Care and Maintenance for Hardwood Floors

Understanding realistic expectations of wood floor maintenance up front is important. Hardwood floor owners who realize that their floors aren’t impervious to an onslaught of spills, grit and water will be happier with their floors. You can prevent most problems before they occur by following the below care and maintenance, keeping a hardwood floor looking its best and lasting longer.

Using PH neutral cleanings such as Aboritec, Boen (NOT BONA), VOLO, and Loba floor cleaning systems are the best for wood/vinyl flooring care. These shown cleaning products are well-known and acceptable for all hard and soft finish wood floors (Natural Oil, Polyurethane, and Water based finishes).

These products are advised and have been tested personally to avoid issues with your flooring. Using any non-listed floor cleaners may result in major issues!

BOEN - Concentrated solution.
Aboritec - Premixed solution or Concentrated Solution.
Anti-microbial cleaning solutions made by Aboritec if desired.
Loba - Premixed solution or Concentrated Solution.

*Please follow correct directions on floor soap bottles for concentrated solution mixtures.

Daily / Weekly Cleaning

  • Vacuum prior to washing.

  • Less water is best. Daily and/or weekly, using a spray mop kit is the best way to clean flooring. As needed, using a well wrung out mop is a viable option as well. It is important the mop is damp and hardly wet.

  • Mopping is a practice commonly seen; it is acceptable; but spin mops and fewer damp applications are suggested. Excessive mopping/moisture on floor is not recommended.

Bi-Annual / Annual Deep Cleaning Procedure

  • The best Annual/Bi-Annual cleaning procedure is a wood floor scrubber. Recommended scrubbers use a very soft wire brush wheel, solution, and two vacuum heads to fully remove debris from flooring.

    DO NOT

  • Do not use or slide furniture without Felt pads. This is the most common wear to floors.

  • Pick up and move heavy furniture, DO NOT slide heavy items on floors.

  • Do not use a steam mop, this puts excessive moisture into floor.

  • Do not use chemical cleaning agents, other than advised cleaning products. This includes soap or other household detergents.

  • Do not use vinegar, alcohol, or any ammonia-based cleaners. Repetitive use of these will result in the acidic chemicals degrading the floor finish.

  • Do not walk on the floor with heels. Heel can have concentrated pressure and easily reach 3,500 pounds per square inch.

  • Do not allow house climate to be at improper climate ranges. The house should be between 40-50% humidity, and 60-80 degrees.

Helpful Habits for Added Protection

    • Using chair felts and protective pads when sliding anything is imperative. This is the most common wear/damage to wood floors.

    • Bi-annually check for felts and replace immediately.

    • Place mats in high traffic/wet areas inside and outside entrances.

    • Place mats in kitchen areas to protect dropped utensils, water spills, and other contaminants.

    • Do not allow wet rugs or mats to sit on floor while wet.

    • Wipe and clean liquid spills immediately when they happen.

    • Make sure to vacuum often. Pebbles and dirt will scratch floor.

    • Make sure vacuum head/wheels are not sharp and is able to scratch the floor.

    • Clean as needed. Do not overdo it.

    • Considering another coat of finish every 3-5 years can remedy scratches and cause floors to have max longevity.

    • Replace plastic casters with wide rubber wheels.

    • Avoid exposing floor to sunlight and intense artificial light constantly which can change wood color. This is completely natural; proper windows, shades, and exposure can help this effect be minimized.

    • Use proper moving blankets & protection prior to furniture moving.

    • Keep pet claws trimmed to prevent scratching and indentation

    • Don't clean newly finished floor with Wood Floor Cleaner, or any other cleaner, until the floor is fully cured. Check with your contractor or the manufacturer of the finish for cure times.

     

    Tips on Temperature Control

    The environment of the home should be stable and maintained throughout the life of the floor. Even with correct conditions, floors will shrink and expand as seasonal changes occur. To minimize these changes, maintain a consistent temperature and humidity for your floor to perform as designed.

    These conditions should be between 60° and 80° and 30% to 50% relative humidity. Installers take many steps to make sure the flooring is installed in the correct conditions. In extreme high or low moisture conditions, a floor can start to go through unsightly and unexpected changes and in worst cases, cause irreparable damage.

    Here are a few things that can be done to help maintain the correct conditions in a home:

    • Have a way to monitor temperature and humidity in the home.

    • If the HVAC thermostat does not have the ability to read humidity, inexpensive tabletop units can be purchased at most big box stores.

      If the levels start to go outside the zone; use a humidifier or dehumidifier to control the moisture levels.

    • Standard heating and air conditioning systems may not be effective at controlling humidity levels. Additional humidity controlling devices may be necessary.

    • Make sure humidity control devices are maintained and always working properly.

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