Cleaning and Maintenance

QUICK Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions

Category Instruction
Daily/Weekly Cleaning Sweep with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a hard-floor setting (avoid beater bars) to remove loose dirt, dust, and grit.
Periodic Damp Cleaning Use a microfiber mop slightly dampened with a pH-neutral, wood-floor-specific cleaner (diluted per manufacturer instructions). Ensure the mop is only damp, not wet[cite: 1].
Avoid Harmful Products Do not use vinegar, ammonia, bleach, citrus-based cleaners, wax, or oil-based polishes[cite: 1].
Special Stain Treatment Harden sticky substances (gum, candle wax) with ice and scrape gently with a plastic putty knife. Blot food stains immediately with a damp cloth and mild wood-floor cleaner[cite: 1].
Preventive Maintenance Use protective mats (no rubber-backed) at entryways and high-use areas. Use felt protector pads on all furniture feet[cite: 1].
Environmental Conditions Maintain temperature at 60-80°F (15-27°C) and humidity at 30-50% to prevent gapping, splitting, or cupping[cite: 1].

Approved Use

Wood flooring is approved for use over radiant heating systems. Note: Installation of Wood flooring not approved for radiant heat may void the product warranty and cause floor damage. Never allow the floor surface temperature to exceed 82°F (28°C) if installed over a radiant heating system.

Preventive Maintenance

Place protective mats at high-use work areas (e.g., sinks, ranges, service counters, workstations) and entryways to trap sand, grit, oils, dirt, and other abrasive or staining materials from outdoors. Avoid rubber-backed or dense matting that traps moisture between the mat and floor; choose mats that enable airflow instead. Put felt protector pads on the feet of all furniture, display stands, file cabinets, and other accessories in direct contact with the floor. Inspect pads regularly for wear and replace as needed.

Do not drag, push, or roll appliances, furniture, or heavy objects across the floor. Use heavy-duty moving mats, dollies, or other moving aids for protection. Avoid walking on the floor with wet feet, footwear, high heels, sports cleats, or other shoes that may scratch the finish or cause indentations. Keep pets’ nails trimmed to minimize scratches and marks on the floor surface. Never let sharp or pointed objects come into contact with the floor.

Wood flooring naturally changes color as it adapts to ambient conditions (color change varies by wood species). To ensure uniform discoloration, do not place area rugs on new floors for 60 days after installation and periodically rearrange furniture and area rugs to promote even coloring.

Maintenance

Protect the floor from liquids, water, and moisture. Wipe up spilled food, drinks, or other liquids immediately. Never wet-mop the floor or use excessive liquid during cleaning. Avoid walking on the floor with wet feet or footwear. Damage caused by flooding, broken pipes, or prolonged moisture exposure is not covered by the product warranty.

Environmental Conditions

Wood flooring reacts to changes in temperature and humidity. Maintain a consistent environment with a temperature of 60-80°F (15-27°C) and humidity of 30-50%. Excessive heat or dryness can cause gapping or splitting; high humidity may lead to cupping. In extreme climates, use humidifiers or dehumidifiers to keep humidity within the recommended range. Problems resulting from improper environmental conditions are not covered by the product warranty.

Cleaning

Cleaning requirements vary by Wood flooring style, but following these universal guidelines will preserve the finish and longevity of your floor.

Daily/Weekly Cleaning: Sweep with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a hard-floor setting (avoid beater bars) to remove loose dirt, dust, and grit. Abrasive particles are the leading cause of finish wear.

Periodic Damp Cleaning: For deeper cleaning, use a microfiber mop slightly dampened with a pH-neutral, wood-floor-specific cleaner (diluted per manufacturer instructions). Ensure the mop is only damp, not wet; excess water can seep into seams and cause warping.

Avoid Harmful Products: Do not use vinegar, ammonia, bleach, citrus-based cleaners, wax, or oil-based polishes. These can strip the finish, leave residue, or damage the wood.

Special Stain Treatment: For sticky substances (e.g., gum, candle wax), harden with ice and gently scrape off with a plastic putty knife (avoid metal tools to prevent scratches). For food stains (e.g., ketchup, juice), blot immediately with a damp cloth and mild wood-floor cleaner, then dry with a soft towel.