CLEANING WOOD FLOORS
Preventative measures and a regular cleaning routine can keep your fine wood flooring and furniture looking good for generations.
Use these wood care tips, and keep your wood looking its best.
Exposure to sunlight can speed the aging of wood. To prevent UV exposure from fading wood's natural color, consider installing curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight.
Remember, wood is dynamic and will expand and contract with extreme fluctuations of humidity and temperature. Avoid extremes of hot, cold and wet to prevent cracking of solid-wood furniture and solid wood floors.
Place breathable, dirt-catching mats at room entrances, high traffic areas, stair landings and in front of sinks.
Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt and grime built-up from damaging the wood's surface. Use a felt or brush-type vacuum so as not to damage your wood floors' finish.
Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and specialty wood-care cleaning products, such as Murphy Oil Soap.
Do not wet-mop a wood floor, standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave discoloring residue.
Do not use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly.
Use a very dry damp mop when mopping polyurethane wood floors, since excess water can seep into seams and ruin a wood floor.
Tread lightly! Don't dent and ding your wooden floors by walking on them with athletic cleats, tap shoes or spike high heels. Any shoes, especially high-heels (with wood or rubber ends missing) can damage wood floors.
Big dogs can have big nails and do real damage to fine wood floors. Keep your pet's claws trimmed.
Lift furniture, never drag it. Always use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, or appliances.
Tops Floor Restoration
Andrew J. Topley
973-460-4057