Solid hardwood floors are among the easiest flooring products to keep clean.  Protect their warmth and character with simple, everyday cleaning techniques.  To ensure the full benefit of the warranties and to extend the beauty of your new exotic hardwood flooring, we recommend the following steps:

Never Wet Mop – Water and wood floors don’t mix! Use only the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products on your hardwood.  Wood floors require a relative humidity similar to your personal comfort level to limit cracking and swelling over time.  Minimizing excessive heat and moisture will ensure that you are satisfied over time with the quality of your hardwood floor.

Dust Mop – Use a good dust mop – one with a 12 to 18 inch cotton head – and a special dust mop treatment.  Spray the treatment onto the mop head 12 to 24 hours before dust mopping.

Sweep – Brooms are fine; varieties with exploded ends trap dust and grit effectively.

 

Vacuum Regularly – When vacuuming using a bristle brush attachment.  Vacuum with a brush attachment – don’t use vacuums with beater bars.  Canister vacuums with special bare floor attachments are the surest way to get rid of all the dirt and dust.

 

Use Mats - Small stones, mud and gritty dirt tracked in from outside can play havoc on the wood floors finish.  To help combat this, use long bristle floor mats placed at all outside entrances to keep dirt and moisture from being tracked in. 

 

Use the Proper Chair Glides – Narrow wheels, sharp wooden legs and metal furniture legs can scratch and dent hardwood floors.  Any furniture that rest directly on top of a hardwood floor should have cloth protectors under all the feet.

 

Don’t Use Oil Soaps – There are many over the counter oil-based soaps and wax based cleaning products that may damage or dull the finish of your wood floor. The best suggestion is to only use the manufacturers recommended cleaning products on your hardwood flooring.

Wipe Spills Immediately – When accidents happen with liquids spilled onto your floor, use a slightly damp wet cloth or paper towel immediately to clean the affected area.

Furniture – Lift the furniture to move it – avoid dragging.  The legs of furniture should have felt on the bases to prevent scratching as the furniture moves with use. Take caution when moving heavy objects across hardwood floors; it is preferable not to drag things on the wood, but if one must then lay down a blanket or other item that will slide easily for the item to rest on.

Shoe Marks – The biggest cause of floor damage is what is on one's feet; make sure your shoes are not exceedingly dirty, be cautious of walking in high heels or cleats across hardwood, and black rubber soles can leave marks which will require friction to remove.

Pets – The previous statement also applies to your house pets! Keep your pets nails trimmed so they do not scratch up the hardwood, We also recommend that your pets dishes sit on a nonslip rubber mat to keep the food and water off the floor.

Sunlight – Direct sunlight will darken your floor over time.  Window coverings, as well as a floor finish with UV protection can help prevent or slow this discoloration.

Further Information – Please visit the NWFA website for more helpful care tips.