| Hardwood floors are a lifelong investment, and as a | | | | either a swivel-head mop or a swiffer. |
| homeowner, you want to be sure that you're doing | | | | 5) Stay away from ammonia, vinegar, oil, water, or |
| everything possible to protect that investment. | | | | wax-based cleaners and soaps, bleach, or any other |
| Granted most flooring brands, like Bruce Hardwood | | | | acidic or abrasive cleaning solution. Use only products |
| floors and BR111 Exotic Hardwood Flooring, offer | | | | that are recommended for not just hardwood floors, |
| lifetime warranties on products, but most of those | | | | but your specific floor. |
| warranties only encompass protection on flooring | | | | 6) For pet stains or liquid spills, use a specialized spray |
| finishes. So what steps can you, as a homeowner, | | | | solution and wipe with a soft cloth. Again, only use a |
| take to ensure your beautiful new floor always looks | | | | solution, such as Bruce's cleaner for this. Rub gently |
| its best? | | | | to remove. |
| 1) You should vacuum or dust and mop your floor | | | | 7) For oil spills, grease, cosmetic spills (lipstick), ink |
| once a week or even more frequently if you have | | | | spills, or rubber marks from sneakers, you may need |
| children, pets, or simply track lots of dirt and sand | | | | to use something a little stronger, such as Bruce |
| into your home. If you are going to vacuum, make | | | | Clean 'n' Strip, or BR111 PolyCare Scuff Remover. |
| sure it's a wand head. Do not use beater bars or hard | | | | 8) Use rugs at all entrance ways and near faucets to |
| heads. | | | | eliminate the potential for excess dirt and water. |
| 2) If you spill something or track in dirt, dry mop it up | | | | 9) Avoid walking around your home in stiletto or high |
| right away. Sand and dirty act as buffers and will | | | | heels, and keep your pets' nails trimmed to avoid |
| gradually wear away the sealant on your floor. | | | | scratching. |
| 3) Some brands, like Bruce Hardwoods, have actually | | | | 10) Slide protective rubber furniture rollers underneath |
| cleaning products designed specifically to work with | | | | furniture to prevent scuffing when moving. |
| the finishes of their floors, such as Bruce Hardwood | | | | While these are just some general tips recommended |
| and Laminate Floor Cleaner, or BR111 PolyCare Spray | | | | for hardwood floors, talk to a hardwood flooring |
| Cleaner along with a swivel-head mop with a | | | | specialist, or the technician who installed your floor to |
| microfiber or terry cloth cover. The cleaning solution | | | | learn about proper maintenance. All flooring |
| in the product is designed to remove spills, dirt, and | | | | manufacturers have different cleaning products |
| oil, without harming the finish of the floor. | | | | designed to work with their flooring finishes, and it's |
| 4) Never clean or mop your floor with wet water. | | | | best to follow the recommended guidelines. |
| Excess water will damage your floor. Instead, use | | | | |