Product Care

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Prevention

• Use Walk-Off Mats: Place mats outside and inside entrances to prevent sand, dirt, and water from reaching the hardwood surface. Also, use mats in front of sinks, dishwashers, and workstations.
• Avoid Rubber-Backed Mats: Rubber-backed mats trap dirt and moisture and can damage the hardwood finish. Instead, opt for mats without rubber backing.
• Protect Furniture and Appliances: Use felt pads under furniture and appliances. Avoid dragging them across the floor to prevent scratches and damage.

Maintenance & Cleaning

• Avoid Direct Liquid Application: Do not spray cleaner or any other liquid directly onto the floor. Never use a wet mop or pour water directly onto the floor.
• No Steam Cleaners: Do not use steam cleaning machines or steam cleaners of any kind.
• Proper Vacuum Use: Use a vacuum with a soft, non-rotating brush specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid vacuums with rotating brush heads, such as a brush roll beater bar.
• Avoid Harmful Cleaners: Do not use floor wax, vinegar, ammonia-based products, oil-based detergents, or household cleaners like Murphy’s Oil Soap or Pledge. These can dull the finish or leave a greasy film and will void your flooring warranty.
• Use Recommended Cleaners: Only use floor cleaners recommended by Metro Hardwood Floors.
• Immediate Spill Cleanup: Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent damage.
• Pet Care: Regularly trim and clean your pet's nails to minimize scratches.
• Maintain Humidity: Keep the relative humidity within the manufacturer’s recommended range, typically 35%-60%.

Laminate Flooring Cleaning

• Regular Maintenance: Sweep or vacuum regularly, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways or near doors. Keep the floor as dry as possible by wiping up spills immediately.
• Periodic Cleaning: Use quality hardwood floor cleaners and a microfiber mop for periodic cleaning. Avoid using cleaners meant for other flooring types or wet mops. For more information, visit our Laminate Flooring page.

Cork Flooring Cleaning

• Follow Wood Floor Instructions: In addition to the wood floor cleaning guidelines, care for cork flooring by rotating furniture and area rugs regularly to prevent color changes from UV exposure.
• Use Drapes: Install drapes on sun-exposed windows to reduce discoloration.
• Further Information: For more details on maintaining cork flooring, refer to our Cork Flooring page.