FLOOR CARE:

Spills & Spots - Immediately wipe up any spills or spots with a damp cloth.

Vacuum or Sweep - At least every other week, depending on the foot traffic. Do not let sand and dirt build up.

Monthly - Clean with an approved wood floor cleaner which can be purchased from your nearest hardwood flooring dealer.

Protect - In areas of high traffic, use area rugs to keep wear to a minimum. Move rugs occasionally to maintain an even color to your finish. Make sure that the rugs have a backing with a mesh or grid pattern which allows the floor to breathe and are approved for hardwood floor finishes. Put mats at all entrances to keep dirt and moisture off the floor. Use felt pads, wide vinyl pads or rubber rollers on the legs of furniture.

Moving - When moving heavy furniture or appliances, place a sheet of masonite or plywood under the piece being moved to distribute the weight and reduce denting or scratching. For light pieces use a clean balnket or a piece of carpet face down under the piece to be moved.

Be Aware - Of high heel shoes that have lost their protective cap and small stones as they can scratch and gouge your floor's surface. Excessive sunlight should be blocked with blinds or drapes. Wet mopping and excessive water can also be harmful to your floor.

Humidity - Ask your flooring professional for the proper humidity needed for your area and circumstances to keep the wood from shrinking. Never shut off your heating, ventilation or air-conditioning for long periods of time, such as summer vacations.

Repairs - Consult your flooring professional immediately to fix areas that have been damaged, gouged or have a difficult problem, like chewing gum or wax.

 Unlike other floor coverings, wood floors are a long-term investment; which, when properly cared for offer a lifetime of enjoyment.

     In deciding to have hardwood flooring installed in the home realistic expectations should be accepted. The floor, though very durable, is not absolute.

Proper maitenance - preventative, such as using throw rugs and floor protectors, and routine, such as the use of the correct wood floor cleaner. Using improper cleaners can void the warranty on most products and cause future problems with re-coating.

For pre-finished floors consumers should follow the directions of the flooring manufacturer as to which cleaning products to use.

Finished at the job-site applications should follow the directions of the finish manufacturer.

                  ******************************* 

Water is not your friend:

Regardless of its finish your floor will quickly lose its luster if exposed to water. More serious damage is also possible, including warping and other problems.

DO: Wipe up any spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth, starting at the edges of the spill and working your way toward the center.

DO: Check with the manufacturer to find out if your steam cleaner is appropriate for use on your wood floor. Some models are designed for use on hardwood floors. Others are not. Remember that water is wood’s No. 1 enemy. If the finish is worn or scratched, steam could seep into your wood floors, eventually causing damage.

DON'T: Let water stand on your floor, or use wet cloths for clean up.

DON'T: Do not mop sealed-and-waxed floors, not even with a slightly damp mop.

Banish Dirt, Dust and Grit

Dirt, dust and grit can also damage your hardwood floor. Tracking dirt, dust, and grit can dull its finish and cause scratches that can only be repaired by refinishing the floor.

DO: Sweep your floors regularly. Invest in a good broom that features exploded tips to trap dust and dirt, not simply spread it around. Dust mops can also be helpful in keeping dirt, dust, and grit under control.

DO: Vacuum frequently, using a canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments.

DON'T: Use an upright vacuum with beater bars. They can cause dents in your floor's finish.

DON'T: Use any dust treatment unless it is approved by your floor's manufacturer. The wrong treatment can make your floor dull and cause problems the next time you refinish.

DO: Use doormats at the entrances of your home to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them regularly.

Area Rugs

DO: Use area rugs or small sections of carpet placed inside doorways and in areas like kitchens where spills are likely to occur.

DON'T: Use throw rugs with rubber or vinyl backing without checking to determine if they will affect your floor's finish. Some materials in the backing can react with certain floor finishes, discoloring or causing the finish to become dull.

DON'T: Let even damp throw or scatter rugs sit on the floor. Check the rugs frequently and make sure damp rugs are removed.

DO: Move your area carpets or throw rugs occasionally to maintain a uniform appearance in the floor's finish.

Sunlight

The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can cause discoloration over time.

The ultraviolet rays that can burn and age our skin will affect any organic material, including wood. That’s why the finest art collections are kept in rooms without windows. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will change the color of virtually any wood floor, regardless of the stain or finish. Some woods lighten when exposed to sunlight. Others, like cherry and oak, tend to darken. The newest water-based urethane finishes seem to slow color changes more effectively than oil-based urethane finishes, which tend to turn the brownish-yellow color of amber. Some finishes feature sunscreens to help block the penetration of ultraviolet rays, extending the time it will take the wood to change.

DO: Protect your floors by using sheer drapes, curtains, or blinds to limit sunlight.

Furniture

DO: Place glides made of felt or some other fabric under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. Clean the glides regularly to ensure that dust and grit do not become imbedded.

DO: Use barrel-type casters instead of ball casters to prevent dents.

DO: Use non-marking rubber casters instead of plastic or metal.

DO: Lift furniture when moving it to avoid scratches in the floor's surface.

Shoes

DO: Make sure there are no exposed nails or metal heel supports on shoes that could scratch or dent the floor.

DO: Check shoes with soles that have deep treads to ensure that any trapped dirt or gravel won't scratch or dent the floor.

DO: Be aware that high heels can dent a hardwood

                   WOOD FLOORING MAITENANCE

  * Do not use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self -polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.