Stop Dirt and Grit!
It doesn’t matter what finish you have on your floor, there is one thing to remember…. Dirt and Grit act like sandpaper to destroy the protective surface of a wood floor. Vacuum, sweep, and dust mop regularly as described on page 12 of the maintenance catalog on the first page of this web page.

Apply Floor Protector Pads!
All "moveable" pieces of furniture need soft clean pads on the bottom of the legs or supports. There are many kinds and sizes. See page 3 of our maintenance catalog.
Examine the condition of these pads regularly for wear and grit.

Use Outside Door Mats!
Dirt and grit from outside needs to be stopped at the door. Walk-off mats placed at each exterior door will trap harmful particles and moisture outside.

No High Heels!
High heels concentrate a person’s weight on a small point (estimate: 125 lb. Person = approximately 2,000 lbs per inch when taking a normal step). This kind of force can dent and pit wood, fracture ceramic tile, and perforate vinyl. While high heels in good repair may not damage wood floors, we recommend a "no high heels" policy.

Pets are Okay!
Dog and cat toe nails can scratch a wood floor. It is a good idea to trim them regularly and try to contain vigorous play to carpeted areas. Some finishes like urethanes and Swedish-type finishes are essentially waterproof. This is a great finish for pet households because pet urine will not hurt these floors if cleaned up immediately. Also spills from food or water bowls are not usually a problem if wiped up soon.

Many of our customers have tried ingenious solution to solve the toenail problem. This Golden Retriever, Sadie, loves her socks and even prefers to wear them outside!

Use Area Rugs!
Some areas of the house experience more wear than others. Kitchens (especially in front of the sink) always have a lot of traffic. Area rugs can be used to protect high-traffic areas. Make sure they are kept dry and clean. Shake out and vacuum throw rugs frequently.

Be Careful When Moving Heavy Furniture or Appliances!
Remember to pick up heavy furniture and do not slide anything across the floor. It is a good idea to rent a furniture dolly with soft rubber wheels or an "air sled." On page 4 and 5 of the catalog, appliance guards are sold. These floorguards enable you to move your appliances forward for servicing without gouging your floor.

Use Trivets for Indoor Potted Plants!
Never place plants directly on a wood floor even if they are in a waterproof saucer. Always use trivets or plant stands under the pot and saucer so that air can circulate underneath. This will prevent condensation on the saucer from damaging the wood floor. It will also be easier to see if the plant is overwatered or if water has spilled onto the floor.

Never Use Household or Wood Bleach on Stains!
Often people asked us for help after they have been told by paint stores to bleach out stains in their floor. Major stains from potted plants, pet urine, ink, burns, etc. in wood floors can often be sanded out. Whether you do it in a localized area or refinished the whole room is up to you. These stains usually can be repaired by sanding or replacing the damaged boards. Both of these processes are easy for an experience wood floor professional however "blending" in of an area usually does not match well if the rest of the floor is over 2 years old. DO NOT USE BLEACH OR OTHER CHEMICALS to remove stains. These chemicals break down the fibers and structure of the wood. The bleached area of the floor will not finish well (chemicals react with topcoats and stains products made for wood floors) and it will not look like the rest of the floor. You basically will have a larger, different looking stain now and one that will need board replacement for sure. Try using a hand scraper on the stain to see if it can be removed by sanding. Make sure you go down to raw wood and try to determine the depth of the stain. If you find yourself scraping quite deep and the stain is still there then consider board replacement.