Maintenance & Care

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 used 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 & Contraction

Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity of 45% to 55% 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 tend 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.

General Care & Cleaning

Damp mopping is appropriate for some finishes -- see your manufacturer's care instructions for guidelines. Never treat hardwood floors 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 scouring powder, wax, polish or abrasive cleaners. When a spill occurs, spot clean by applying the manufacturer's recommended "no wax" 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 or mop. DO NOT allow puddles of cleaner to remain on the floor's surface. Excess liquid may damage the fiber of the wood.