Chesapeake Engineered Hardwood Maintenance and Care

CARE AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE

Hardwood Flooring

DAILY MAINTENANCE:

 Sweep dust mop or vacuum your floor regularly to remove any dust and particles that could cause abrasion or scratch your floor. CAUTION: Vacuum cleaners with beater bar or unprotected power rotary brush head can damage the floor. Use only vacuum cleaners which are warranted for use on hard surfaces flooring.

 Use a damp mop to remove spots and soil. Apply water or cleaning solution to the mop and not directly on the floor. o For lightly soiled area, clean with distilled water. or For moderately soiled area, use a mild solution of isopropyl alcohol and distilled mixture. o For tougher spots, use higher concentration of alcohol in the mixture. or For extreme cases, a solution acetone (nail polish remover) and water can be used. Or use a solution of mild detergent. o Always rinse the spot thoroughly and soak up residual water completely.

HINT: For best results, clean the floor in the same direction of the planks. When the cleaning cloth/mop becomes soiled, rinse or replace it with a clean one. Following up with a clean, dry cloth will remove residual streak marks and spots.

 Do NOT leave any amount of liquids (water, juice, soft drinks, spills, etc.) on the floor. Clean any wet spots immediately.

 Do NOT use a steam cleaner unless it is warranted by the manufacturer to be used on wood flooring.

 Do NOT use a dripping wet mop or douse floor with water or liquid cleaners. Liquid can seep between the cracks and cause moisture damage.  Do NOT use any cleaning agents containing wax, oil or polish. Left over residue will form a dull film.

 Do NOT use steel wool or scouring powder which will scratch the floor.

BRANDED OFF-THE-SHELF FLOORCARE PRODUCT:

If you choose to use a store-bought product, test the product in a non-conspicuous area (i.e., closet, corner, or scrap pieces) for potential adverse side effects. Always read the manufacturer instructions ensuring it is formulated for vinyl covering that you purchased.

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE:

• Protect your floor when using a dolly for moving furniture or appliances. Protective sheets and/or plywood may be needed. Never slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the floor. • Place protective pads beneath furniture legs and other heavy objects.

• Avoid excessive exposure to water from being tracked in during periods of inclement weather.

• Minimize abrasive material and dirt by placing mats on both sides of exterior doors and by using area rugs in high-traffic areas.

• Avoid rubber backed rugs as they may disintegrate over time and stick to the flooring surface. Check with manufacturer that it is safe to use on hardwood floor over time.

• Woods are light sensitive and will change in shade when exposed to light. Rearrange furniture and rugs periodically to avoid uneven color and shade changes from light exposure. Use blinds or curtain to minimize the effect of light.

• Use protective mats beneath rolling chairs and keep furniture casters clean.

• Keep pet dog or cat’s nails trimmed.

• Remove shoes with cleats, spikes or exceptionally pointy heels before walking on the floor.

CLIMATE MAINTENANCE:

• Care should be taken to control humidity levels within the 35% - 55% range. Hardwood flooring dimensions will be affected by varying levels of humidity. It will either contract or expand with the changes.

• Dry Climate Condition: A humidifier is recommended to maintain humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions during the winter months this also will cause shrinkage in flooring. Resulting in gapping.

• Humid, Wet Climate Condition: By using an air conditioner, heater, or dehumidifier proper humidity levels can be maintained to prevent excessive expansion due to high moisture content. Expansion may cause buckling or edge peaking.

• Once shrinkage or expansion has taken place, the floor will not appear as it was initially installed. This is not a manufacturing defect.

FLOOR REPAIR:

• Very light and small surface scratches can be repaired with a staining “touch up” pen of the appropriate color.

• Slightly deeper scratches can be repaired by means of colored putty and or stains. Fill the scratches with the putty. Level with putty knife. Wipe off excess putty.

• Very deep scratches may require the replacement of the planks