Dirt and debris can quickly become like sandpaper on a hardwood surface! We wouldn’t ask you to stop the flow of traffic in your home, so we’ve included some tips below on how to protect, clean and maintain your hardwood flooring.
Tips & Tricks
- Vacuum or sweep regularly with a soft-bristled attachment or broom
- Learn to manage traffic by managing your space (mats, rugs, runners, furniture pads, etc.)
- Look out for glides on the bottom of furniture that can severely scratch and scuff your flooring
- Avoid abrasive backing on decorative rugs which can scratch your finish
- Use protective window coverings to reduce fading and excessive heat
- Rearrange rugs and furniture periodically to balance aging
- Keep your pet’s nails trimmed and paws clean (scratching, staining)
- Use a humidifier in hot months to reduce wood shrinkage and humidity
- Wipe up spills immediately with slightly damp cloth
- Avoid walking on wood floors with cleats or high heels in disrepair. A 125 lb woman walking in high heels with an exposed heal can exert up to 8,000lbs per square inch – what an impact!
Products to Try!
Cleaning
- Cleaning depends on the type of finish
- Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners
- Vinegar and warm water is often best
- Avoid waxes unless otherwise instructed
- Avoid excess water, resist wet-mop/damp-mop, steam cleaners
- Don’t use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax or products containing lemon, citrus, tung oil, or silicone
- Don’t use 2-in-1 cleaners containing acrylics or urethane polish to restore gloss
- Wax or gum stuck to the floor? Use ice to harden it first, then gently scrape with plastic scraper or credit card, wipe clean with soft, slightly damp cloth
Maintenance
- Frequency depends on type of floor and finish
- Can the floor be sanded and re-coated?
- Is sanding required prior to refinishing?
- What are the commercial vs residential requirements?
