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Keep shoes in good repair avoid high-heel shoes. If they lose their protective cap, they will dent the surface. Keep pet nails trimmed, paws clean and free of dirt & grease.
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Exposure to sunlight can slightly change the shade of your floor. Rearrange your rugs and furniture periodically to avoid shading of your floors.
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Use area rugs in heavily travelled areas, especially if you have a large family.
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Place rugs at all entrances, as well as by kitchen sink and dishwasher. Remove spills promptly using soft cloth with appropriate cleaning product.
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Before putting furniture on hardwood floors, attach adequate floor protection (felt pads) to the feet of all the furniture to reduce scratches and dents. When moving heavy furniture, place a blanket or a scrap of carpet, face down, under each leg, slide furniture carefully.
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It is very important to maintain a relative air humidity level in the house of 45% to 55% throughout the year. A humidifier is needed to prevent excessive shrinkage in floors in wintertime when homes are heated and the air is dry. A dehumidifier or air conditioner is recommended to prevent expanding and, therefore, cupping of wood floors.
Maintain a relative humidity level of 45% to 55% throughout the year.
In winter, when homes are heated and the air is dry, wood flooring gives up some moisture and therefore shrinks. When this happens, thin gaps can appear between blanks. This is normal, and a homeowner should be prepared for this. Once indoor heat goes off in the spring and indoor environment regains moisture, most of these gaps will close up.
In a warm and humid summer, when indoor humidity can rise upwards of 90% of the opposite occurs. Wood absorbs moisture from the air and therefore expands. If the wood flooring is exposed to extensive humidity, even for a couple of days, it can cup. Cupping means that the edges of a board are higher than its centre. It can also occur after water is spilled onto the floor and is absorbed by the wood.
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Never use a wet mop and do not clean hardwood floors with water.
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This can dull the finish and permanently damage your floor and will void your warranties.
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Never use wax or oil-based detergents. They will dull or damage the finish, leaving greasy spots, which are difficult to clean.
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Use only cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer.
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Use a “hardwood floor care kit” that is recommended, instead of counting on any household remedy to clean your floors.
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Frequently sweep or vacuum floors to prevent dirt and dust from scratching the finish. Use only brush or felt type vacuum head. Be certain the wheels of the vacuum do not damage the finish.
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Frequently clean scatter rugs to remove dirt and grit.
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Periodically clean with appropriate non-wax hardwood floor cleaner to preserve the shine on your flooring.
