Hardwood & Laminate Floor Care

Article

1. Cleaning the Floor

   • 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.

   
   
   

   • 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.

   
   
   

   • Occasionally wipe the floor with a lightly dampened mop or cloth.

   
   
   

   • Periodically clean the floor with a good quality floor cleaner. Spray and dry mop.
2. Things to Avoid

   • Don't use any wax, oil soaps, polish, vinegar, oil-based or ammonia-based cleaners.

   
   
   

   • Don't use steel wool or abrasive cleaners.

   
   
   

   • Do not wet-mop. This could cause swelling, warping, delaminating, and joint-line separation, and will void the warranty.

   
   
   

   • 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.

   
   
   

   • Use protective mats

   
   
   

   • 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.

   
   
   

   • Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of rainy or snowy weather.

   
   
   

   • Never try to slide heavy objects across the floor.

   
   
   Article from Quality Flooring 'N More www.domyfloor.com