down to the bare wood, re-stained and then refinished. If the damage is only in a small area you may want to see if replacement boards are available to alleviate having to refinish an entire area.

All hardwood floors will fade, darken or change shades over time. Exposure to sunlight will greatly increase this process. The regular cleaning and periodic professional maintenance of your hardwood flooring will insure a home and lifestyle of beauty and comfort for years to come.

Hardwood Do’s and Don’ts:
DO NOT wax floors with a urethane finish. DO use cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue on your floor. A hardwood floor cleaner is useful in removing occasional scuffs or heel marks. Merely spray some cleaner on a cloth and lightly rub the stained area. Sticky spots can be cleaned with a damp towel or sponge.
Do NOT use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor, as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor. These products will also affect the ability to recoat your floor later.
Do NOT wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor since wood naturally expands when it is wet. Large amounts of water can cause the wood to swell and may cause your floor to crack or splinter. Being a natural product, hardwood will expand and contract due to moisture level changes. Minimize water exposure to hardwood floors and clean up spills as soon as they happen.
DO use window treatments, area rugs and rotate your room furniture regularly to allow floors to age evenly from UV exposure. Cover furniture and table legs with felt protectors and remove existing plastic glides to guard your floor against damage. Take care when moving heavy objects across your floor to avoid scuffing. Stiletto heels can also cause dents and scratches that are not covered by your warranty. Even pet’s nails or claws may scratch hardwood floors. So keep them very trim.
DO hire an experienced professional when having any work done on your hardwood floor.