Care for your Hardwood

Wood is a natural, beautiful and timeless design and decorating element. Caring, consistent and correct maintenance will insure it remains that way. Such attention and care is an essential part of care and maintenance and can help reduce the rate at which your floors begin to show age. By following our online maintenance tips, you can be assured the beauty of your floor will be preserved.

Protect the natural beauty of your hardwood flooring.

A few simple maintenance steps will help protect your investment and keep your hardwood flooring looking like new.

General Care and Cleaning

Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt or grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish. Damp mopping is appropriate for some finishes—see your manufacturer's care instructions for guidelines. Never clean or wet mop your hardwood floor with water; it can dull the finish and permanently damage 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 and result in the loss of the warranty. Do not use wax, polish, abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder.

Use Protective Mats

Good quality entry and exit mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that can otherwise be tracked onto your flooring. Do not use rubber- or foam-backed plastic mats as they may discolor the flooring. To prevent slippage, use an approved vinyl rug underlayment. In addition to entryways, remember to place mats in any areas where water may be splashed, such as near a kitchen sink.

Use Floor Protectors on Furniture

Use floor protectors and wide-load-bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector should be.

Maintain Relative Humidity Level

Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 45 and 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood. A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage of wood floors due to low humidity levels. This is especially important during the winter or when using a wood stove or electric heat, which tend to cause very dry conditions. In damp conditions, proper humidity levels can be maintained with an air conditioner, dehumidifier, or by periodically turning on your heating system during the summer months.

Protect Against Active Families

While your hardwood floor may be one of the most wear resistant floors on the market, sharp or pointed objects can damage it nonetheless. All wood floors can be scratched, gouged, or dented. Sharp or pointed objects, severe impact, or concentrated weight can damage your wood floor. Don't walk on your flooring with stiletto-style heels, spiked golf shoes, or cleats. They may cause indentations in your flooring. Keep your pet's nails trimmed to keep them from scratching your flooring.

Rearrange Your Rugs and Furniture

Periodically rearranging your area rugs and furniture will allow the flooring to age evenly. UV sunlight will soften the tone of different species of hardwood to varying degrees.

The regular cleaning and periodic professional maintenance of your hardwood flooring will insure a home and lifestyle of beauty and comfort for years to come.