FAQ

Maintaining hardwood floors is made easy with modern day finishes, but it’s important to know what finish is on your floors. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Use only cleaners approved for hardwood floors.
• Use throw rugs at exterior doorways to help catch dirt.
• Do not wet mop the floor. Standing water can dull the finish and discolor the wood.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• If you have a waxed floor, do not over wax it.
• Put felt protectors on the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratching.
• Do not slide heavy furniture around on the floor or roll a refrigerator across it.
• Avoid using cleaning products that leave a residue, such as those with the words “polish” or “refresh” in the name, and furniture cleaner on your floors.
• Vinegar is no longer recommended as a cleaner due to its high acidity, which can cause premature wear of modern day finishes.
• To clean your floor, dust mop or use a vacuum with a felt/soft bristle head attachment to remove any loose dirt. Then, lightly spray your floor with your hardwood floor cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

If your floor has a film finish, such as a polyurethane or “Swedish finish,” then you should have a maintenance coat of finish applied every 5-10 years depending on wear. This will prevent walkthrough of the finish and avoid the necessity of a sand and finish.

For an oil finish, such as Pallmann Magic Oil, maintenance is slightly different. These types of finishes generally require a refresher about every 6 months and to be re-oiled every two years.

Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to maintain their finish for best results.

How To Video:

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1. Bona Polish

We frequently encounter a product that causes significant damage to floors, and it happens to be the most common culprit. Bona Polish is not intended for use as a cleaner for hardwood floors, but rather as a low-cost, thin coating that can be applied to them. With repeated application, the coating becomes thicker and prone to scuffs and scratches, which detract from the appearance of the floor. The only solution to the problem is to remove the Bona Polish completely. A specialized stripping agent has been developed by chemical engineers to accomplish this task without harming the underlying finish. We have the expertise and equipment to carry out this procedure. If the condition of the floor permits, we can then apply a fresh coat of high-quality finish to restore the floor to its former beauty.

2. Steam Mop

The biggest threat to wood is water, and it has caused more damage to floors than any other factor. Therefore, using very hot water to inject into a hardwood floor is not a good practice. This approach causes the finish to wear out prematurely and can lead to the breakdown of the wood fibers. We can detect whether a steam mop has been used to maintain a floor by observing signs such as an earlier than anticipated breakdown of the finish, and the discoloration of the edges of the boards.

3. Mop & Glo

Much like the Bona Polish, this product creates a layer on the floor that requires regular upkeep to prevent buildup.

4. Orange Glo

Similar issues as Bona Polish and Mop & Glo.

5. Pledge

In addition to creating a film on the floor, this product also causes the surface to become very slick.

6. Pine Sol

The product deposits a residue on the floor, which can accumulate and become more difficult to eliminate with time.

7. Dishsoap

There is a risk of the product leaving a layer on the surface that may eventually appear unsightly, but there is also the possibility of it contaminating the floor and causing problems when applying a new finish in the future.

8. Vinegar

Even though vinegar does not leave behind any residue, it has a high level of acidity that can cause damage to the modern finishes of hardwood floors with repeated applications. This may result in premature wear and tear of the finish coating.

9. Murphy Oil Soap

Similar to other products, this one leaves a residue that could lead to issues when applying a finish coat, potentially causing it to fail.

10. Sponge Mop

Avoid using sponge or string mops to clean your floors, as they saturate the surface with excessive amounts of water that can result in buckling or water stains over time.

If you’re planning on installing new hardwood floors or stairs, or refinishing your existing ones, it’s important to keep in mind that the process may require some additional touch-up work. Specifically, baseboards, walls, and skirt boards may need to be touched up with paint after the installation or refinishing process is complete.

To help maintain the quality and integrity of your hardwood floors, we recommend implementing a few simple practices.

Firstly, we suggest placing new felt pads on all furniture to avoid scratches and damage to the floor.

Secondly, we advise against using area rugs for the first two weeks after installation or refinishing, to allow the finish to cure properly.

Finally, we always recommend enforcing a no-shoes rule for in-home use, as outdoor shoes can track in dirt, debris, and moisture, all of which can harm your floors.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your hardwood floors remain in top condition for years to come.

If you’re planning on lacing in new hardwood to an existing floor, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be some initial color differences between the new and old wood. This is because new wood tends to have a different color and texture than older wood that has had time to patina and age. However, over time, you can expect the new wood to blend in and patina, creating a more seamless and cohesive look with the existing floor. With proper maintenance and care, you can help to ensure that your new hardwood floor looks great for years to come. So don’t be discouraged by initial color differences – with a bit of time and patience, your new floor will blend in beautifully with your existing flooring.

The simple answer: Yes

Typical cleaning methods can effectively remove dirt, grime, and grease from your hardwood floors, but over time these substances can accumulate and create a residue that regular cleaning can’t eliminate. When this happens, it’s advisable to contact us for a professional deep cleaning service that uses specialized equipment and industrial-grade cleaners to thoroughly cleanse your floors. We recommend scheduling this service at least once a year, or more frequently if needed.

During the deep cleaning process, we start by using our professional-grade vacuums to remove loose dirt from the floors. We then use our scrubbing equipment and specialized cleaners to eliminate the stubborn buildup of dirt and grime, leaving your floors looking spotless.

If your finish appears worn, we can also apply a maintenance coat of finish to keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come, avoiding the need for a costly sand and refinish. We suggest applying a coat of finish every 5-7 years, depending on usage.