HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW WOOD FLOORING Flooring decor and ideas, you buy the goods, we install 904-290-9370

Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a brand new, shiny hardwood floor. OK, there is still a little more cleaning and dusting that needs to be done, and maybe a few more nail holes to fill, but you just can't wait for friends and family to see your new purchase. But before you show off your new wood floors, take a quick trip back to your wood flooring supplier for a few necessities.

Immediately after your floor project is completed, protect your investment.

Most homeowners are devastated when they see that first scratch on their new wood floor. True, scratches are inevitable, but they always occur before they're expected. Who can we blame this on, the movers, the appliance delivery man, the painter, the family dog? No wood floor is impervious to scratching, but here are a few helpful bits of advice that will start you out on the right foot:

1. Purchase a floor cleaning kit for polyurethane finishes.

Kit should include mop with handle and spray cleaner. Many kits may be used for cleaning and dust mopping. Save yourself a trip or two, purchase additional mop covers and cleaner concentrate while you're there. If your floor finish is other than polyurethane, contact Jeffco for instructions.

2. Purchase and install floor protectors on all your furniture legs.

Buy tap-in protectors for furniture that is frequently moved such as kitchen and dining room chairs and barstools, stick-ons will slide off quickly. For pieces that are not moved such as end tables and china cabinets, adhesive protectors are fine. We have found that felt/wool blend protectors hold up extremely well. Make certain you measure all the furniture legs before purchasing.

3. Place rugs at all exterior doors.

You are well ahead of the game if you can keep the grit from reaching your wood flooring, and if possible, place mats inside exterior doors and outside. As well, a rug is a good idea at the kitchen sink (the highest traffic area in the house). Aside from the task of placing rugs, there is simply no substitute for leaving your shoes in the garage.

4. Maintain your dog's claws.

The quickest way to make a new floor look old is to introduce a medium to large dog, a young one with lots of energy. Dogs destroy wood floors. As referenced in "EXPECTATIONS", dog claws compress wood through the finish, but if you can keep the claws trimmed down on a regular basis, wear can be minimized. And try to feed the dog somewhere besides on the wood floors in the kitchen, dogs become excited before feeding, compounding claw damage.

5. Inspect high heel shoes.

High heels can be destructive to wood flooring. If the protective rubber heel cap wears off, a metal rod is exposed, which leaves a small dent in wood flooring. Make certain that all heel caps are maintained.

6. Dust mop frequently, clean occasionally.

Dust mopping is perhaps the single-most important task that will ensure your wood floor's beauty for many years. Simple dust mopping (or vacuuming with soft bristles) removes the grit which causes wear.... no grit -- no wear -- no dulling floor finish. When cleaning, lightly dampen floor or cleaning pad, never wet mop. Never use ammonia for cleaning floor finish, and don't use wax or polish, they will cause failure in future top coating.

Please reach out to us at Everett Flooring Sercies of Jacksonville, Fl 904-2909370

or our web page at http://everettflooringservices.com