Basic Floor Care:
Your floor is not indestructible, it’s wood. The better you take care of it the longer you will enjoy its beauty.
1. Do not cover a wood floor or use area rugs for at least one week following finishing or refinishing because the finish needs time to fully cure.
2. Use felt protector pads on the feet of every piece of furniture that will be on the wood floor. Pay special attention to chairs because they can do serious damage when they slide. Periodic cleaning of grit from the pads, and replacing them every 3-6 months is recommended. (Protector pads are available in a variety of sizes from Divine Hardwood Floors)
3. If you slide anything across the floor you might scratch it. Move furniture by lifting and carrying it whenever possible, setting it down gently in place.
4. If you plan to roll something light across the floor be sure the wheels are soft, in good conditon and roll easily.
5. If you plan to roll heavy furniture or appliances, place a soft thin layer(i.e. blanket) on the floor, then plywood or masonite on top of that. The plywood surface will then be a safe surface to roll furniture or appliences. (Another option is to purchase floor protector strips which are designed for moving appliances over floors.)
6. Pets can damage wood floors with their claws. The heavier and more active the pet, the more risk there is of damage.
Cleaning:
1. Regular cleaning is required using a vacuum cleaner with a non-scratching floor brush, or a dust mop, or a soft broom.
2. A more thorough cleaning should be done occasionally using a solution of 1 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon water as follows:
-Clean the floor as above.
-Lightly mist the floor with the solution from a spray bottle (do not saturate).
-Clean and wipe the floor dry with a wood floor mop.
Wood floor cleaning kits and a professional cleaning concentrate are available from Divine Hardwood Floors.
Periodically Recoat:
A hardwood floor should be recoated when the original finish is showing signs of wear, but before it has worn down to bare wood. When the finish is completely worn off the floor will stain easily, and may require sanding and refinishing, a much more extensive and expensive process than recoating. Contact Divine Hardwood Floors about recoating your floor when it shows signs of wear. Recoating is commonly recommended about every 2 to 5 years, depending on the usage.
Seasonal Changes and Moisture Concerns:
1. Wood floors naturally contract in the dry winter heating season, leaving gaps up to 1/8th inch. Wood floors naturally expand in the humid summer season so the gaps disappear. Keeping the humidity level consistently between 30-50% year-round is ideal.
2. Excessive moisture on the floor or in the air may cause the floor boards to warp as the wood absorbs the moisture. When the boards dry they may not level out, and the floor will need to be sanded and refinished to make it level again.
What Not To Do:
1. Never use waxes, oils, polishes or silicones on your wood floor because they may leave a residue which will lead to problems for recoating or refinshing. Do not use cleaning products with ammonia or urethane. If you use a professional cleaning service be sure they follow the guidelines on this sheet.
2. Do not allow sand, dirt or grit to collect on your wood floor. It will get ground into the finish and require a recoating or refinishing needlessly soon.
3. Avoid walking on your floor with hard shoes, dirty shoes or high heels because they can severely damage the wood. Wear stockings or soft house shoes.
Following these guidelines will help preserve your wood floor so you can enjoy it for many years. For further information contact:
Jared Rempel
952.212.9021
110702 Kings Lane
Chaska, MN 55318