Follow these tips for care and cleaning of your hardwood.

Use Area Rugs

Use quality area rugs inside entryways to prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked onto your hardwood floor. To prevent slippage, only use a quality vinyl rug pad from your retailer. Don't use rubber, foam back or plastic pads as they may discolor the floor. Avoid excessive exposure to water from tracking during periods of inclement weather.

Area rugs and furniture should be rearranged occasionally as they block sunlight, which may give the appearance of discoloring under the rug. UV sunlight and direct lighting will change the color of different wood species to varying degrees.

Minimize Natural Expansion and Contraction

Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level of 40% to 60% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of wood. A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage of wood floors due to low humidity levels. This is especially important during the winter or when using a wood stove or electric heat, which tends to cause very dry conditions. In damp conditions, proper humidity levels can be maintained with an air conditioner, dehumidifier or by periodically turning on your heating system during the summer months.

Protect Your Floor from Marring

All wood floors can be scratched, gouged or dented. Sharp or pointed objects, severe impact or concentrated weight can damage your wood floor. Don't walk on your floor with "stiletto-style" heels as they may cause indentations. Keep all pets' nails trimmed and filed in order to minimize scratches.

General Care and Cleaning

Damp mopping is appropriate for some finishes — see your manufacturer's care instructions for guidelines. Never clean or wet mop your hardwood floor with water; it can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor. Do not use any wax or cleaner that must be mixed with water, such as oil soap, as this may ruin your floor and result in the loss of the warranty.

Do not use wax, polish, abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder.

Wood Flooring With a Urethane Finish

When a spill occurs, spot clean by applying the manufacturer's recommended "no wax" cleaner onto a clean cloth and rubbing it onto the spot. More stubborn stains may require additional scrubbing with the appropriate scrub pad. Never topically apply wax to your urethane floor. Periodically clean your floor by applying the recommended cleaner to a dampened sponge mop. DO NOT allow puddles of cleaner to remain on the floor's surface. Excess liquid may damage the fiber of the wood.