Hardwood
Caring for your hardwood floor will ensure that it will remain naturally beautiful for years to come.
A few handy tips
• Place mats at each entryway to prevent dirt and grit from being tracked in and remember to shake them out regularly. Dirt and grit act like sandpaper and will scratch your floor. Avoid using rubber or foam-backed mats or rugs as they may discolour your floor.
• The use of runners and Area Rugs is recommended for high traffic areas.
• At least once a week, sweep or vacuum your floor to remove any loose dirt and dust that may scratch or dull your floor’s finish.
• To clean your hardwood floors, it is recommended to use a hardwood flooring cleaner and terry cloth mop head. Occasional scuffs or heel marks can be removed with some cleaner sprayed on a cloth and rubbed lightly on the stained area.
• Wipe up spills immediately using a damp cloth. Never allow a liquid spill to remain on your hardwood floor. Sticky spots can be cleaned with a damp towel or sponge.
• Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific products designed for routine maintenance. Your retailer is an excellent source of information as well.
• Hardwood floors fade, darken and change shades over time. Reduce your hardwood floors’ exposure to sunlight and UV rays by using window coverings. Rotating area rugs and furniture regularly will allow your floors to age evenly.
• Use soft fabric-faced protectors (never plastic) under your furniture and table legs to avoid scratching or indentations and clean them regularly since dirt can become embedded in them.
• Move heavy appliances or furniture across your floor by sliding them on a blanket or carpet. This will avoid scratching and gouging.
• Avoid sharp objects such as stiletto heels, spiked golf shoes and cleats as they may cause dents and scratches. Trim your pet’s nails regularly as well.
• It is important to maintain the relative humidity in your home to between 40% and 55% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood.
Do's and Don'ts
• Do not wax a polyurethane-finished floor. Use a hardwood floor cleaner that won’t leave a film or residue.
• Do not use ammonia cleaners, oil soaps or abrasive cleaners on a wood floor, as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor. Do not use steel wool or scouring powder as these will damage your floor’s finish.
• Never wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor as this can cause the swelling, warping and joint-line separation.
Screening, recoating, refinishing
• Screen and recoating may be considered if your floor is showing excessive wear beyond normal cleaning.
• Screening is a process used to abrade the current polyurethane finish on the floor and applying fresh coats of urethane. Screening and recoating will rejuvenate and prolong the life of your hardwood floor.
• When there is severe damage to the floor, it can be sanded and refinished. This is normally done when screening and recoating does not solve the problem. The floor is sanded down to the bare wood, restained and then refinished. This is an extensive process and it is better to hire an experienced professional when refinishing your hardwood floor.
