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Stop
Dirt and Grit
It doesn’t matter what finish you have on our floor… there
is one thing to remember. DIRT AND GRIT ACT LIKE SANDPAPER TO DESTROY
THE PROTECTIVE SURFACE OF A WOOD FLOOR. Vacuum, sweep and dust mop regularly.
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Apply
Floor Protector Pads
All "moveable" pieces of furniture need soft, clean pads on the bottom
of the legs or supports. There are many kinds of furniture.
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Use
Door Mats
Keep dirt and grit from coming in from outside areas by using walk-off
mats placed at all exterior doors.
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Use
Area Rugs
Some areas of the house experience more wear than others. Kitchens (especially
in front of the sink) always have a lot of traffic. Area rugs can be
used to protect high-traffic areas. Make sure they are kept clean and
dry. Shake them out and vacuum all throw rugs frequently.
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No
High Heels
High heels concentrate a person’s weight on a small point (estimate:
125 lb person = approximately 2,000 lbs per inch when taking a normal
step). This kind of force can dent and pit wood floors, fracture ceramic
tile and perforate vinyl. While high heels in good repair may not damage
wood floors, we recommend a "no high heel" policy.
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Pets
Are Okay
Dog and cat toenails can scratch a wood floor. It is a good idea to
trim them regularly and try to contain vigorous play to a carpeted area.
Some finishes like urethanes and Swedish-type finishes are essentially
waterproof. This is a great finish for pets’ households because pet
urine will not hurt these floors if cleaned up immediately. Also spills
from the food/water bowl are usually no problem if wiped up soon.
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Be
Careful when Moving Heavy Furniture or Appliances
Remember to pick up heavy furniture and do not slide it across the floor.
It is a good idea to rent a furniture dolly with soft rubber wheels
or an "air sled". Floor guards enable you to move your appliances forward
for servicing without gouging your floor.
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What
about Cracks in my Floor?
Wood floors are very sensitive to their surrounding climate. Seasonal
cracking is a common occurrence. They expand in humid conditions and
contract when the air becomes dry, usually due to heating. Using a humidifier
or dehumidifier in conjunction with a heating/cooling system is recommended
to keep a constant 30% to 50% humidity level. This will minimise shrinkage
and cracking.
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Indoor
Potted Plants?
Never place plants directly on a wood floor even if they are in a waterproof
saucer. Always use trivets or short stands under the pot and saucer
so that air can circulate underneath. This will prevent condensation
on the saucer from damaging the wood floor. It will also be easier to
see if the plant is over watered or if water has spilled onto the floor.
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Rug
Marks? Many people are shocked when an area rug is moved
and there is an outline of the rug on the floor. Luckily there is no
need to panic. If you remove the rug completely, the colour will blend
eventually but it will take a while. So be patient! This happens because
the sunlight hits one part of the "uncovered" floor and does not reach
the floor under the rug. This discoloration can be avoided by moving
the rugs often or by using a finish with a UV block when it is time
to refinish.
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Scratches?
The most important thing to do about scratches is to find out what caused
them. Figure it out and take some preventative measures to remedy the
problem. Scuffing or high traffic wear areas mean gritty shoes or dirty
floors. A throw rug may be needed to protect from further damage. What
can you do? Lightly scratched areas, which have not worn down to the
raw wood, can sometimes be buffed. This will shine up the area and match
the sheen of the rest of the floor, making the damage less obvious.
Several manufacturers offer their floor finish in aerosol cans. This
can be used if the finish is wearing thin. Read the directions thoroughly.
A deep scratch or gouge often cannot be repaired as easily. Usually
the only solution is to putty the mark and wait to fix it when other
work is done on the floor. Repairs often show more because the newly
repaired wood does not match the existing, older floor colour. Consult
a professional when the damage exposes the bare wood.
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