Hardware floor care and maintenance
In order to protect your investment here are some maintenance guidelines to follow that will help extend the life of your hardwood floor. Remember you are not taking care of wood you are taking care of the coating on top of the wood. Think of it as you have put a sheet of glass on top of your wood and anything you would clean glass with you can clean your floor with. White vinegar and cold water is good to use. Neutral cleaner and cold water is another good product to use which can be purchased at any janitorial supply company . Hot water will break down your finish. Hard or sharp objects will cut into your floor. But one of the great attributes of hardwood floors is they can be easily refinished or recoated and can last many generations.


1) From outside door entrances install mats. This will help trap dirt sand stones from being tracked in. Clean the mats frequently . Don’t use rubber backed mats because these can hold water and cause discoloration or the finish to peel. Avoid leaving snow or water sit on the floor, dry mop it as soon as possible.

2) Install felt protectors on all furniture which comes in contact with the wood. Replace when necessary.

3) Keep animals claws trimmed. Active animals can dent and crease your wood.

4) It is a good practice to remove shoes. Shoes can get stones trapped in them and act as a cutter also high heels or hard heels can dent your wood.

5) Don’t use furniture that has rollers or casters. The impact of concentrated weight and abrasion can crack the finish and destroy the wood. This can be one of the harder things on wood.

6) Put down plastic ,cardboard, then plywood to transport heavy appliances across the hardwood floor.

7) Install light diffusing blinds over windows and doors with direct sunlight to the floor. Extended exposure can cause discoloration to the wood itself.

8) Remove sand and dirt as soon as possible with a clean soft broom and rubber dustpan. Do not use sweepers with spinning bars brushers or pads. Electric brooms are nice and canister style sweepers.

9) Daily maintenance is recommended with a magnetic style swifter to remove dust and small particles.

10) Clean up spilled liquids with an absorbent towel. Don’t mop spills because this can cause the liquids to be spread into other areas.

11) Maintain the humidity in your home to between 35% - 65% throughout the year. Hardwood floors size and shape stays very consistent when kept in this range. You may need to utilize a dehumidifier or humidifier to maintain these levels. You can purchase an electronic humidity gauge to check the relative humidity in your home.

12) Do not use waxes Murphy’ oil soap or other filmy cleaners on the floor. Murphy’s oil soap is vegetable oil. You mix it with water to apply it to your wood. Once the water evaporates you have vegetable oil left on your floor. This might be good for wood but it is not good for polyurethane. Accumulation of cleaners and waxes will dull your finish. This residue can be removed using specific chemicals without having to remove your finish. Also if your floor becomes dull ,scratched or marked and it is not to the bare wood we can screen your floor and recoat without a complete refinishing.

13) Use a very dry damp mop when mopping. Water and wood don’t mix.

14) Consider carpet runners in high traffic areas.