Here are a few simple steps to review that cover the basics you will
need to know to maintain the beauty of your hardwood floors...
Waterborne Wood Floor Finish: The curing process for this water
base finish takes approximately (7) days (75% cured after (1) day, 90% after
(3) days). Do not replace area rugs until the floor has fully cured.
The floor may be walked on after 24 hours, but the floor is susceptible
to scuffing or marring prior to completion of the curing time. Cleaning
with water or detergent is not allowed during the first week.
Clean floor surface using a solution of (1) part Synteko Super Clean
Concentrate in (5) parts water, when mopping with concentrated cleaner,
the mop should be wrung out extremely well, never damp mop a wood floor.
Also available is the BonaX Swedish Formula Hardwood Floor Cleaner in a
spray bottle or mop kit for your convenience. Periodically clean or replace
the cotton cover (for BonaX mop) to be sure that you remove the dirt from the
floor surface. Continued use of soiled covers will cause streaking.
IMPORTANT! NEVER POUR CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FLOOR.
Maintenance for Swedish and Waterborne Finishes:
24 hours after installation: Do not use water or any cleaning
substances on the floor for the first month after installation. Never damp mop
a wood floor. Excessive amounts of water can cause your wood floor to swell
and cup. Advise only light walking, wearing socks or other foot covering
with a soft undersurface. Heels can be very damaging to your hardwoods,
please make sure your shoes are in good repair. Make sure pets' claws are
properly trimmed to avoid excessive scratches and gouges.
3 Days after installation: Gently place furniture on the
floor (do not drag or slide furniture into place). For greater long-term
effects, use felt floor protectors on the furniture legs, which can be
purchased through Innovative Hardwoods.
2 weeks after installation: Put carpets or rugs on the floor
(mats at exterior doors trap sand and grit from incoming traffic). Shake-off
or vacuum mats daily to maximize their dirt and grit trapping ability.
All rugs should allow floors to breathe. Avoid rubber-backed or non-ventilated
rugs/mats.
Cleaning your floor: Vacuum with soft bristle brushes or use
an untreated dust mop regularly. Wipe up spills immediately using a damp
cloth or paper towel. Use a cleaner specially formulated for hardwood
floors, GLITSA CLEAN, SYNTEKO SUPER CLEAN or BONAX all are great cleaners
and can be purchased through Innovative Hardwoods. Finished floors should
never be waxed. If wax or other treatments are used, recoating may not be
possible (as in a Buff and Recoat- recommended after the first year if only
two coats of finish were applied to your floors). Keep a record of the
products used to finish and clean your wood floor, and leave this information
for the next owner if you move.
Maintenance Coats: If you follow the outlined steps above,
your floors will keep their lively appearance and will allow for successful
recoats when it's time. Now your first question probably is "How will I know
when to call for a recoat?" The best determination is if the floor doesn't
clean easily and shows signs of wear, it is most likely appropriate to apply
a new finish coat. Also if needed, we will send out a letter reminding you
that your maintenance coat is due. We hope this information has been helpful
and useful. Please call us with any questions or concerns you may have.
