Hardwood Floor Maintenance: Essential Tips for Longevity

Tips for daily cleaning & keeping your new "Artistic Hardwood Floor" looking brand new:

• For daily cleaning:  Swiffer hardwood floors or use a soft bristle vacuum (without a rotating head).  

• Place mats or area rugs at each entryway to collect dirt and debris that could be tracked in. These tiny particles may act like sandpaper and can scratch your floor(s).
  
• All floors with a polyurethane finish should never be waxed and require cleaners that won't leave a film or residue.

• A hardwood floor cleaner is useful in removing occasional scuffs or heel marks. Merely spray some cleaner on a cloth and lightly rub the stained area. Sticky spots can be cleaned with a damp towel or sponge.  (We recommend a Bruce or Bona Hardwood Floor cleaning kits.  They will leave the floor with no residue buildup, and the neutral cleaner will not break down the polyurethane, helping to preserve the longevity of your new floor.)
  
• Do not use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor, as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor. These products will also affect the ability to re-coat your floor later.
  
• Since wood naturally expands when it is wet, never wet/steam mop or use excessive water to clean your floor. Large amounts of water can cause the wood to swell and may cause your floor to crack or splinter.
  
• Being a natural product, hardwood will expand and contract due to moisture level changes. Minimize water exposure to hardwood floors and clean up spills as soon as they happen.

• We recommend that you NEVER slide or drag any furniture across the newly finished floor. It should always be "placed gently" on the new floor. Any furniture like dining room chairs or ottomans - which could be slid or moved frequently - should ALWAYS have felt on the bottoms of the legs to prevent any possible scratches.

BE aware of the following, especially in the curing stage of your new floors:

• High heeled shoes can cause dents and scratches. 
• Love your pet but regularly trim their nails or claws to avoid scratches on the hardwood floor.

The point here is to be cautious of sharp objects that may scratch or damage the floor.

We also recommend a professional buffing every 2-3 years. Just like carpet cleaning maintenance, hardwood floors could greatly benefit from this easy, quick one-day process. The floors get buffed and one coat of polyurethane applied. The price is very reasonable.  The application of any cleaning products, which include any oils, soaps, wax or silicone will create a buildup and will make this type of buffing not possible.  We only recommend Bruce or Bona cleaners.)

If your floors are finished with a water-base polyurethane, you can expect the same wear and longevity, however water base is more susceptible to staining from products like red wine, oils or grease from cooking, or pet stains.  Make sure to cleanup any spills immediately, and runners or floor mats near or around cooking/kitchen areas is highly recommended.

A regular cleaning and periodic professional maintenance of your hardwood flooring will ensure a home and lifestyle of beauty and comfort for years to come!