Use and Care Manual

Page 10 of 10
4.
Do NOT use a steam cleaner.
5.
Do NOT use a wet mop or douse floor with water or liquid cleaners. Liquid can seep between the cracks and cause moisture damage.
6.
Do NOT use any cleaning agents containing wax, oil or polish. Left over residue will form a dull film.
7.
Do NOT use steel wool or scouring powder which will scratch the floor.
Branded or Off-the-shelf Floor Care Products
•
If none of the above are effective and you choose to use a store bought product, test the product in a non-conspicuous area (i.e.,
closet, corner, or scrap pieces) for potential adverse side effects.
Preventative Maintenance
•
Protect your floor when using a dolly for moving furniture or appliances. Protective sheets and/or plywood may be needed. Never
slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the floor.
•
Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and other heavy objects.
•
Avoid excessive exposure to water from being tracked in during periods of inclement weather.
•
Minimize abrasive material and dirt by placing mats on both sides of exterior doors and by using area rugs in high-traffic areas.
•
Rearrange furniture and rugs periodically to avoid uneven color and shade changes from light exposure.
•
Use protective mats beneath rolling chairs and keep furniture casters clean.
•
Keep pets’ nails trimmed.
•
Remove shoes with cleats, spikes or exceptionally pointy heels before walking on the floor.
Climate Maintenance
•
Care should be taken to control humidity levels within the 30% - 50% range. Hardwood flooring can be affected by varying
levels of humidity.
•
Dry Climates: A humidifier is recommended to maintain humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to create
very dry conditions during the winter months this also will cause shrinkage in flooring.
•
Humid, Wet Climates: By using an air conditioner, heater, or dehumidifier proper humidity levels can be maintained to
prevent excessive expansion due to high moisture content.
Additional Care for Handcrafted, Handscraped, Distressed or Wirebrushed Floors
Since the floor that you purchased has a unique design and character you want to make sue to keep the floors looking like
new. There are several key factors to protect the look of these truly handcrafted floors.
 Walk off mats and areas rugs at entryways and pivot points – i.e., Kitchen sink and work areas.
 Vacuum the floors as often as needed. It is important to vacuum up the dirt and debris as opposed to using a wet
microfiber mop. Vacuuming will remove the dirt from the surface where a damp microfiber mop simply will push or
embed the dirt into the wirebrushed, handscraped and/or distressed areas. Over time wet cleaning as such can
discolor the floors making them look dirty. Additionally, the use of Microfiber mops can catch on the edges of the
planks and may damage the planks requiring repair – avoid the use of these type of mops.
 In the event the floors do show some discolor due to dirt build up consult a wood flooring professional who has the
proper tools and equipment to thoroughly clean the floors. We recommend the use of a buffer in combination with
a Tampico brush. A Tampico brush is a stiff natural brush typical made from Hog’s hair and will help to restore the
floors appearance by removing embedded dirt and debris from the distressed areas.
Floor Repair
•
Very light and small surface scratches can be repaired with a staining “touch up” pen of the appropriate color.
•
Slightly deeper scratches can be repaired by means of colored putty and or stains. Fill the scratches with the putty. Level with
putty knife. Wipe off excess putty.
•
Very deep scratches may require the replacement of the planks.
Contact Technical Support Toll Free at 800-928-6168 with all your Technical Questions.