PRODUCT CARE FOR HARDWOOD-FLOORING
Hardwood floors are one of the oldest flooring styles for a reason. Hardwood adds value, appeal and timeless durability to your home, and with a bit of regular cleaning and maintenance, they’ll stay looking brand new for decades to come.
Read our tips below to keep your floors beautiful.
BASIC MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Sweep, dust and vacuum your floors (without the beater brush) at least once a week to keep them free of dirt and dust build-up.
- Be careful that any liquid cleaning products are approved for genuine hardwood before applying. Harsh cleaners can take the finish off your floors.
- Clean up any spills as soon as possible. Standing liquids can seep through hardwood and warp from the base up.
- Avoid scrubbing with abrasive cleaners or scrubbing agents.
- Read manufacturer guidelines before using steam-cleaning machines. Some steam cleaners may get too hot to be safe for your floor.
STAIN AND SCRATCH REMOVAL
- Clean up wet spills as soon as they happen.
- Wipe stains and spills with a warm, damp cloth. Do not scrub with a harsh surface.
- For stubborn stains, use a hardwood-specific or gentle all-purpose cleaner. Vinegar is also safe for your floors and helps with stickier spills.
- Lay down a towel or sheet before moving heavy furniture to minimize damage.
- Fill in scratches with a thin application of wax in-between refinishes (see below.)
LONG-TERM CARE
- When your hardwood floors start to dull, you can revive them by adding a new coat of wax or finish to the surface. This will fill in any scratches and revive dry floors. (Care schedule will vary depending on lifestyle, traffic, and general wear.)
- Every few decades, you’ll want to remove the finish buildup, sand down to the original wood, and refinish completely. With proper care, your floors can last a lifetime.
HARDWOOD CHEAT SHEET
DAILY
Sweep
WEEKLY
Vacuum
MONTHS
Mop using hardwood-specific cleaner
EVERY FIVE YEARS
Apply new coat of finish
EVERY DECADE
Sand down top layer and refinish