When cleaning your hardwood flooring, do not use steamer machines or any of the commercial pre wet pads or disposable cloths. The liquid soap used in these products can damage most hardwood floors finishes. Prefinished hardwood floors are particularly vulnerable because of the gaps between the planks.

Many hardwood floor owners have been advised to use soap oils or vinegar and water to clean their floors, modern hardwood floor finishes get damaged by these practises, and build up with each application, and gradually dulls the appearance of the hardwood floor.

Always use a neutral ph cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floor finishes. A damp microfiber mop with a hardwood floor cleaner is the fastest and best way to deep-clean your hardwood floors without damaging them.

Wipe up spills immediately.

Vacuum, sweep or dust mop your hardwood floor once a week, or more, if needed. The vacuum head must be brush or felt.

Use interior and exterior doormats at entrances to collect dirt and moisture and prevent it from being tracked onto the floor.

Area rugs are recommended in front of kitchen sinks, at all pivot points and within high-traffic areas. The rugs must be made of a breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment.

Place runners and area rugs (with slip-resistant backings) along high-traffic areas.

Keep animal nails trimmed to prevent finish scratches.

To prevent surface damage avoid rolling heavy appliances and furniture on the floor. Use plywood or appliance lifts, if necessary.

Use Armstrong or Bruce furniture leg protector pads under all furniture legs.

Replace hard, narrow furniture rollers with wide rubber rollers.

Keep the relative humidity in your home between 30% and 35%.

Protect your floor from direct sunlight.

Use any of the following products (or products similar in nature) on your floor: ammonia based cleaners, acrylic finishes, wax based products, detergents, bleach, polishes and oil soaps, abrasive cleaning soaps or acidic materials such as vinegar.

Allow water to stand on your floor for any length of time – wipe up immediately.

Walk across your floor in poorly maintained shoes with heel taps, spike heels or with any sharp object protruding from your shoe.

Allow furniture to rest on the floor on small metal tips or hard domes.

Use rubber, foam back or plastic mats as they may trap moisture and possibly discolour your floor.

Do not use vacuums with beater bars or hard heads.