Caring for your floors

Caring for your hardwood floor is easier than ever. Just follow these guidelines.

Protect In areas of high traffic, use area rugs to keep wear to a minimum. Move the rugs occasionally to maintain an even color to your finish. Make sure that the rugs have a backing with a mesh or grid pattern which allows the floor to breathe and are approved for hardwood floor finishes. Put mats at all entrances to keep dirt and moisture off the floor. Use felt pads, wide vinyl pads or rubber rollers on the legs of furniture.

Vacuum or Sweep Vacuum or sweep at least every other week, depending on the foot traffic. Don't let sand and dirt build up.

Mop Once a week, mop your floors. Spray an all-purpose cleaner on the mop-head and dip it in hot water. Use a cotton string or dust mop rather than a foam-head mop.

Spills & Spots Immediately wipe up any spills or spots with a damp cloth.

Moving When moving heavy furniture or appliances, place a sheet of masonite or plywood under the piece being moved to distribute the weight and reduce denting or scratching. For light pieces use a clean blanket or a piece of carpet face down under the piece to be moved.

Be Aware Of high heel shoes that have lost their protective cap and small stones as they can scratch and gouge your floor's surface. Excessive sunlight should be blocked with blinds or drapes. Wet mopping and excessive water can also be harmful to your floor.

Chewing Gum or Wax Use a dissolving agent like Goo-Be-Gone or De-Solve-It, then wipe with a wet cloth.

Maintain Humidity The relative humidity must be maintained at 40%-50% all year round. Hardwood is a living substance that reacts to changes in humidity. In the summer, it expands, and in winter, it shrinks. Never shut off your heating, ventilation or air-conditioning system for long periods of time, such as vacations.

Water Protect your floors from all sources of water. All spills should be wiped dry promptly.

Pets Keep your pets' nails well-groomed to prevent scratching.

Do Not Use Wax, Polish, or "Mop-n-Glo" Cleaners These products leave an acrylic buildup that damages your floors and makes recoating difficult.

Repairs Consult us immediately to fix areas that have been damaged, gouged or have a difficult problem, like chewing gum or wax.

Recoat In 3-5 years, call to have us recoat your floors. Recoat is a one-day procedure, and your floors will look brand new. It should be done when the surface finish begins to wear down or show dullness. If the finish wears all the way through to the bare wood, it will be stained, and the floor will need to be resanded and refinished. Avoid this by recoating on time.