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General Maintenance & Cleaning Instructions for Hardwood Floors

Place walk-off mats and area rugs at entrances and high traffic areas, such as doors, in front of the kitchen sink, and at the bottom of staircases. This will help trap dirt and other material, which can scratch your floor. The mats should be cleaned on a regular basis. These mats should occasionally be moved, with special attention given to mats and rugs that are in direct sunlight, so as to avoid "picture framing". Do not use mats or rugs until at least 2 weeks after the finish has been applied to allow time for the finish to properly cure.

Do not use water, vinegar, or any combination there of on your floor. This means you should not wet mop your floor. Water can and will damage your floor. A wet rag may be used for cleaning up spills but be sure to thoroughly dry the floor afterward. Additionally, vinegar is acidic, and will break down the finish on your floor over time.

For all urethane finished floors, use Bona maintenance and cleaning products. If you don't know the type of finish on your floor, consult a flooring professional. Typically, if you have purchased your floor or had it refinished in the last 10-15 years, you most likely have a urethane finish. Other possibilities include penetrating oil, varnish, or wax floor finishes, especially if your home is older. Finishes like wax require very specific maintenance procedures, so be sure and consult the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining those types of floors. Old finishes like wax may also be sanded down and refinished with a new urethane finish. Polyurethane finishes are far superior to wax finishes in that they are more durable and much easier to clean.

Floor maintenance products that are sold at large grocery, chain, or "big box" stores ARE NOT recommended for use on your hardwood floor. These products claim to be suitable for use on hardwood floors, but only quality floor maintenance products designed specifically for hardwood floors available from your local floor covering dealer or flooring professional should be used. Erickson's recommends Bona maintenance products for all urethane finish cleaning and maintenance.

Do not use solvent based (petroleum based products) cleaner, such as Dura Seal Wax & Cleaner, on urethane finished floors. These types of cleaners will damage a urethane finish. Conversely, using urethane finish maintenance products will damage a floor finished with wax or penetrating stain.

Place felt pads under all furniture. This will help prevent scratching and scuffing from the furniture moving across the floor. Erickson's recommends Glitsa Safe-Glides felt pads.

High heels can dent a hardwood floor, regardless of the type of floor or species of wood. This is not an indication of a failure of the floor or the finish, but rather a result of the immense pressure exerted from a high heel. As a general guide, an average size woman wearing high heels exerts approximately the same amount of pressure, per square inch, that an elephant does. Also, softer woods, such as pine and American Cherry, will dent much easier than oak, maple, or Brazilian cherry.

If the finish on your floor is beginning to show wear, it is probably time to have your floor refinished by a professional. There are several options available, depending upon the condition of your floor. These options include a process called "pad and recoat", or sanding your floor down to bare wood and applying new stain and finish. Erickson's recommends Bona and Glitsa water-based polyurethane finish systems. These finishes are environmentally friendly, low odor, scratch and scuff resistant, with lasting durability. Contact Erickson's or your local flooring professional for further information on refinishing your hardwood floors.

Dustless floor sanding and refinishing is now available due to advancements in technology. Be sure and ask your flooring professional about dustless sanding and refinishing options. Erickson's recommends Bona and Ceno dustless sanding equipment.