Care and Maintenance Instructions for Pre-Finished Wood Flooring: (courtesy of Antique Impressions)

It is extremely important to keep floors clean and dry so place entry mats outside exterior doors and absorbent floor mats at all entranceways. This will keep dirt and moisture from being tracked onto your floors. Shake out, wash and vacuum these mats regularly. Do not use rubber or plastic backed mats inside as they may stick to or damage the finish. We suggest removing shoes when entering your house to minimize tracking in dirt on soles. This will also make for a more sanitary house overall. Do not wear high heels, cleats, cowboy boot or work boots on wood floors as the concentrated heel pressure can leave indents. Sweep wood floors often with a soft, fine bristle broom, removing grit before it can scratch your floor. Sweep kitchen and entry areas twice as often as other areas. Vacuum your wood floors as often as you carpets, with a soft brush attachment to capture dirt, sand and clean out grooves and distressing marks. Be mindful to use a plastic attachment when vacuuming in corners and hard to reach areas to avoid scratches from any hard metal ends. Since water is incompatible with any real wood product, even with a superior finish like ours, it is important to clean up any spills immediately! Wipe up with a soft dry cloth or very carefully with wet/dry vacuum. Make sure to dry thoroughly without blasting heat on the area. Areas in front of sinks should have absorbant mats to cat any spills. If wet, shake out and hang up mat until completely dry before placing down on floor. DO NOT WET MOP FLOORS. Again, water in incompatible with real wood products and can seep down into cracks with a mop. Use a diluted-vinegar and water mixture in a spray bottle or a spray-on hardwood floor cleaner. After vacuuming, spray lightly and quickly wipe up with a soft absorbant dry mop. Make sure to rinse and wring the mop frequently while washing. Wash floors monthly or as needed. Area rugs go very well with wood floors but must be shaken out and cleaned under regularly. Natural fabric rugs are best and don't use anything rubber or plastic backed as moisture can be trapped underneath and damage flooring in bright sun-lit areas, rotate rugs occasionally to minimize discoloration. Place felt pads or soft furniture protectors under all furniture. Narrow glides and casters can damage hardwood floors, so switch to wide types if possible. PICK UP all furniture to move over flooring. Large appliances must be moved with sufficient protection covering the flooring - such as plywood - to protect finish from scratching and wood from grooving. Wood flooring will expand and contract due to changes in humidity. To minimize changes, a humidifier in dry winter conditions and a de-humidifier during humid summer times is recommended. Humidity levels should be kept between 40% and 60%. Interior relative humidity levels below 35% can severely damage wood floors and must be avoided. Keep pet nails trimmed and minimize animal play on wood floors to prevent scratching and dulling of wood finish. Elevate potted plants from flooring as moisture can seep from ceramic pots and leave marks on wood floors. Please ask us if you have any further questions to help protect your wood floor investment.