Cleaning and Maintaining Your Floor

PROTECT YOUR FLOOR

Place throw rugs in front of sinks in your kitchen and any doors leading to the outside where heavy traffic and tracking occurs. However, do not do this until at least two weeks after the finish has been applied. Chairs, and any other furniture that is moved frequently, should have floor glides attached to the bottom of each leg to help prevent scratching and wear. Do not wax the bottom of chair legs.

DAILY DUST MOPPING OR VACUUMING

Regular dust mopping or vacuuming is an essential part of hardwood floor care. A good quality dust mop or vacuum head is the most effective tool for cleaning dust and dirt off the floor. To keep your floor looking its best, dust mop or vacuum at least twice a week. Dust or vacuum more often on floors with heavy traffic.

REGULAR CLEANING

Spills and tracked in dirt can be cleaned by lightly damp mopping the floor with a house-hold sponge mop. Use clean water for regular sponge mopping. DO NOT over-wet the mop. Excessive water can damage the floor. In addition to cleaning with water, it may be necessary to clean with a mild all-purpose cleaner or a dilute solution of 1/4 cup of Amonia per gallon of water at least once a week.

DO NOT USE CERTAIN PRODUCTS

Don't use the following products, or products similar in nature: Fantastik, Formula 409, Dishwashing detergent, powdered all-purpose cleaners, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Paste wax, Endust, Pledge, or other dusting products, Future, Mop N Glow, Brite, or other floor polishes.

DO NOT WAX OR SPRAY BUFF!

Water-base urethane finishes require little maintenance, so it is not necessary to wax or polish the floor. Waxes or polishes will actually make the floor harder to clean and cause problems for future recoats.

PERIODIC RECOATING

Following a regular maintenance program will preserve the life of your hardwood floor for years. Eventually your floor may need to be recoated. A hardwood floor should be recoated when the original finish is showing signs of wear but before it has worn down to the bare wood. Bare wood will be stained by dirt and grime and will need to be resanded. Reference: Basic Coatings’s Guide to Residential Floor Maintenance