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For The ProsTroubleshootingWith proper maintenance, the natural glow of a wood floor and furniture will beautify your client's home for years to come. Here's how to protect wood floors from many common problems: Problem: Foot traffic can grind abrasive dust particles into your wood floor's finish, weakening it over time. The abrasion can results in scratches, haziness, and areas of unfinished raw wood.
Solution: Regularly sweep, dust mop, or vacuum wood floors. Wash with Murphy® Oil Soap as directed to remove particles that get left behind.
Problem: Moving appliances or heavy furniture can leave scratches and gouges in wood floors.
Solution: Protect the floor with a quarter-inch masonite panel, smooth side down.
Problem: Grease and smoke can build up a hard film which resists dusting and dulls the finish.
Solution: Wash surfaces regularly with Murphy Oil Soap, used according to label directions, to remove film and prevent buildup.
Problem: Extremely dry or humid air can cause wood floors to buckle or crack.
Solution: Maintain proper moisture levels with a humidifier in dry winter months and a dehumidifier in humid weather, in conjunction with heating or air conditioning.
Problem: Waxes, oils, and silicones can interfere with refinishing of polyurethane surfaces.
Solution: The National Wood Flooring Association recommends a thorough cleaning using trisodium phosphate (TSP) in water. TSP is available at any hardware store.
Problem: Worn or older wood finishes are especially vulnerable to excess water, which can cause white spots or haziness. Eventually it can damage the wood itself.
Solution: Place coasters or pads under flower pots, vases, or drinks placed on a floor. Always remove excess liquid with a soft, dry cloth after routine washings with any cleaning product. If the finish shows signs of wear, the client should consult you, a wood care professional.
Problem: Direct sunlight can lighten exposed wood floors and bleach any stains already in the finish.
Solution: When possible, protect wood flooring from direct sunlight with decorative rugs or by drawing curtains during the sunniest time of day.
Problem: Ammonia will damage or dull wood floors if used as a floor cleaner.
Solution: Use gentle Murphy Oil Soap to clean wood surfaces. Never use a cleaner containing ammonia on wood floors.
Problem: Wood floors in high-traffic areas can collect scratches, marks, and scuffs from high heels, your pet's claws, and other foot traffic.
Solution: Use walkoff mats, quarter-inch masonite panels, or decorative rugs to protect the floor's surface in a high-traffic area. To remove heel marks on a wax finish, rub with fine steel wool and a wood floor cleaner like Murphy Oil Soap. Wipe the spot dry and polish. If the floor has a wax finish, reapply wax in the affected spot.
Birger Juell
Birger Juell Ltd. NWFA Floor of the Year Winner
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