General Care
Place mats at all entrances to help collect dirt and debris that could damage or dull the flooring finish. Mats are also required in areas where people congregate and/or stand for long periods of time, such as in front of ovens, sinks, service counters, and cash registers.
- Install felt floor protectors underneath all furniture.
- In food service areas such as the kitchen, top-coating a urethane-coated floor will help prevent against moisture damage caused by frequent spills.
- Spiked heels on hardwood is a no-no, do not allow people to wear spiked heels on the floor, which will damage even the hardest wood floors and finishes.
- Pet claws should be properly trimmed at all times.
- Work boots and shoes that may have pebbles lodged in the soles should be removed prior to entering.
- Sweep or vacuum frequently.
- All mats or rugs should be cleaned on a regular basis. They should also be moved occasionally to allow natural color changes caused by light to occur evenly in all areas.
- Never wet-mop your floor, and always clean up spills and standing water as soon as possible. With water or any other cleaning agent, be sure to thoroughly ring out the applicator or mop prior to applying it to the floor. A damp mop is fine as long as the moisture is limited to an amount that will evaporate almost immediately. Moisture that is allowed to seep into the seams between the planks may cause damage to your flooring. Do not allow soiled mats or rugs to stay on the floor as they can trap moisture on the surface.
Maintenance
- Routine cleaning involves sweeping, dust mopping, or vacuuming using the bare floor setting to remove dust and dirt. Clean spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Don’t use wet mops or steam mops, which will damage the finish and the wood over long periods of time.
- It’s best to use a cleaner made specifically for the finish on the floor, which is something your flooring professional can provide or recommend to you when the job is completed.
- Over time, when your wood floors start to look a little dull, they can be renewed through recoating. This involves applying a new coat of wood floor finish. To keep wood floors looking and performing well for generations, follow our recommended guidelines. Individual maintenance schedules will vary depending on use, wear and tear, and lifestyle.