Do’s & Don’ts.
Laminates
DO – Sweep or vacuum often to remove loose dirt before it can scratch and damage your floor and use NAF laminate floor cleaner.
DO – Use doormats at entrances with safe backing.
DO – Make sure pet nails are trimmed and “accidents” are cleaned up immediately.
DO – When installing laminate in your basement, be sure to use a moisture barrier and control the humidity.
DO – Sweep or vacuum often to remove loose dirt before it can scratch and damage your floor and use NAF laminate floor cleaner.
DO – Use doormats at entrances with safe backing.
DO – Make sure pet nails are trimmed and “accidents” are cleaned up immediately.
DO – When installing laminate in your basement, be sure to use a moisture barrier and control the humidity.
DO NOT – Clean your laminate floor with water. Do not use any wax or cleaner that need to be mixed with water.
DO NOT – Use wax-based cleaners or harsh detergents that will dull the finish of the laminate flooring.
DO NOT – Install laminate flooring over radiant heat unless approved by the manufacturer
DO NOT – Install laminate floor in an area that will be subject to excessive moisture such as bathrooms.
DO NOT – Use steel wool or any other abrasives to clean a laminate floor.
DO NOT – Leave damp rugs on the surface of the laminate flooring for an expended period.
DO NOT – Install laminate an area that is not environmentally controlled all year long – say, in a cottage or summer home.
DO NOT – Walk on your laminate flooring with athletic spikes of high heels.
DO NOT – Install kitchen islands or cabinets directly over laminate floor.
Vinyl
DO – Place a natural or colorfast mat at outside entries to catch tracked-in dirt and moisture.
DO NOT – Use soap-based detergents or “mop and shine” products, which may leave a dull film.
DO NOT – Install kitchen islands or cabinets over vinyl floors.
DO – Prevent indentations with felt floor protectors on chairs and furniture.
DO NOT – Use abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which can leave scratches.
DO NOT – Install finishing trims too tight to the floor. You should be able to slide a sheet of paper between the two.
DO – Immediately wipe up spill or wet feet with a cloth or sponge.
DO NOT – Wax your floor.
Engineered Hardwood.
DO – Dents, scratches, etc. are unfortunately something that all hard surfaces suffer from, there are scratch removers available to help disguise regular wear and tear.
DO – A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage in floors due to low humidity. Recommended levels of 35% – 55%.
DO NOT – Clean your hardwood floor with water. Do not use any wax or cleaner that need to be mixed with water.
DO NOT – Install hardwood flooring over radiant heat unless approved by the manufacturer.
DO – Sweep or vacuum often to remove loose dirt before it can scratch and damage your floor.
DO – Move rugs occasionally to avoid uneven colour changes due to strong light.
DO – Use doormats at entrances.
DO NOT – Install hardwood flooring in an area that will be subjected to excessive moisture. This also means avoiding an installation “below grade” ( in basement for instance. ) or in bathrooms.
DO NOT – Use steel wool or any other abrasives to clean a hardwood floor.
DO NOT – Leave damp rugs on the surface of the laminate flooring for an expended period.
DO – Expect colour variations, as hardwood is a natural material.
DO – See to your pets. Nails, spills, “accidents” and other issues.
DO – Always use felt protector pads on chairs, tables, etc. Always lift furniture. Never drag items across the floor.
DO NOT – Install hardwood flooring in an area that is not environmentally controlled all year long. Say a cottage or summer home.
DO NOT – Use rubber mats, foam backed rugs or plastic as they may discolour the floor.