Use a vacuum cleaner to remove without delay all abrasive substances (sand, silver glass, crystal, cuttings, heavy dust, dirt, etc.) that can scratch the finish. Frequent vacuuming is recommended to prevent abrasive dust form accumulating on the surface and between the boards.
Maintain relative humidity between 35% and 50% and temperature of approximately 20°C (68°F) in the room where the flooring is installed in order to preserve the internal humidity of the wood and thus its dimensional stability.
Clean the flooring surface using specially recommended flooring cleaning kits. Spray a small amount of cleanser on a cloth or mop and wipe the surface. Note that only small amounts of liquids are required. Cleaning the surface once a month is a minimum maintenance requirement.
Never use wax, household detergents, or oil-based soap on the floor. These products may discolor and damage the finish and leave a grease film, making the floor slippery and difficult to maintain after ward’s. Mixtures of water and vinegar are not recommended, since vinegar has an oxidizing effects on urethane over time.
Water is one of wood’s worst enemies. Never use large amounts of water to clean wood floors, and never use a saturated mop. Wipe up spilled water, liquids or detergents before they are absorbed by the wood fibers. The combined effect of water and sand is devastating to flooring. This is why it is important to place mats at each door way and in front of the sink, dishwasher, and work areas in the kitchen.
Glue felt pads to the legs of furniture and chairs to avoid scratching flooring when objects are moved. Periodically examine the pads for wear and replace when needed. Avoid rolling chairs with casters on finished surfaces. Put them on rugs or
Plexiglas chair mats. Place floor protectors under narrow casters, or replace them with wide rubber or flexible polyurethane casters.
Do not drag furniture or heavy objects across the finished surface. Lift any furniture to be moved. Regularly trim your pets’ claws to prevent scratches and indentations.
Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes on hardwood floors as they can mar the surface. Heel surfaces are so small that the pressure can easily reach 3,500 pounds per square inch. Worn or broken heels can mark flooring even more. Avoid walking on flooring in footwear with cleats or metal tipped soles.
Protect wood surfaces from sunlight or any source of bright artificial light. Prolonged or repeated exposure to bright light can change the color of wood, even if surfaces are coated with a non-yellowing screen.
