Hardwood Floors – Daily & Weekly Care

✔ Sweep or Dust Mop Daily

Use a microfiber dust mop to remove dust, dirt, and grit that can cause scratches.

✔ Vacuum Weekly (Hard Floor Setting Only)

Turn off the beater bar/rotating brush to avoid scratching the wood.

✔ Clean Spills Immediately

Use a soft cloth to wipe spills and prevent moisture damage.

✔ Use Approved Cleaners Only

Use hardwood-safe cleaners such as Bona or other pH-neutral products.

❌ Avoid vinegar, steam mops, oil soaps, Murphy’s Oil, Pledge, Swiffer WetJet, or water buckets.

Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors

Very important. Your refinished floors need time to fully cure. Please follow these essential rules:

✔ Walk on floors after 24 hours (socks only).

No shoes for the first 48 hours.

✔ Move furniture after 3–7 days.

Attach felt pads to every piece before placing it.

✔ Wait 30 days before placing rugs.

Rugs trap moisture and prevent proper curing.

❌ Do NOT apply blue tape, masking tape, or painter’s tape to the floor for at least 30 days.

Tape can peel or damage the fresh finish — this is NOT covered under warranty.

✔ Keep humidity between 35%–55%.

Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, causing gaps or cupping.

✔ Avoid heavy foot traffic while curing.

Staircase Care After Refinishing

✔ Wait 24–48 Hours Before Using the Stairs

Only walk on the staircase with clean socks during the first 1–2 days.
Avoid shoes, sandals, slippers, or going barefoot, as oils and pressure can damage the soft finish while it cures.

✔ Avoid Heavy Use for the First Few Days

Do not drag or slide items—such as laundry baskets, suitcases, vacuum cleaners, boxes, or tools—up or down the stairs.
Any pressure or friction can leave permanent marks on the new finish.

✔ Protect Surfaces Under Baby Gates or Safety Barriers

If you must reinstall baby gates or safety guards, place felt pads or soft protective material between the gate and the wood.
Direct contact without padding may dent or scratch the finish.

✔ Avoid Rugs or Stair Runners for 30 Days

The finish needs sufficient time to fully harden.
Placing carpet, fabric runners, or rubber-backed mats too soon can trap moisture, imprint patterns, or pull up the finish.

❌ Never Use Tape on Newly Finished Treads or Risers

This includes blue painter’s tape, masking tape, duct tape, or double-sided tape.
Adhesives can bond to the uncured finish and peel it off when removed, this type of damage is not covered under warranty.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) & Laminate Floor Care

LVP and laminate are durable and low-maintenance but must still be cared for correctly.

 Sweep or vacuum regularly.

Dirt and grit can scratch the wear layer.

 Use only damp mopping — never wet mopping.

 Use pH-neutral vinyl floor cleaners.

 Avoid:

• Steam mops
• Vinegar
• Wax-based products
• Abrasive cleaners
• Rubber-backed mats

 Use felt pads on all furniture.

Tile & Grout Care

Tile is durable, but grout requires maintenance.

 Sweep and mop regularly.

 Use mild tile cleaners — avoid harsh chemicals.

 Reseal grout when needed.

(Usually every 1–2 years depending on use.)

 Wipe spills to prevent discoloration.

 Avoid:

• Bleach
• Acidic cleaners
• Abrasive scrub pads

Furniture & Heavy Items – Protection Rules

✔ Use Furniture Sliders

When moving heavy furniture, always use sliders to prevent scratches, dents, and pressure marks. Dragging items—even slightly—can damage the finish and leave permanent grooves.

✔ Install Felt Pads on All Furniture Legs

Place high-quality felt pads under every chair, table, and furniture leg. They protect against scuffs and micro-scratches caused by everyday movement. Check and replace pads every few months to ensure ongoing protection.

✔ Choose Breathable Rugs Only

Select rugs with natural or woven backings. Avoid rubber, vinyl, or latex-backed rugs, as they can trap moisture, discolor the floor, or chemically react with the finish. Breathable rugs keep your floors looking clean and consistently beautiful.

Pets – Important Care Instructions

Pets bring joy to your home, but they can also affect the condition of your newly refinished hardwood floors. Following these guidelines helps protect the finish, prevent scratches, and maintain the long-term beauty of your investment.

✔ Keep Pet Nails Trimmed

Trimmed nails reduce surface scratches and prevent dull marks in high-traffic areas. This simple step helps extend the life of your new finish and keeps your floors looking smooth and clean.

✔ Use Mats Around Water and Feeding Areas

Moisture from drinking bowls can cause warping, stains, or peeling of the finish. Using a protective mat under water and food dishes helps prevent water damage and keeps your floors in excellent condition.

❌ Do Not Allow Pets on Floors Right After Refinishing

Fresh finishes need time to fully cure. Pets walking too soon can leave paw marks, dents, or cause separation in the coating. Keep pets off the floors until the finish has completely hardened to ensure maximum durability and long-lasting results.

Moisture & Climate Control

Why It Matters for Your Hardwood Floors

✔ Keep Humidity Between 35%–55%

This range prevents gapping in winter and swelling or cupping in summer. A consistent environment helps your floors stay stable year-round.

✔ Use a Humidifier in Winter & a Dehumidifier in Summer

Heating dries out the air, causing boards to shrink.
High summer humidity can make them expand.
These tools help maintain the ideal balance.

❌ Avoid Excess Moisture

Moisture is the leading cause of hardwood damage. Avoid:

• High indoor humidity

• Basement dampness

• Leaving spills or leaks unattended

• Keeping windows open during humid weather

⚠ Moisture Damage Is Not Covered Under Warranty

Maintaining proper indoor conditions is the homeowner’s responsibility, and moisture-related issues cannot be covered.

Long-Term Maintenance

Proper long-term care protects your floors, maintains their beauty, and prevents costly repairs. These simple steps help extend the life of your hardwood investment.

✔ Recoat Every 3–5 Years

A fresh coat of finish strengthens protection, restores shine, and prevents deep wear that may require full sanding. It’s the best way to keep your floors looking new for years.

✔ Check Felt Pads Regularly

Furniture pads prevent scratches and dents. Replace them whenever they wear down, get dirty, or fall off to avoid permanent damage.

✔ Use Recommended Cleaners Only

The wrong products can damage the finish or leave buildup. Approved hardwood cleaners keep your floors clean, shiny, and fully protected.

Quick Rules: What NOT to Do on Any Floor

❌ Don’t use harsh cleaning products

Avoid vinegar, bleach, ammonia, wax, oil soaps, mop-and-glow products, or steam mops. These can damage the finish, dull the shine, or void your warranty.

❌ Don’t use rubber-backed or latex mats

They trap moisture and cause discoloration.
Use breathable, hardwood-safe mats instead.

❌ Don’t drag furniture or appliances

Dragging causes deep scratches and dents.
Always lift or use sliders and keep felt pads on all furniture legs.

❌ Don’t wear high heels on hardwood floors

Heels act like tiny hammers and can crack or dent the wood with every step.

❌ Don’t leave spills or moisture sitting

Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining, swelling, or water damage.