Maintenance Guide

MAINTENANCE GUIDE

In order to maintain the look and finish of your floor, it is important to clean and care for it on a regular basis.

The first rule of thumb is to remember that almost universally wood and water do not mix. Increase in the moisture content of your floor will result in the expansion of the wood causing difficulties with its performance. Therefore only ever use a clean damp mop when wiping the floor. Some finishes will require a soap free cleaning solution to prevent a build-up of soap film on the surface causing a clouding effect (e.g. Polyurethane finishes) and others might require a special pigmented cleaning soap (e.g. White Hardwax Oil finishes).

It is always best to consult the label of the cleaning solution to establish its contents, use and advice. 

Never use an acid based cleaning agent and always check that any disinfecting solutions are not acid based. Abrasive or scouring products must also be avoided.

Inevitably there will be times when your floor may get scratched.  Most scratches occur from movement of furniture or hard dirt underfoot. Whilst it is always difficult to prevent the latter from occurring, do keep an eye out for small grit and broken shoe heels (especially ladies heels).

The use of felt pads and castors beneath legs of furniture is imperative. Remember the smaller the surface area of the object, the greater the impact it will have on the surface of the wood.

For those using under floor heating, remember to keep the maximum surface temperature no greater than 27 degrees centigrade. This will help to keep movement in the floor to a minimum and also not damage the structure of the wood.

After time, and the initial wear and tear of settling in, it is reassuring to know that a quick and easy buffing and coating of the floor will make it as good as new.  There may also be situations were a full sanding of the floor might be required, but again this will leave the floor as new once again.

Natural oil floors will require interval top ups, especially the pigmented oil finishes such as white and charcoal. This will depend upon the traffic that the floor receives or the desired look that the client requires.

Finally, if at any time you need advise or further information, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest ebonyandco showroom, where we will be happy to assist in any way we can.