Use and Care Guide

Questions? [phone]
www.CaliBrands.com
Odyssey Flooring Care & Maintenance
Care & Maintenance
General Care
• Avoid excessive moisture on the floor. We recommend soaking up spills immediately using a dry cotton towel or
dry mop (do not use microfiber). For flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink.
• Cali Hardwoods floors, like all species of hardwood flooring, are subject to changes in temperature and humidity.
As a general rule, flooring will perform best when the interior environment is controlled to stay within a relative
humidity range of 30%-55% and a temperature range of 60° to 80° Fahrenheit. Seasonal fluctuations in relative
humidity may cause the wood flooring to gain moisture with periods of high humidity and lose moisture during low
periods of humidity. During warm, humid weather, wood expands and during dry weather, wood contracts. These
changes may be noticeable but can be minimized by using an HVAC system to maintain relative humidity between
30%-55%. This seasonal movement is a normal characteristic of wood flooring and is not considered a defect. It
is the owner’s responsibility to maintain appropriate conditions via the use of a humidifier and/or de-humidifier.
Ventilation, humidity, and temperature control is a must even when the home is not occupied.
• To clean up dried glue use either Bostik Ultimate Adhesive Remover or Titebond Adhesive Remover cleaning
wipes.
Preventative Care
• Vacuum or sweep the floor with a broom or dust mop on a regular basis or as needed to remove dirt, sand, or
grit to protect the floor from scratches. A grain of sand has dozens of sharp edges and can create scratches if
tracked across the floor. Be careful of other debris such as small rocks and pebbles being drug across the floor.
• Do not use vacuums that use a beater bar or turn beater bar off; brush or felt vacuum heads are recommended as
opposed to hard heads.
• Fit furniture legs with felt tips and fix rolling furniture with soft rubber casters to avoid scratches. Periodically
check the felt tips for wear or buildup of grit/debris and replace as needed.
• Pick up heavy furniture or appliances; do not slide.
• Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid excessive scratching.
• To prevent dents and scratches, avoid walking on the floor with cleats, sports shoes, and high heels. High heels
concentrate pressure in a small area and may dent the floor.
• To prevent indentations and scratches remove small diameter buttons/ends from furniture legs and replace with
non-staining floor protectors with a surface no less than 1” in diameter. Heavier objects may require wider floor
protectors.
• Use interior and exterior doormats at entrances to prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked onto the floor.
Area rugs are also recommended in front of kitchen sinks and in high traffic areas. Rugs must be made of a
breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment. We recommend using a breathable rug underlay; mesh or grid
patterns are best. Do not use rugs with solid rubber or vinyl backings as this may damage the finish.
• Natural products will change color over time as a result of oxidation and UV rays. This color change is inherent
and not a defect. Limit direct sunlight on the floor by using curtains and blinds in areas that are exposed to high
UV rays. We recommend rearranging rugs and furniture periodically so that the color changes evenly, especially
in the first few months the floor is installed.
• Abrasive or harsh chemicals should not be used to clean the floor. Never use any of the following products on
the floor: mineral spirits, paint thinner, acetone, ammonia-based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax-based products,
detergents, bleach, polishes, abrasive cleaning soaps, or acidic materials such as vinegar. Never apply wax
treatments to the floor.
• Heating units or non-insulated ductwork close to the flooring or subfloor may cause “hot spots” which must be
eliminated prior to installation.
• Heavy furniture (500+ lbs.) may obstruct the free, natural movement of a floated floor. Restricting this movement in
certain areas can lead to problems such as buckling or separation when the floor experiences natural expansion
and/or contraction. Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry and never nail or screw anything
through a floated floor.
• Lighter colors and darker colors naturally show more dirt, flaws, and marks and are considered higher
maintenance.