Hardwood Floor Maintenance:

Cleaning wood floors is easy. Regular maintenance includes sweeping with a soft bristle broom or dusting with a dry microfiber mop. If the floor has beveled edges, vacuum with the beater bar turned off to remove dust from between the floorboards. Clean the floors periodically with a professional wood floor cleaning product recommended by a wood flooring professional

To keep wood floors looking and performing well for generations, follow these guidelines. Individual maintenance schedules will vary depending on use, wear and tear, and lifestyle.

There are other steps that can help maintain the beauty of wood floors.

• Do not use vinyl or tile cleaning products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.

• Use throw rugs at doorways to help prevent debris from being tracked in and scratching the floor.

• Do not wet-mop or steam mop a wood floor. Water and steam can dull the finish and even damage the wood.

• Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly dampened cloth.

• Do not over-wax a wood floor. If a wax floor dulls, try buffing instead. Avoid wax buildup under furniture and other light traffic areas by applying wax in these spots every other waxing session.

• Put stick-on felt protectors under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching. Replace these often as dirt and debris can become embedded on the pad and act like sandpaper on the flooring surface.

• Avoid walking on your wood floors with sports cleats and high heels in disrepair. A 125-pound woman walking in high heels with an exposed heel nail can exert up to 8,000 pounds per square inch. This kind of impact can dent any floor surface.

• When moving heavy furniture, do not slide it on wood flooring. It is best to pick up the furniture to move it and to prevent scratches.

• For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug at the kitchen sink.

• Use a humidifier throughout the winter months to minimize gaps.

Laminate Flooring Basic Cleaning

• Use only soap-free cleaners.

• Remove loose dirt with a dust mop or a gentle vacuum without a beater bar.

• Wipe up spills right away.

• Use a quality Laminate floor cleaner – be sure to follow the directions on the bottle.

• Dust or vacuum more often in problem spots and areas with a lot of foot traffic.

• Only use cleaners that are designated for Laminate Flooring, and be careful not to saturate the floor with the cleaner as it could cause damage. Try the cleaner in a small inconspicuous area first.

• Do not clean using excessive water as it could cause your Flooring to buckle or separate.

• Certain cleaners can scratch the surface of your Laminate Flooring, such as steel wool or scouring powders. Do not use them to clean your Flooring.

• Liquids that stand on your Flooring can cause damage.

• Never wax, polish or use buffing machines.

• Laminate Flooring could sustain steam damage due to the high temperatures from steam mops. Check the manufacturer guidelines for your flooring before using a steam mop.

Stain and Spot Removal Tips

Accidents and spills will happen. The good news is that Laminate Flooring can be cleaned. But if you’re faced with a tough stain or spot, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove wet spills immediately.

2. Wipe the floor with a warm moist cloth.

3. More stubborn dirt can be removed using a slightly moist mop and a gentle cleaner designed for Laminate Flooring.

4. For substances that may stick to your floor, try to harden the spot with ice and gently remove with a dull plastic scraper. Be sure not to apply too much pressure as this could damage the floor’s finish.

5. Always follow manufacturer recommendations.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Flooring Care & Maintenance