Proper care of your hardwood floor:

1. Vacuum, dust or sweep your floor once a week. The vacuum head must be brush or felt, and a wand attachment is preferable. Do NOT use vacuums with beater bars or hard heads as this can scratch the floor.

2. Spills and tracked-in dirt should be wiped up immediately.

3. Never clean or wet mop with water. Water may permanently damage the floor. Never use any of the following products (or products similar in nature) on your floor: ammonia-based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax-based products, detergents, bleach, polishes, oil soap, abrasive cleaning soap or acidic materials such as vinegar.

4. Use furniture leg protector pads under all furniture and make certain to keep them clean and well maintained.

Advice

1. Base your hardwood selection on wood hardness and durability.

2. Have your floor installed by a competent professional.

3. Keep animal nails trimmed to minimize finish scratched.

4. Avoid walking on wood floors with spike-or stiletto-heeled shoes.

5. Do not roll or slide objects directly upon the floor. When moving appliances or heavy furniture, consider laying a solid protective covering on your floor and gently "walk" the item across it.

6. Make sure the sub-floor moisture level is appropriate.

7. Make sure your home's moisture level is appropriate for hardwood flooring. Keep moisture level between 45 - 50%

8. Install only satisfactory pieces.

9. Use interior and exterior doormats at all entrances to collect dirt and moisture and prevent it from being tracked onto the floor. Area rugs are recommended in front of kitchen sinks, at all pivot points and within high traffic areas.