Cleaning

Do not use the same mop on vinyl and hardwood. Cleaning solutions used on vinyl will contaminate the polyurethane on hardwood floors even if the mop is only used for dust mopping.

Polyurethane floors should not be cleaned (other than dust mop) for a period of at least two weeks after installation.

Do not use oil based soaps or cleaners such as Murphy’s Oil Soap and Pine-Sol.

Do not use water or water based cleaning solutions on floor. Use only manufacturer recommended cleaning products, such as Bona Kemi, which are designed to evaporate rapidly.

Sweep floors regularly. Do not allow excessive trash to sit on floor. Screws from light fixtures, plumbing, and electrical debris, paint left over from window cleaning process, can all be tracked on floors and cause damage. Dirt and grit can act like sandpaper and abrade the finish.

Be careful with cleaners on backsplashes and fireplace surrounds. Caustic cleaners should not be dripped on floors or wood will turn black.

Frequently sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt before it can scratch or be ground into the floor’s surface. Always wipe up spills immediately. For spot cleaning, apply cleaner to a clean cloth and rub onto spot. Never apply wax topicals to your urethane floor.

Use rugs at exterior entrances (see Types of Rugs for Wood Floors)

Put up curtains, blinds, or other UV protection at the windows to reduce color change.

Move rugs and furniture during the first couple of years to ensure even color change from UV exposure. See Exotic Wood for specific recommendations.

Wheels on toys, tricycles, etc. can scratch and track grit over the surface of the floor and decrease finish life. Re-coat once a year in a household with small children and pets to maintain optimimum protection. Minimize wheel traffic if possible.

Clean pre-finished hardwood only as directed by the manufacturer.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

Do not let sand, dirt, or grit build up. They can act like sandpaper and actually abrade and dull the floor finish.

Never damp mop a wood floor. Excessive amounts of water can cause your wood floor to swell and cup.

Avoid walking on wood floors in high heels. They can severely damage wood floors. Keep heels in good repair.

Do not use wax, oil, soap or other household cleaners on your polyurethane finished wood floor. The use of these products can dull today’s floor finishes and make refinishing difficult.

Pets

Keep pets’ claws properly trimmed to avoid excessive scratches and gouges.
Do not place pet bowls on hardwood floors, water should not contact this type of flooring and even food bowls can trap moisture underneath them. Rugs and mats with rubber backing can adhere to the hardwood underneath. If a pet urinates on a hardwood floor, the boards will turn black. Urine can easily be detected by its distinct smell and by using a black light. There is no way to repair the damaged wood. The affected boards must be removed and new ones installed to return the floor to its original state.

To download a free floorcare guide go to:

http://www.nofma.org/AboutNOFMA/WhyChooseWoodFlooring/WoodFlooringCare/tabid/141/Default.aspx