Cleaning And Maintenance

A Hardwood Floor is easy to clean.By following a few simple maintenance steps, however, will help protect your investment and keep your floor like new.

CLEANING

* Clean up and blot spills and spots immediately.
* Vacuum, dust mop, or sweep the floor to minimize abrasive grit and dirt. Note: Do not use a vacuum with beater bars.
* Occasionally wipe the floor with a wrung-out damp sponge-mop or cloth.
* Do not use wax, polish, abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder.

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

* Use quality vinyl back area rugs and door mats by outdoor entrance areas to prevent dirt, sand, grit, and other substances such as oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer from being tracked onto your floor.

* Use floor protectors and wide-bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize indentations from heavy objects. As a rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protector should be.

* Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level of 40% to 60% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood.

* Avoid gouges or cuts in your floor from sharp objects. Your Hardwood floor is the most wear-resistant floor on the market, sharp or pointed objects can nevertheless damage it.

* Don't walk on your floor with "stiletto-style" heels; they may cause indentation.

* Rearrange rugs and furniture periodically so the floor ages evenly.

* UV sunlight will change the color of different species of hardwood to varying degrees.

* Keep pets' nails trimmed and filed in order to minimize indentations.

* Use a dolly when moving heavy appliances or furniture. But first, put down a sheet of quarter-inch plywood or masonite to protect the floor. Never try to slide or roll heavy objects across the floor. Never try to slide or roll heavy objects across the floor without precautions.

REPEAIRING

* Minor damage can be easily repaired with finishing putty available in matching colors.

* For more extensive damage, Yankee Hardwood Floors can replace individual boards or an entire area with new flooring. Generally, even extensive replacement is a simple procedure.