Floor Care & Maintenance

Beautiful hardwood floors can be priceless and timeless if maintained properly.

Routine Cleaning Instructions

1. For normal cleaning of everyday dirt and grime:
   1. Clean floor with a clean dust mop to remove any dirt of grit
   2. Spray a small area of the floor and the mop head with Squeaky or Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
   3. Using a microfiber mop, clean the area using a back-and-forth motion. Repeat until the desired area is cleaned.
   4. Cleaning kits, mop heads and refills are available at our office.
2. Dirt, sand and grit will dull and accelerate the wear of your finish. Removing any dirt or grit with a clean dust mop will extend the life of your floor.
3. Place floor mats or rugs at all entryways and high traffic areas to help remove excessive dirt and moisture. Use rug pads that are made of jute or natural materials or pads that specifically state they are safe for hardwood floors. We have rug pads available for purchase. Please call with sizes and quantities and we will custom cut them for you. (Note: The Manufacturer of the Polyurethane Finish recommends waiting 72 hours before placing furniture back onto the floor and 30 days before placing Area Rugs.)
4. Spills or liquids on the floor should be wiped up immediately. 
5. Do not use dust mop treatments or floor cleaners that contain wax, paraffin, silicone, mineral oil, or citrus oil. Do not use pre-treated dust mops. Do not let overspray from furniture polish come in contact with hardwood floor. Use of these products can cause adhesion problems when re-coating the floors.
6. Avoid the use of power scrubbers that induce water under pressure.
7. Avoid the use of power-head vacuum cleaners as the bristles can scratch your floor.
8. Place left glides under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
9. For any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 479-872-0102

Seasonal Care

Humidity and ventilation are critical considerations for wood floors, especially in the first year. Keep the relative humidity in your home between 45 and 50 percent to minimize the natural expansion and contraction if the wood.

Dry air shrinks the wood, making cracks more visible. In solid 2 1/4″ wide oak floors, cracks might reach the width of a dime, though wider boards can reveal even wider cracks. If the humidity level is consistent at 35 percent or less, prevent excess drying and possible wood shrinkage by:

• boiling a pan of water
• turning off the bathroom exhaust fan after a shower
• opening the dishwasher after the rinse cycle
• placing a pan of water in the furnace fan compartment
• hanging wet laundry to dry in the basement, or
• installing a humidifier to maintain a steady moisture level in the house.

In humid summer months, too much moisture can cause the wood to swell to the point it buckles. Your air conditioner can act as a dehumidifier.  Make sure it’s operating within the 45 to 50 percent humidity range. In extreme humidity, periodically turn on the heating element to reduce the humidity.