Regular Maintenance

Maintenance requires little more than sweeping with a soft bristle broom or vacuuming floors with a soft floor attachment. You should also clean your floors periodically with a professional wood floor cleaning product.

Floor Care Tips

  • Use a humidifier throughout the winter months to keep wood movement and shrinkage to a minimum. Ideal humidity should be 35-45%.
  • Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened towel.
  • Do not wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish.
  • Do not use wax or vinyl or tile floor cleaners on your wood floors. These products can cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
  • Use throw rugs both inside and outside doorways to help prevent grit, dirt and other debris from being tracked onto your wood floors.
  • Put soft plastic or fabric glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing.
  • When moving heavy furniture, do not slide it on wood flooring. It is best to pick up furniture completely to protect the wood flooring.
  • Avoid walking on your wood floors with cleats, sports shoes or high heels.

Advanced Care Tips

Use proper tools to clean your floor – Vacuuming with a soft bristle attachment or 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 actually dull the floor’s finish over time, while soap and wax leave a residue. Steam cleaners put heat and excessive water on your floor, which can lead to cupping and long-term damage.

Regular vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning keep hardwood floors looking new. But protective mats can further your floor’s life. Use natural rubber rug underlayments with a waffle pattern in entryways or high traffic areas, and use felt floor protectors on furniture.