Wood Care Maintanence Tips

Grit is the number one enemy of wood floors. Things like gravel, sand, dirt, and food particles will get on your floors from both outside and inside sources. When you combine this with walking, running, sliding, and dragging things across the floor it becomes the perfect “sandpaper” to grind, dull and dent the surface and finish. Prevention of grit on your floors is a must to keep your floors beautiful long after Mr. Dust Free™ has completed the job. Ask about our maintenance program.
1. Sweep or dust mop daily if possible. Avoid the use of tough bristle brooms and vacuums and/or vacuum tools that are hard and may cause potential damage to your wood floors.
2. Good matting is the best way to minimize grit from entering your home from the outside. Avoid mats that have a vinyl, plastic, or rubber backing that can trap and keep moisture under the mat. Place mats on both the outside and inside of all entries.
3. To avoid denting and dings to your wood floor, it is best to walk on wood floors in stocking feet only and to keep pets and food dishes off of your wood floors. Stocking feet are preferred even over bare feet since the oil from the body can work against the sealer and finish on floors. If this is not practical in your home, at a minimum, avoid wearing high heels on your floors and keep pets’ nails clipped short to avoid scratching and denting to your floors.
4. When moving furniture, never drag or pull it across your wood floors. When possible, completely lift the item into place. If this is not possible, use a dolly with soft wheels (not metal) to move the item.

5. Take care of any spills on your wood floor by quickly cleaning them up with a clean soft terry cloth towel. Pay special attention to ice makers that may drop a cube or two and sit unnoticed on your floor for a long period of time. When cleaning, never use steel wool or any abrasive material to clean. Abrasion is like grit and can grind and dull the surface of your floors.
6. Felt (do not use nylon or other materials) pads should be secured to all tables, chairs and other furniture that is in contact with your wood floors. Felt pads should be replaced every three months to ensure adequate protection.
7. Sun can damage your wood floors and cause a yellow or “washed out” appearance. It is recommended that you use a sheer liner inside your drapes to deflect the ultraviolet rays from harshly affecting your wood floors finish.
8. Do not use any cleaning products that contain petroleum, waxes or vegetable oil soaps. The best cleaning products for your wood floor is a neutral pH.
9. Drips and leaks from faucets, house plants with wicker baskets around them and even from an open window can allow in moisture that can sit on your wood floor and leave permanent markings and can even rot the floor.
10. Good regular maintenance is the best defense against nasty wood floor buildup and a dull appearance. Ask about our floor maintenance program.