Hardwood Floor Care
Do not Damp Mop
Water and hardwood floors don't mix! Use only the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products on your hardwood floor.
Vacuum Regularly
Small stones, mud and gritty dirt tracked in from outside can scratch the finish of your wood floor's finish. To help combat this use long bristle welcome mats placed at all outside entrances for people to wipe their feet on before entering onto the floors. Also, vacuum using a soft bristle brush attachment.
Use the Proper Chair Glides
Narrow wheels, sharp wooden legs or metal furniture legs can scratch and dent hardwood floors. Any furniture that rests directly on top of a hardwood floor should have felt protectors, or furniture coasters under all its feet. For extremely heavy objects such as a piano, use wide, non-staining rubber cups. Purchasing floor protectors is inexpensive insurance for protecting your hardwood floor investment.
Don't Use Oil Soaps
There are many over the counter oil-based soaps and wax based cleaning products that may damage or dull the finish of your wood floor. The best suggestion is to only use the manufacturers recommended cleaning products on your hardwood flooring.
Never Wax a Urethane Floor
If your hardwood floor has a polyurethane finish never use a paste wax on the floor's surface. A paste wax may form a sticky film on your floor and allow tracked in dirt to stick to your wood finish. Polyurethane finishes will not adhere to any wax and adding a fresh coat of polyurethane to your floor will be very difficult.
Wipe Spills Immediately
When accidents happen and liquid gets spilled on your hardwood floor, you should use a slightly damp white cloth, or paper towel to immediately clean up and dry the affected area. For more difficult spots, follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures.