by Debora Chaves

Created on: July 20, 2008   Last Updated: July 22, 2008

How to Care for Wood Flooring 378 words
Solid Hard Wood Flooring: Cleaning and Maintainance Tips

1. Keeping dirt and debris from scratching the finish on your hard wood flooring is your # 1 priority! On a regular basis sweep with a good quality broom, dry mop with a cotton head mop, or vacuum; but always use a vacuum cleaner without beater bars, as they too can scratch your floor's finish. I have an Oreck XL 21 Titanium Series vacuum cleaner, with a "Microsweep system." It automatically adjusts from carpet to bare floor, and has soft bristles which don't scratch.

Another method of regular sweeping is the use of the popular Swiffer Sweep Vac, recommended to me by my installer. Another option is a Zoom-Broom Hard Surface Floor Sweeper by Casabella.

Always put rugs or mats down at doorways to help keep dirt outside.

2. Never drag anything on your solid wood flooring, particularly heavy furniture. Always put casters or self-sticking felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs.

3. In the kitchen or bathroom, place a mat or rug in front of the sink to protect your solid wood flooring from water spills, as water can cause hard wood to swell. Wipe up spills of any kind right away.

3. Place mats or rugs in high traffic areas and where you tend to stand frequently.

4. Sunlight can damage solid wood flooring; use drapes and blinds to prevent fading.

5. To wash your solid wood flooring, only use a professional wood floor cleaning product such as XL 21, or a neutral PH cleaner specifically made for hard wood flooring. Just don't use oil soap products due to excessive product build-up. After washing your hard wood floor, remember to dry it quickly and completely. I simply use a large clean towel to dry my hard wood floors. If you have a large floor, wash and dry it in sections.

Another safe bet is simply to ask your installer and follow his washing recomendations. Mine told me to use Windex and a paper towel for quick touch ups, as it evaporates quickly and is easy on the finish of hard wood flooring!

You can still care for your solid wood flooring and be environmentally friendly too. Bona Floor Care products (http://www.bonakemi.com/shop/products.asp) offers a Swedish Formula Floor Care System, consisting of a non toxic cleaner and microfiber mop specially made for hard wood flooring.

(http://www.thehome.com/harfloor.html) (http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/)

Laminate Wood Flooring: Cleaning and Maintainance Tips

1. Sharp objects and dragging furniture can scratch laminate wood flooring, too. Be careful of dropping knives in the kitchen, and use casters or felt pads on furniture legs.

2. Place mats and rugs in the kitchen or bathroom, as water can also damage laminate wood flooring, causing swelling and warping.

3. Dry mop your laminate wood flooring, as dirt and debris will scratch it, too. You can sweep with a broom, using only a soft bristle or plastic broom, or a Swiffer Sweep Vac or Casabella Zoom-Broom. Vacuum with a soft bristle attachment.

Also put mats or rugs at doorways to keep dirt outside.

4. Use a laminate flooring cleaner only. Ask your installer for recommendations.

(http://www.ehow.com/how_2110896_car e-laminate-floor.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_ medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art)

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