FLOOR CARE | reliablefloors

How to take care of your hardwood floors.

A wood floor is a natural material and it is sensitive to the whether, temperature and humidity change. It is strongly advised that customers install a Dehumidifier at home. It is also important to maintain adequate and stable moisture level in the house. Dry air generated by the heater during the cold season will cause hardwood floors to shrink; developing visible gaps. Although, the gaps will become smaller and may completely disappear in the summer. If you notice any gaps between the pieces of wood during the winter time, do not panic - this is the wood floors reaction on dry air in the house. Properly selected and well adjusted dehumidifier will minimize or completely eliminate this effect.

New Construction - House Renovation Projects involving hardwood floor installation and/or re-finishing

Finished hardwood floors are easy to scratch or even damage by other contractor working in the house after hardwood floors have been installed and finished. Many people do not realize, that polyurethane material is plastic. It can be easily scratched with material harder then plastic, metal for example. So, if the walls painting is scheduled AFTER the hardwood floors has been installed and completely finished, it is required to cover and properly protect your hardwood floors from possible damage by other workers.

Furniture must be equipped with floor protectors.

Very often the generic Teflon inserts installed into the furniture legs are not enough to protect your hardwood floor from scratches. The furniture must slide easily over the floor surface without leaving scratches or making a sound. You can find a large selection of furniture protection items in a local hardware store. It is always an easy and cheaper way to protect your floor form scratches.

Hardwood Floors are sensitive to direct sunlight and moisture.

Protect your hardwood floor from fading and discoloration - keep your curtains or blinds closed. If you have your hardwood floors installed in the kitchen and need to change/move/reinstall your appliances - check all hoses and water supply connections for secure attachment and proper seal. Water can cause permanent damage to hardwood floors.

Study the foot traffic pattern in your house.

If you know the heaviest foot traffic in your house, it is wise to cover this area of hardwood floors with a rug or a runner. You will be glad you did.

General rules for hardwood floor cleaning.

Regular and proper cleaning is essential to keep your hardwood floor beautiful for a lifetime. First - sweep the floor to remove large particles. Clean your floor with dry cloth or slightly wet cloth. When use wet cloth, ALWAYS dry the floor with a dry piece of cloth. If you have a cleaning crew to help you with the hose cleaning, instruct them on proper hardwood floor cleaning procedure.