FLOOR CARE
Solid hardwood floors are among the easiest
to keep clean.
Protect their warmth and character with simple, everyday cleaning
techniques.
Dirt,
grit and sand are your hardwood floors worst enemies.
They act like sandpaper on the finish, causing scratches, dents
and dulling. Place floor mats at entrances to trap dirt and prevent
damage. Rugs should not be placed on your floor for at least 7 to
30 days after finish has been applied; as specified by the finish
manufacturer.
Sweep and/or vacuum regularly.
Canister vacuums with special bare floor brush attachments are the
surest way to get rid of all the dirt and dust. (Do not use vacuums
with beater bars as they may scratch or dent your floor.
Standing water can warp a hardwood floor and damage the finish.
Simply wipe up all spills as they occur. Never wet mop, because
standing water can cause wood to swell and buckle.
Avoid
oil soaps or wax based cleaning products.
They can build up and create problems when its time to put
a maintenance finish coat on the floor. Instead, neutral pH cleaners
made especially for wood floors are recommended. Just read the label
to make sure they are safe for hardwood floors. (You may use a simple
and inexpensive solution of 20 parts water to 1 part vinegar in
a spray bottle.)
Lift
furniture to move it --- avoid dragging.
Felt contacts under legs will help prevent scratches. Typically,
furniture can be moved back 2 days after finish has been applied.
Furniture should be placed not dragged.
Keep
heels on shoes in good repair, especially high heels.
Heels that have their protective cap missing or worn away exposing
the steel support rod will dent any floor surface, even concrete.
Hardwood
floors will shrink and expand with seasonal changes in humidity,
sometimes leaving small cracks between boards.
Humidity causes expansion and dryness brings about contraction.
To minimize these changes have a humidification/dehumidication
system installed in conjunction with your heating and cooling
system. Dryness brings about contraction. To minimize these changes,
a humidifier may be used during drier seasons.
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