Preventive Maintenance

• 1). Put mats or rugs at entrances to the rooms with oak floors. Areas of the floor that see a high amount of traffic or are likely to get wet, such as in front of the refrigerator or kitchen sink, should also be protected with a rug or mat. Rugs and mats help catch dirt and debris that may scratch the oak flooring.
  
  
• 2). Cover windows that allow direct sunlight to hit the oak floors to prevent fading. Hang curtains or UV-resistant film on large windows and doors.
  
  
• 3). Put felt contact pads under the legs of furniture that sits on the oak flooring. This helps prevent scratches and dents in the floor. When moving furniture in a room with oak flooring, be sure to lift the furniture instead of dragging it.
  
  
• 4). Check the finish on oak floors twice a year to see if it's still protecting the wood from damage. Start in an area of the floor with high traffic. Pour 1 tbsp. of water onto the floor. If the water beads up, the finish is fine. If the water immediately soaks into the wood and leaves a dark spot, the finish is worn and must be replaced promptly. If the water takes a few minutes to soak into the wood and only darkens the wood slightly, the finish is partially worn and needs to be replaced soon. Check with the manufacturer of your oak flooring for details on refinishing the floor.
  
  

Cleaning

• 1). Blot up spills or liquids on the floor promptly. Letting water or moisture sit on an oak floor for any length of time can cause warping or damage.
  
  
• 2). Remove loose dirt and dust from the floor with a soft broom, dust mop or vacuum cleaner at least once a week. If using a vacuum cleaner, make sure the head is made of felt or brush material. It's essential to do this often; rocks, sand, dirt and other grit can scratch the floor.
  
  
• 3). Clean oak flooring with a microfiber mop and hardwood floor cleaner. Check with the manufacturer of your floor for specific products recommended for use on your oak flooring. Never wet or damp mop your floor, as this can cause irreversible damage. Absolutely avoid oil soaps, detergents, ammonia, wax and acrylic-based products, acidic products and abrasive soaps.