Routine Maintenance for Hardwood Flooring

Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep it clean and free of dust, sand and other abrasive materials. Place area rugs or doormats at entryways to help prevent sand grit, oils, dirt and other abrasive or staining materials from being tracked onto the floor surface from outdoors. (Avoid rubber-backed or similarly dense matting materials that may trap moisture between the mat and the floor; choose mats that enable airflow.) Place protective mats at high-use work areas such as sinks, ranges and workstations. Protect the floor from any exposure to liquids, water and other forms of moisture. Blot up any spilled food, drink or other liquid immediately. Never wet mop the floor when cleaning. Avoid walking on the floor with wet feet or footwear. Hardwood flooring will naturally undergo a change in color as it adjusts to the ambient light conditions of your home environment. The degree of color change varies by species. To ensure a uniform change, it is recommended that you do not place area rugs on the new floor for sixty days after installation. Thereafter, periodic re-arrangement of furniture and area rugs will help ensure that your flooring colors evenly. Put felt protector pads on the feet of all furniture and accessories that will be placed directly onto the floor surface. Avoid letting sharp or pointed objects come into contact with the floor surface. Do not walk on the floor with high heeled shoes, sports cleats, or other types of footwear which may damage the finish or cause indentations to the surface. Pets’ nails will scratch and mark the floor surface. Keep pets’ nails trimmed to minimize damage to the surface. Do not drag, push or roll appliances, furniture or any heavy object across the floor. Use heavy duty moving mats, dollies, or other moving aids to protect the floor surface. Cleaning: Routine sweeping or vacuuming will keep the floor clear of most dust, grit and debris. For more thorough cleaning, use a wood floor cleaning solution approved for use with your hardwood flooring Follow the product instructions. Do not use any household cleaners, oils, soaps, waxes or any abrasive materials or scouring agents on the floor. Do not use any wax or cleaner that must be mixed with water, such as oil soap, as this may ruin your floor. Failure to follow these floor care instructions may void your floor’s warranty.