Care for ALL Wood Floors


Do's:

Do: Place Protector pads on ALL furniture legs on wood floor

Do: Place walk off mats and area rugs in high traffic areas (make sure they stay dry and are cleaned underneath often)

Do: Perform routine maintenance as recommended by manufacturer, this should include sweeping, vacuuming (with a soft brush attachment) and/or dust mopping to remove dirt and grit. Keep this as a regularly scheduled event, and stick to it. Always perform this process before and after a major event that involves a high volume of traffic on the floor.

Do: Use the proper cleaning pad with the manufacturer recommended cleaning solution. The pad should be slightly damp and well rung out. Make sure ALWAYS to use a clean pad/cloth each time your start the cleaning process. These pads can be washed after excessive buildup.

Do: Keep high heel shoes in good repairs , as well as keeping your pets nails trimmed on a regular bases

Do Not's:

Do Not: Use WET mops

Do Not: Use ammonia

Do Not: Use dust cleaners

Do Not: Track dirt, clean immediately

Do Not: Use other floor cleaning products

Do Not: Wax a urethane finish- NEVER !


Three simple steps:

1. Vacuum
2. Spray the proper cleaning solution
3. Clean with proper mop

Specific Types of Finishes

Learn More Types of Wood Floor Finishes

Acrylic-Impregnated ( 2 types: WITH and WITHOUT urethane coatings)

*Non-urethane: Low speed buffing with proper cleaning products and pad as recommended by manufacturer
*Use proper dust mop treatments
*White products require special procedures, making sure never to use water or petroleum based products
*Screening (light sanding) in addition to above procedures may be required
*Always follow manufacturers recommendations, and if in doubt, check with a local professional wood floor contractor

Surface Finishes-(includes conversion varnish, moisture-cured urethane, oil-modified polyurethane, and water-based urethane)

*Follow of complete program of proper maintenance procedures (see above)
*Always follow and use manufacturers suggest products and procedures, if product manufacturer is unknown, use GENERIC HARDWOOD FLOOR CLEANER available at local wood floor retail outlets
*Warranties by most manufacturers are VOIDED if oil soap and products containing wax cleaners are used
*Wipe and clean immediately all spills, and dirt tracking. Stubborn stains should be cleaned with proper cleaning solution as recommended by manufacturer, using a soft dampened cloth. For stubborn stains repeat using wood floor cleaner & soft cloth
*NEVER use a wax or wax based products over surface finishes. NOTE: This can be a VERY DANGEROUS !
*If finish losses it's luster, screening (light sanding) and recoating may be necessary . This should be done ONLY by a professional wood floor contractor (See details below)


Wax Finish

*Always immediately wipe spills with a soft dry cloth, buffing may be necessary
*White spots from water can be rubbed out with a fine steel wood and a small amount of mineral spirits, re-wax and buff as needed to match
*Buffing areas of heavy traffic will return luster, if not re-waxing may need to occur for that area, with buffing the blend


*Cleaners, and manufacturers conditioners can be used over waxed floors, always paying careful attention to manufactures directions and procedures
*NEVER use a wax finish over surface finishes. This can be a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION

NOTE: Wood floors that have been waxed over and over through the years, may be a serious concern if refinishing (to bare wood). Surface finishes may not and more than most, will NOT adhere properly (a sure sign is prolonged drying time), and/or if it does adhere , failure is almost certain as wear will become excessive early on.

Recoating Fast Facts : Buffing, Recoating, Screening and Resanding a hardwood floor should be performed by an experienced hardwood floor professional. Some Hardwood floors can not be successfully recoated, as those with different light exposure that have caused discoloration under area carpets, or those improperly cleaned with oil soaps, other cleaning solutions, all contaminating the floor which will cause guaranteed failure.

*Worn areas (through the finish and/or stain) to bare wood can not be recoated to give desired results, refinishing must occur
*Oil soaps, improper cleaning products, and other unknown contaminates can cause assured recoat failure
*Screening (light sanding with proper grit screen/paper) will ensure proper adhesion of the new finish
*Prefinished or factory finished floors can be screened and recoated following manufacturers direction, using the proper/compatible finish.

When your hard wood floor needs extra care.
Damp mopping.
Maintenance coat.
Removing stains in waxed floors.
Removing stains and repairing surface finishes.
Squeaks.


CLEAN FLOORS

How to clean floors?

How to clean and maintain Wood Floors


Sealer's Choice Gold
AQUA MIX SEALER'S CHOICETM GOLD is a premium, no-sheen, natural-look, water-based, penetrating sealer formulated to provide maximum stain protection, especially in food preparation and serving areas. May also be used as a pre-grouting sealer. Allows moisture vapor transmission. It is also an excellent grout sealer.
Use on all natural stone (such as marble, granite, slate, travertine, and limestone), porcelain, quarry, saltillo, terra cotta, cement pavers, masonry surfaces, and other porous tile and grout where a natural look is desired. Effective for interior and exterior applications.


Grout Sealer
AQUA MIX GROUT SEALER is a water-based sealer that resists water, oil and acid-based contaminants. Simplifies maintenance and does not change the appearance of the grout. Allows moisture vapor transmission.
Uses: Suitable for interior and exterior use on cementitious sanded and unsanded grout joints. 2 (930 to 1,860 m2)

Enrich'N'Seal
AQUA MIX ENRICH'N'SEALTM is a premium, no-sheen, enhanced-look penetrating sealer formulated to darken, enrich and highlight the character and beauty of unsealed natural stone. It rejuvenates the color and improves the appearance of worn and weathered stone. May also be used as a pre-grouting sealer. Allows moisture-vapor transmission. It also effectively seals and darkens the color of grout joints.
Uses: Use on unsealed natural stone such as marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, quartzite and sandstone. Effective for interior and exterior applications..


Stone Enhancer
AQUA MIX STONE ENHANCER is an excellent, no-sheen, enhanced-look penetrating sealer formulated to darken and highlight the character and beauty of unsealed natural stone. It rejuvenates the color and improves the appearance of worn and weathered stone. May also be used as a pre-grouting sealer. Allows moisture-vapor transmission. It also effectively seals and darkens the color of grout joints.
Uses: Use on unsealed natural stone such as unpolished marble, granite, slate, limestone, travertine, quartzite and sandstone. Effective for interior and exterior applications.

Heavy-Duty Tile & Grout Cleaner
AQUA MIX HEAVY-DUTY TILE & GROUT CLEANER is a concentrated, high-alkaline cleaner and degreaser. Effectively removes grease, soap scum, body oil, mildew stains, and algae from areas that have been neglected or subjected to heavy use. Especially formulated to strip off synthetic and acrylic waxes and floor finishes.
Uses: Use on natural stone (such as granite, limestone, slate, and travertine), ceramic, porcelain, quarry, saltillo, terra cotta, cement pavers, masonry surfaces, linoleum, or resilient flooring.


Stone Deep Clean
AQUA MIX STONE DEEP CLEAN is a concentrated heavy-duty cleaner and degreaser designed to clean stone surfaces that have been neglected or subjected to heavy use. Effectively removes dirt, grease, and grime. Also removes waxes and floor finishes.
Uses: Use on all natural stone (such as granite, limestone, slate, and travertine), ceramic, porcelain, grout, quarry, saltillo, terra cotta, cement pavers, masonry surfaces, linoleum, or resilient flooring.

Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner
AQUA MIX CONCENTRATED STONE & TILE CLEANER is a super-concentrated, cleaner formulated for everyday use. This neutral cleaner, when used regularly, prevents soap scum build up and hard water deposits. Leaves a room smelling clean and fresh.
Uses: Use on natural stone (such as granite, limestone, marble, slate, and travertine), ceramic, porcelain, grout, quarry, saltillo, terra cotta, cement pavers, masonry surfaces, and other water-safe surfaces.


Stone Clean & Shine
AQUA MIX STONE CLEAN & SHINE is a spray-and-buff cleaner that is designed to enhance the natural beauty of the stone as it cleans. Regular use helps protect factory polish.
Uses: Use on all SEALED, polished natural stone (such as granite, limestone, marble, slate, and travertine), countertops, and non-traffic surfaces.


Antibacterial Cleaner
This product not only helps control the hazards of cross-contamination on treated, hard, nonporous, environmental surfaces, but also kills many microorganisms that cause odors. Is recommended for disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces. Is formulated for use in the household (homes), schools, colleges, and office buildings.
Kills household germs; effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Athlete's Foot Fungus). Virucidal against Herpes Simplext Virus Type 2 (Herpes) and Influenza Type A/Brazil (Influenza).
Uses: KITCHEN: Kitchen floors collect both traffic dirt and kitchen germs. Use anywhere greasy dirt is a problem.
BATHROOM: Great for cleaning and deodorizing basins, tubs, and tiles. Leaves everything bright and clean, kills odor-causing bacteria. Odors disappear instantly. Use where odors are a problem.


Poultice Stain Remover
AQUA MIX POULTICE STAIN REMOVER is a dual purpose, non-acidic problem solver. It is an absorptive clay that is designed to remove deep-set oil and grease stains without scrubbing. It is also a fine abrasive cleaning powder that removes stubborn surface stains and light grout haze.
Uses: Use on all natural stone (such as granite, limestone, marble, slate, and travertine), porcelain, quarry, saltillo, terra cotta, cement pavers, masonry surfaces, and other porous tile and grout.


CLEANERS:





Butcher's Wax has been an American favorite since 1880. Great on Floors, Sculptures, Concrete Countertops, Painted Surfaces, Metal, Cooper and many other surfaces that need protection without discoloration. 16 oz. can. Usually ships within 1-2 days. ABSOLUTE BEST WAX!

Online Store
PolyCare Cleaner
Bruce Armstrong Floor Cleaner
Shaw Cleaner
Mohawk Cleaner
Mannington Cleaner
Kahrs Cleaner
Tarkett Cleaner
Pergo Cleaner
Basic Cleaner
Bona Cleaner
WoodWise Cleaner
Minwax Cleaner
Ceramic Porcelain Tile Cleaner
Carpet Rug Cleaner
Granite Marble Tile Countertop Cleaner
Microfiber Cloth/Mop


Online Floor Care StoreHardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaners:
Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner Spray(32oz); Sale Price: $8.99;
Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner Refill; Price: $10.50;
Bona Swedish Formula Hardwood Floor Cleaner 32 oz.Price: $8.99;
Bona Swedish Formula Hardwood Floor Care System; Price: $32.80;
Bona Hardwood FloorWipe System; Price: $24.80;
Bona MicroPlus™ Floor Cleaning Pad 4"x15"; Price: $10.20;
Bona MicroPlus™ Cleaning Cover Twin Pack (for FloorWipe Kits) 8"x15"; Price:$18.20;
Bruce Dura-Luster® No-Wax Hardwood Floor Cleaner 32 oz.;Price: $9.99;
Mohawk Hard Surface Cleaner-FloorCare Essentials Cleaner;Sale Price: $8.99;
Pergo Laminate Floor Cleaner Spray; Price: $8.95;
Kahrs Hardwood Floor Cleaner 32oz. Spray; Price: $14.4;
PolyCare Ready To Use Wood Floor Cleaner 20 oz Spray;Price: $5.95;
PolyCare Concentrate Wood Floor Cleaner 20 oz.; Price: $6.90;
PolyCare Hardwood Floor Scuff Remover 20 oz.; Price: $8.95;Floor Care Kit:
Armstrong Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaning System;Sale Price: $29.99;
Bruce Dura-Luster® Floor Care Kit; Price: $24.95;
Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Hard Surface Care Kit;Price: $49.00;
PolyCare Floor Mop Kit; Sale Price: $23.95;
Mohawk Carpet Care Kit (Carpet Cleaner Spray Kit);Sale Price: $24.29;
Kahrs Hardwood Floor Care Kit; Price: $38.00;Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Cleaner:
Mohawk Hard Surface Cleaner; Sale Price: $8.99;
Mohawk Tile & Grout Cleaner; Price: $9.99;Carpet and Rug Cleaner:
Mohawk Carpet Care Kit (Carpet Cleaner Spray Kit);Sale Price: $24.29;
Mohawk Carpet Spot Remover (Spray); Price: $9.99;
Mohawk Odor Eliminator; Price: $9.99;

Simple Wood Floor Cleaner GREEN GUIDE

By Solvie Karlstrom All Posts
Filed under: Cleaning products, Floors
10:04 am - January 5, 2007

We finally removed the big old rug remnant in the centermost space of our apartment that we got for our kids to play on nearly two decades ago. We replaced it with an area rug made of natural fibers, no glues and colors, derived from tea. The new rug is likely to last much longer, it being of better quality, but it is smaller than the old remnant exposing a foot-wide ring of wood floor in serious need of attention. Rather than use a commercial floor cleaner, I looked up the incredibly simple recipe my friend had shared with me - 1 cup white vinegar (or 1/4 cup borax) to a gallon of water. I added a little bit of liquid soap this time, to help with a few sticky spots. After a good cleaning and then a rinsing to make sure no soap residue was left behind, the luster of the wood was fully restored and the room was filled with a light clean smell, not overwhelmed by the fragrances of a store bought brand. I think sometimes that I can see where the old rug used to be, but I think that's just my eyes playing tricks on me. The floor looks great.
For other simple recipes for home cleaners, as well as lists of non-toxic store brands, see our guide to Household Cleaning Products.© The Green Guide, 2007
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