Advanced finish technology and innovative products make wood one of the most beautiful and easy-care flooring materials today. Wood Floors Online offers these guidelines that will help preserve a beautiful finish and keep maintenance to a minimum:

Maintaining Wood Floors ~ Wood Floor Care

1. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations (when known) for the proper care of a wood floor. Get that information from your wood floor installer/retailer, and it is also a good time to purchase your wood floor care products.
2. Know the type of finish on the wood floor. Follow the proper maintenance procedures for the particular finish.
3. Never wax a urethane floor. A majority of floors installed today have urethane finishes.
4. Never use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes cause wood to become slippery and appear dull quickly. The only remedy in this situation is to sand and refinish the floor.
5. Consult with an installer, the finisher or the manufacturer if there is any doubt of the kind of floor finish.
6. Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
7. Sweep or vacuum wood floors regularly.
8. Never wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
9. Wipe up food and other spills immediately with a dry or slightly dampened towel (wipe dry).
10. For a wax floor, buff to restore shine. You may want to invest in a buffer.
11. Do not over-wax a wax floor. If the floor dulls, try buffing instead. Avoid wax buildup under furniture and other light traffic areas by applying wax in these spots every other waxing session.
12. Put plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
13. Remember: cleats, sports shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
14. When moving heavy furniture, protect wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or covering each leg with a heavy sock or half of a milk carton.
15. For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.

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