Hardwood Care

The do's and don'ts of hardwood care

DO

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit.
• Dry mop with Shaw Hard Surface cleaner.
• Place walk-off mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture.
• Use felt pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches.
• Clean spills with a soft cloth when they happen.
• Use ice to harden chewing gum and gently scrape with an old credit card.

DON'T

• Don't use wet mops or steam mops.
• Don't use harsh chemicals, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners.
• Don't use oil-based wax or polish on your hardwood.
• Don't drag heavy furniture across the floor.
• Don't let pet nails grow too long.
• Don't add moisture to post-construction sheetrock dust, always vacuum first!

• Spot Cleaning: Use our Spill Calculator to search for specific spills. Immediately blot spills with a clean, white, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Use a Shaw recommended neutral ph cleaner.
  
  
• Floor Protectors: Use felt floor protectors and wide-load bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize the chance of indentations and scratches in your luxury vinyl flooring from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector.

• Use Recommended Cleaner: Apply Shaw Hard Surface Cleaner with a dry mop to clean.
  
  
• Rugs: Check and clean under area rugs.
  
  
• High Traffic Areas: Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas for dirt or damage.

• Professional Cleaning: Schedule a professional cleaning anywhere from 6-18 months depending on traffic.
  
  
• Repair Damage: See guide for repair instructions.
  
  
• Move Furniture: Move furniture periodically and clean hard to reach areas.