Hardwood and Laminate Floor Care
This information can help you keep your floors looking their best, longer.
Cleaning the Floor
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Use a lightly dampened cloth to clean up spills and spots as soon as they happen. For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, tar, or cigarette marks, use mineral spirits on a clean white cloth, then wipe with a new clean lightly dampened cloth. Always avoid allowing liquids to stand on your floor.
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Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with a soft bristle brush or felt brush to prevent accumulation of dirt and small grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.
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Occasionally wipe the floor with a lightly dampened mop or cloth.
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Periodically clean the floor with a good quality floor cleaner. Spray and dry mop.
Things to Avoid
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Don't use any wax, oil soaps, polish, vinegar, oil-based or ammonia-based cleaners.
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Don't use steel wool or abrasive cleaners.
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Do not wet-mop. This could cause swelling, warping, delaminating, and joint-line separation, and will void the warranty.
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For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a lightly dampened cloth.
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Use protective mats
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Good quality entry and exit mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit, and other substances that can be tracked onto your flooring. To prevent slippage, use an approved no-slip rug underlayment.
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Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of rainy or snowy weather.
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Never try to slide heavy objects across the floor.
Be Careful To...
We recommend that you take maximum precautions to keep your new floors looking their best.
Watch Your Feet
Don't walk on your flooring with stiletto-style heels, spiked golf shoes, or cleats. They will cause small indentations in your flooring.
Use Floor Protectors on Furniture
Use floor protectors such as felt pads or round floor coasters on all furniture, tables, chairs, etc… to prevent denting and scratching.
Watch Your Pet's Feet
Keep your pet's nails trimmed to keep them from scratching your flooring surface.
Rearrange Your Rugs and Furniture
Periodically rearranging your area rugs and furniture will allow the flooring to age evenly. UV sunlight will soften the tone of different species of hardwood to varying degrees.
Maintain Relative Humidity Level
Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 35% and 55% year round to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood.
During heating season (if humidity is below 25%):
A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels during dry winter months. Wood stove and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions.
During non-heating season (if humidity is over 65%):
A dehumidifier or periodically turning on your heating system can maintain proper humidity during the summer months.
Contact Information
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- (509) 778 4987
- (206) 577 5350
- Serving Greater Seattle and Spokane areas in Washington
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