FloorCare

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FloorCare

CARING FOR YOUR HARDWOOD FLOOR

A few simple maintenance tips can make your newly finished wood floors last longer and look better.

What to Do...

--Regularly sweep or vacuum the floor to prevent sand or abrasive dust from accumulating and scratching the finish.

--Remove spills promptly. Use a soft cloth to clean wet spills, use a vacuum or broom for dry spills and abrasives.

--Use doormats and rugs: Place doormats outside and rugs inside at every entrance of the house to prevent sand or abrasive dust from accumulating on the floor; use area rugs on high traffic pathways and pivot areas: at ends of steps, near doorways, etc.; place a rug in front of the kitchen sink, kitchen working stations, and the dishwasher to protect the floor from dropped kitchen accessories and from water or oily detergent spills. All rugs should allow floors to breathe. Avoid rubber-backed or non-ventilated rugs.

--Use adequate floor protection (wood floor protector pads) under all furniture and

chairs legs, in order to ease their movements and to prevent them from scratching the

floor.

FAQ

--Maintain the relative humidity level in your home between 40-60% throughout the year. Hardwood is a living substance which reacts to changes of relative humidity. Excessive humidity can cause wood fibers to swell, dryness can cause wood fibers to shrink, causing cracks and separations.

--Keep "high heel" shoes in good condition. Damaged or worn high heels may expose a metal tip which will certainly damage your hardwood floor.

--Keep pets� claws properly trimmed to avoid excessive scratches and gouges.

--Protect your floor against direct sunlight or any intense source of artificial lighting. Over time, intense light will discolor exposed surfaces. This phenomenon with wood surfaces is normal and natural. The lighter the color of the natural wood, the more apparent the discoloration will be.

--Renew a worn or damaged floor before the wood is exposed.

What not to do�

--Do not let sand, dirt or abrasive dust build up. They can act like sandpaper and actually abrade, dull and scratch the floor finish.

--Avoid walking on wood floors in high heels and keep sharp-clawed pets away from wood floors. They can severely damage wood floors.

--Do not wet mop your wood floor. Excessive amounts of water can cause your wood floor to swell and cup.

--Do not use wax, oil soap, or other household cleaners on your wood floor. The use of these products can dull today's floor finishes and make refinishing difficult. Use only those products recommended by your hardwood flooring specialist and manufactured specifically for use on your hardwood floor.

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