Hardwood Care

Once your new floor is installed, you’ll want to prevent scratches. Some scratches can be caused by dust. You can prevent scratches caused by dust with the use of mats or rugs. 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.

Hardwood floors with a urethane finish should never be waxed. They require cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue. Manufacturers of “Pre-finished” hardwood floors recommend their own specific products designed for their floor’s routine maintenance.

Do not use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor, as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor. 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.

Most manufacturers provide warranties on their hardwood. They also provide hardwood flooring care instructions. Make sure you read these carefully. It’s also a very good idea to purchase a wood cleaning kit.