Care & Maintenance Guidelines
Congratulations in purchasing your quality Engineered Oak flooring. To protect your investment we strongly recommend that you follow these simply care & maintenance guidelines to keeping your floor looking the best.
Damp Cleaning
Using the Bona Spray Mop is the easiest and most effective way of cleaning wood floors. Simply spray and wipe the floor clean. The Mop pack includes full cartridge of Multi purpose cleaner for oiled or lacquered floors and a microfibre pad which is washable. You can use your traditional mop with the correct cleaner if you wish.
Make sure you DO....
On Going Maintenance
It is important to allow the finish on your floor to fully cure; this can take up to 10 days after finishing. To achieve this we advise you do not wet the floor but simply sweep or vacuum.
1.
On Going Maintenance
Use a damp cloth to blot spills and spots as soon as they occur. Always avoid allowing liquids to stand on your floor
2.
On Going Maintenance
Sweep, dust or vacuum the floor regularly with the hard floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt or grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.
3.
On Going Maintenance
Weekly wipe the floor with a damp mop or cloth, micro fibre cloths and mops give the best performance. Using the recommended cleaner for your floor
4.
On Going Maintenance
Use protective mats- good quality entry and exit mats will help collect dirt, sand, grit and other substances that can damage your floor. Do not use rubber or foam backed plastic mats as these may discolour your floor. To prevent slippage use an approved vinyl rug underlay mat.
5.
On Going Maintenance
Use floor protectors on furniture- this will minimise indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector should be. Avoid sharp or pointed objects from scratching your floor.
6.
On Going Maintenance
Watch your pets feet- keep your pets nails trimmed to keep them from scratching the floor
7.
On Going Maintenance
In order for your product to perform adequately for years to come it is important that the relative humidity and temperature parameters are between 45 - 65% are consistent within the property at all times. On some occasions properties with poor ventilation or very high levels of heating and insulation can have very low humidity levels, particularly during colder months. In this situation there is a risk of shrinkage and possible even structural deficiencies within the product. A hygrometer is an instrument used for measuring the moisture content in the atmosphere or Fid Box which is fitted under the floor and monitors environmental conditions. If these readings are out of the parameter a re-humidifier would be recommended.
8.
Make sure you DON'T....
X
Use abrasive or solvent based cleaners.
X
Use steel wool or scouring powder.
X
Steam or wet mop the floor as this may cause swelling, warping, delaminating, and joint separation.
X
Stick any adhesive tape direct to floor.
Keep Your Engineered Wood Flooring Dry
While the floor may cope better with water than a solid one this does not mean it can be allowed to get soaking wet. When cleaning the floor only limited amounts of water should be used, so a mop should be damp rather than sopping wet. Similarly, standing water should not be left on the surface.
Scratches and Dents
As with any wooden floor, there is the danger of scratches or dents. Items to avoid include stiletto heels or contact with abrasive furniture. Castors and table legs can be isolated from the surface by placing furniture pads underneath, preventing damage. Also, dust can cause damage if it is allowed to build up, by inflicting minute scratches that build up a cumulative level of damage over time.
This should be swept, mopped or vacuumed up frequently and you can limit the amount of dirt or grit getting on to the floor in the first instance with well-placed mats. The best place of all to put a mat is by the door so when people enter they can wipe their feet.
Spills and Stains
Spillages should be dealt with quickly for two reasons. As mentioned above, there is the issue of the effects of water in making wood expand. Also, chemicals like ink, blood or wine are more likely to leave a stain if they are allowed to dry. If your floor has a lacquered or oiled finish, this may give some protection against such staining. Some kinds of coating actually harden over time, making them easier to clean and maintain, but be prepared to coat it with a new layer if this does wear off.
If you have a lacquered wood floor, we recommend that you use a lacquer soap on the product as soon as it is installed, as this will help it with the hardening process. Thereafter, wood cleaner and lacquer care can be used to help keep the floor in top condition.
Engineered wood flooring will, if looked after properly, stand the test of time and be a beautiful addition to your home. By following the right measures to maintain the floor and prevent damage, you will ensure that it stays looking great for many years.