Here are some helpful suggestions

Place walk off mats or area rugs at each entryway to collect dirt and grit that might be tracked in. These tiny particles act like sandpaper and will scratch your floor.

Be sure to avoid using rubber-backed or non-ventilated mats or rugs as they can damage your floor. Instead use mats or rugs made especially for hardwood floors and remember to shake them out regularly.

In addition to entryways, remember to place mats in any areas where water may be splashed, such as near a kitchen sink.

Buy a good quality broom and sweep your new floor regularly to pick up grains of dirt, dust and other particles.

A vacuum cleaner, without a beater bar, can be helpful in between planks and other hard to reach areas. Once dirt and grease are gone, buffing can help restore the luster of your hardwood floor.

Cleaning techniques vary depending on the installation and finish of your hardwood floor.

For “ Finish in Place ” hardwood floors, we recommend using an 8”x14” terrycloth mop with a rotating head that makes cleaning corners, under cabinets and along base boards an easy task.

Spray a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by your retailer to safely remove tough stains and spills without dulling the finish of your floor.

Manufacturers of “ Pre-finished ” hardwood floors recommend their own specific products designed for their floors routine maintenance. Be sure to check with your retailer as well about these cleaners.

Hardwood do's and don'ts.

All floors with a urethane finish should never be waxed and require cleaners that won't leave a film or residue.

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 recoat your floor later.

Since wood naturally expands when it is wet, never wet 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.