Use Area Rugs
Use quality area rugs inside entryways to
prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked onto your hardwood floor.
To prevent slippage, only use a quality vinyl rug pad from your
retailer. Don't use rubber, foam back or plastic pads as they may
discolor the floor. Avoid excessive exposure to water from tracking
during periods of inclement weather.
Area rugs and furniture should be
rearranged occasionally as they block sunlight, which may give the
appearance of discoloring under the rug. UV sunlight and direct
lighting will change the color of different wood species to varying
degrees.
Minimize Natural Expansion
and Contraction
Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity
level of 40% to 60% throughout the year to minimize the natural
expansion and contraction of wood. A humidifier is recommended to
prevent excessive shrinkage of wood floors due to low humidity levels.
This is especially important during the winter or when using a wood
stove or electric heat, which tends to cause very dry conditions. In
damp conditions, proper humidity levels can be maintained with an air
conditioner, dehumidifier or by periodically turning on your heating
system during the summer months.
Protect Your Floor from
Marring
All wood floors can be scratched, gouged
or dented. Sharp or pointed objects, severe impact or concentrated
weight can damage your wood floor. Don't walk on your floor with
"stiletto-style" heels as they may cause indentations. Keep all pets'
nails trimmed and filed in order to minimize scratches.
General Care and Cleaning
1. Vacuum to reduce dirt and
dust on the floor.
2.
Damp mopping is appropriate for nearly all of
our our prefinished floors. We recommend BonX products which we
carry in-stock. Simply spray a mist of
BonX Hardwood Floor Cleaner
on the floor and use the damp mop with washable
mop head. See your manufacturer's care instructions for other
guidelines. Never clean or wet mop your hardwood floor with water; it
can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor. Do not use any
wax or cleaner that must be mixed with water, such as oil soap, as
this may ruin your floor and result in the loss of the warranty.
Do not use wax, polish, abrasive cleaners,
steel wool or scouring powder.
Wood Flooring With a Urethane
Finish
When a spill occurs, spot clean by
applying BonX Hardwood Floor Cleaner onto a clean cloth and
rubbing it onto the spot. More stubborn stains may require additional
scrubbing with the appropriate scrub pad. Never topically apply wax to
your urethane floor. Periodically clean your floor by applying the
recommended cleaner to a dampened sponge mop. DO NOT allow puddles of
cleaner to remain on the floor's surface. Excess liquid may damage the
fiber of the wood.
