Shaw Hardwood Maintenance and Care
SHAW HARDWOOD PRODUCTS
The true essence of the American home is captured in
the time-honored choice of quality hardwood flooring.
While jobsite-finished floors may be beautiful for a
while, they cannot compare to the distinctive and
inherently stronger wood floors made by Shaw
Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw).
Shaw not only produces more durable floors, but we
also offer comprehensive warranties. These products
and limited warranties allow you to choose the floor
that is right for you, your lifestyle, and your budget.
While a quality product and warranty are extremely
important, proper installation and maintenance of your
new Shaw hardwood floor is also essential to ensure
years of enjoyment.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
AND RENEWABLE RESOURCES
Shaw takes the environment seriously and supports the
best management practices for timber harvesting. Our
environmental goals include: wildlife preservation, forest
regeneration, limiting soil erosion, and making the most
efficient use of all our raw materials.
HARDWOOD FLOOR CARE AND
MAINTENANCE
Like any floor covering, our factory finished wood floors
will show signs of wear over time, depending on the size
and lifestyle of your family. By observing a few precautions
and setting up a regular cleaning routine and maintenance
program, you can expect years of beauty from your Shaw
floor. The following are examples of the reasonable and
necessary maintenance you are expected to perform.
They are not intended to be an exclusive list.
1. Sweep or vacuum regularly since built-up grit can
damage the surface of the wood. The vacuum head
must be a brush or felt type. Be certain the wheels of
the vacuum are clean and do not damage the finish. Do
not use a vacuum with a beater bar head.
2. Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and cleaning
products recommended by Shaw.
3. Never wet-mop, damp-mop, or clean your floor with
water or other products. This can severely damage the
flooring, and damage resulting from these actions may
not be covered under warranty. Do not use hardwood
floor cleaning machines or steam cleaners. See warranty
exclusions under Improper Maintenance.
4. Shaw recommends Shaw R2X ® Hard Surfaces Flooring
Cleaner applied with a terry cloth mop. Always vacuum
the floors prior to using R2X. Do not allow excess
cleaner to remain on the floor’s surface as this may
permanently damage the wood fiber.
5. Important: Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax
products, or other household cleaners that contain
citrus oils, lemon oil, tung oil, silicon, or ammonia since
these warranties do not cover damage caused by non-
recommended products. Use of these and other such
products will harm the long-term performance of your
floor and may also affect its re-coat ability.
6. Do not use 2-in-1 cleaners with polish that may contain
acrylics or urethane polish to restore gloss — damage
resulting from the use of these products may not
be covered under warranty and may produce
unsatisfactory results when not applied properly.
7. Keep pets’ nails trimmed and paws clean and free of
dirt, gravel, grease, oil, and stains.
8. Place protective felt pads beneath furniture legs and feet
to reduce scratches and dents. Replace pads as needed.
9. Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when
moving heavy objects, furniture, or appliances.
10. Make certain furniture casters are clean and operate
properly (a minimum 1"-wide vinyl surface where it
comes in contact with wood is recommended). Clean
wheels periodically to remove dirt and debris.
11. Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before
walking on floor.
12. Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the
oxidation and aging of wood. This can cause the wood
stain and/or wood to fade and/or to change color. We
recommend that you rearrange rugs and furniture
periodically so the floor ages evenly. Exotic species
such as Brazilian Cherry are more susceptible to color
change during the aging process. These warranties do
not cover damage from the sun and its UV rays.
13. Use area rugs in high-traffic areas and pivot points
(e.g., stair landings, room entries, etc.), especially if you
have a large family or indoor pets.
14. Maintain the proper relative humidity in your home
between 35% – 55%.