- Do not use oil based, wax, polish, or strong ammoniated or abrasive cleaners.
- Do not use steel wool or scouring powder.
- Do not wash or wet-mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, delamination, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty.
- Do not use any type of buffing machine.
- Use a damp cloth to blot spills and spots as soon as they happen. For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, tar, or cigarette marks, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe with a damp cloth. Always avoid allowing liquids to stand on your floor
- Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt or grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.
- Occasionally wipe the floor with a damp mop or cloth.
- For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth
Use protective matsGood quality entry and exit mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that can otherwise be tracked onto your flooring. Do not use rubber or foam backed plastic mats as they may discolor the flooring. To prevent slippage, use an approved vinyl rug underlayment.
Use floor protectors on furnitureUse floor protectors and wide-load-bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule the heavier the object the wider the floor protector should be.
Maintain relative humidity levelMaintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 45 and 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood. Heating Season (Dry): A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood stove and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions. Non Heating Season (Wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier or periodically turning on your heating system can maintain humidity during the summer months. Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather.
Avoid sharp objectsWhile your hardwood floor is one of the most wear resistant floors on the market, sharp or pointed objects can damage it.
Watch your feetDo not walk on your flooring with stiletto-style heels, spiked golf shoes, or cleats. They may cause indentations in your flooring
Watch your pet's feetKeep your pet's nails trimmed to keep them from scratching your flooring.
Rearrange your rugs and furniturePeriodically rearranging your area rugs and furniture will allow the flooring to age evenly. UV sunlight will soften the tone of different species of hardwood to varying degrees.