Maintenance & Care

Your floor is an investment of time, money and pride. The reason most floors cannot meet the expectations of homeowners, is simply through a lack of maintenance and due care. By following the tips below you can extend the life of your flooring investment.

Humidity

• Hardwood flooring is living and breathing long after it has comes from the tree, therefore controlling the humidity level in your home is very important.
• The best way to do this is with a thermal hygrometer, these can be purchased in a variety of units. The intention is to have the ability to read the humidity level in your home at anytime of any season.
• Dansk Hardwood & Bamboo Fusion floors remain stable between 35% and 55% humidity. Less than 35% (dry climates) will cause wood to contract and shrink. As a result, gaps between boards will occur, and cracking can occur in severe circumstances.
• Hardwood floors living in relative humidity excess of 55% will take on moisture and will expand, causing overwood.

Cleaning

• Use a vacuum with a felt or brush head (without a beater bar) dust mop or sweep once a week or more if needed. A swivel head mop with a terry cloth attachment is one of the most successful methods of cleaning.
• When required use a recommended wood floor cleaner (such as Bona Kemi, following manufacturers instructions) to clean your floor
• Never use a wet mop or wet/steam based mop or Swiffer.
• In case of spills; always wipe dry immediately
• Never wax a urethane floor.
• Never use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Acrylic waxes will cause hardwood surfaces to become slippery and dull quickly in appearance.
• Never use cleaners containing any forms of oil.

Prevention

• Place walk off mats on the interior and exterior of doorway entrances, this will help trap dirt and grit from entering into your home. Additionally, mats in front of kitchen sinks, and high traffic areas are helpful. The backer should be a breathable material to prevent trapping moisture.
• Never use scouring products 
• Pads or fabric-faced glides should be placed under the legs of all chairs and furniture in contact with the surface to prevent scuffing and scratching.
• Any furniture needed to be moved should be lifted, do not slide furniture over the floor.
• Cleats, sports shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface; these types of shoes should be removed and left at the doorway

Do & Don’ts with Hardwood Floors

DO: Trim nails on pets regularly

DO: Use doormats at the entrances of your home to help trap dirt and grit. Clean mats regularly.

DO: Wipe up any spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth, starting at the edges of the spill and working your way toward the center.

DO: Sweep your floors regularly. Invest in a broom that features soft, fine bristles to trap dust and dirt. Dust mops can also be helpful in keeping dirt, dust, and grit under control.soft, fine bristle broom

DO: Vacuum frequently; use a canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments.

DO: Use area rugs or small sections of carpet placed inside doorways and in areas like kitchens where spills are likely to occur.

DO: Move your area carpets or throw rugs occasionally to maintain a uniform appearance in the floor's finish.

DO: Protect your floors by using drapes, curtains, or blinds to limit sunlight.

DO: Place glides made of felt or some other fabric under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. Clean the glides regularly to ensure that dust and grit do not become imbedded.

DO: Use barrel-type casters instead of ball casters to prevent dents.

DO: Use non-marking rubber casters instead of plastic or metal.

DO: Lift furniture when moving it to avoid scratches in the floor's surface.

DO: Make sure there are no exposed nails or metal heel supports on shoes that could scratch or dent the floor.

DO: Check shoes with soles that have deep treads to ensure that any trapped dirt or gravel won't scratch or dent the floor.

DO: Be aware that high heels can dent a hardwood floor; leave them at the door.

DON'T: Let water stand on your floor, or use wet cloths for clean up.

DON'T: Never damp mop sealed-and-waxed floors, this includes a slightly damp mop.

DON'T: Use an upright vacuum with beater bars; this may cause dents in your floor's finish.

DON'T: Use any dust treatment unless it is approved by your floor's manufacturer. The wrong treatment can make dull the appearance of your floor and could cause problems if you need to refinish your floor

DON'T: Use throw rugs with rubber or vinyl backing without checking to determine if they will affect your floor's finish. Some materials in the backing can react with certain floor finishes, discoloring or causing the finish to become dull.

DON'T: Allow damp rugs to sit on the floor. Check all rugs frequently and ensure damp rugs are removed. 

DON'T: Use household cleaners, waxes or any other cleaners other than those recommended for Hardwood floors.

DON'T: Attempt to replace boards or any other types of repairs without seeking the advice and help of a professional; you may void your warranty.