Hardwood Flooring Maintenance Guide

Proper care is essential to preserving the longevity and beauty of your hardwood flooring. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you maintain your floors, minimize wear, and prevent damage over time.

Routine Maintenance

  • Use Floor Mats Strategically
    Place floor mats at entranceways to capture debris and moisture before it reaches your hardwood. Mats in high-traffic areas can also reduce wear, but ensure water doesn’t collect underneath them to avoid damage.

  • Vacuum and Sweep Regularly
    Grit and dirt act like sandpaper, wearing down the floor's finish. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is essential, but avoid vacuums with beater bars or rotary brush heads that can scratch the surface.

  • Protect Against Spills
    Wipe up spills and spots promptly using a damp cloth. Prevent moisture from seeping into the wood to maintain its structural integrity.

  • Furniture and Carpet Pads
    Use protective felt pads under chairs and heavy furniture to prevent scratches and dents. For carpet pads, consider brands like Nomuv.com, which offer natural rubber options.

  • Pet Care
    Trim your pets’ nails regularly and keep their paws clean and dry to reduce the risk of scratches or water stains.

  • Shield from UV Rays
    Use curtains or blinds to block sunlight and prevent discoloration caused by UV exposure.

  • Dealing with Stubborn Residues
    For wax or gum, harden the residue with ice, then carefully scrape it off with a credit card, taking care not to damage the finish.

Recommended Products

  • Cleaners: We suggest Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, a safe and effective option for routine cleaning. Note: Do not use Bona’s polish, as it is unsuitable for long-term maintenance. Purchase Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner on Amazon.

  • Preventive Care: When your floors show light wear, consider a professional buff and recoat. This less invasive and cost-effective option revitalizes your floors and can indefinitely delay the need for a full resand, saving you significant time and money.

  • Humidity Control: Wood naturally expands in summer and contracts in winter. To mitigate seasonal shrinkage, maintain indoor humidity levels between 35% and 55% using a whole-home humidifier.

    Things to Avoid

    • Footwear Damage: High heels can dent softer woods like pine.

    • Improper Cleaning: Wet mops, damp mops, and vinegar-based solutions can harm the finish.

    • Incompatible Products:

      • Oil soaps, liquid or paste waxes, and household cleaners containing citrus, tung oil, or silicone.

      • 2-in-1 cleaners with acrylic or urethane polish, as they can make your floors incompatible with future polyurethane recoating.

    • Abrasive Materials: Steel wool and scouring pads can scratch and damage the finish.