We are often asked for the best way to care for hardwood floors.  The following directions will help maintain the beauty and life of your floors if practiced regularly.

To care for your new wood floors, use a soft bristle broom to sweep the floors clean or you can vacuum them with a broom-vac.  For floors with a polyurethane finish, it is handy to keep a solution of vinegar & water (¼ cup of White Distilled Vinegar to 1 quart of water) in a spray-bottle to mist on the floors for easier pick up of dirt when dust mopping. When your floors need a good cleaning, we recommend using 1 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. Wring your mop out very well so that it is barely damp and then after mopping, use a clean, dry towel or dust-mop to wipe up any excess moisture that may still be on the floor.  We also carry Bona X floor-cleaning products that work very well and do not leave a residue on your floor.  Do not put any moisture on your floor for at least one week after the last coat of finish is put down.  It needs this extra time to cure out.  You should not put any water on waxed floors.

Please do not use any other household cleaning or wax products on your hardwood floors. They may leave a residue which would prevent the floors from being recoated with finish later.  They may also make your floor slippery.

In addition, we recommend using felt floor-protectors on the bottom of all of your furniture. We carry Safeglide floor protectors, which tap into the bottom of wooden chair legs and other wooden furniture or self-adhesive, felt pads for stationary &/or non-wooden furniture.  Clean the felt pads with a brush (an old toothbrush works very well) once a month or so to remove dirt, grit, and pet hair that may get trapped in the pad.  It is best to wait about 48 hours after the last coat of finish is done before putting your furniture back.

It is a good idea to put a small rug (avoid those with solid rubber backings) at each entrance to your house to catch dirt.  If you decide to use an area rug, please be aware that some area rug pads can leave a residue/imprint on your floor.  To help minimize this, we recommend using a natural fiber rug and no solid pad.  Something around the edges, to keep the rug from slipping, is usually adequate.  Also, be aware that area rugs may cause color differences in the floor due to differences in light exposure.  Moving them around every few months will help keep the “shadowing effect” from being so pronounced.  Wait at least 1 week after the last coat of finish has been completed before putting down any area rugs.  Please avoid high heels with the nail exposed, cleats, & rolling heavy objects (like refrigerators & pianos) across the floors.  These can cause dents in the wood which would have to be sanded out in order to be removed.

Hopefully this has answered most of your questions, but if there is anything else you have a concern about, please feel free to give us a call.