Cleaning & Care
Immediately – clean up any liquid or water based spills or potentially staining marks using a dry, clean cloth. Although some floors are resistant to most spots and stains, some materials or colourants (such as tar, grease, oil, dyes, waxes, ball point, marker pens, pet mishaps or foods/beverages containing strong dyes such as mustard, curry, cordial, coffee, tea etc.) may under certain conditions migrate into the wear layer causing indelible stains.
Daily, or as required – remove any loose dirt or grit which could damage the floor by sweeping with a soft dry broom or vacuum (preferably with an effective dust filter and suction nozzle for hard surfaces and turning off power head, if installed).
Weekly – clean using a waterless (ph neutral) timber floor cleaning fluid and micro fibre mop, otherwise mop the floor using a well rung out damp mop (the floor should be dry 15 seconds after mopping) and a non-abrasive soap-free cleaner suitable for timber floors to remove any footprints, dirt and other stains or marks. Never flood the floor with water. Excessive water can damage your floor. Promptly soak up bulk liquid spills.
As required – stubborn scuffs and stains can also easily be removed using a damp cloth or sponge with a diluted solution of methylated spirits. Ensure the methylated spirits is completely rinsed from the floor.
When cleaning your floor:
• Never use abrasive cleaners, nylon scouring pads, steel wool, scouring powder or bleach as they may damage the floor.
• Never use oil, soap, wax or polishes as these finishes may make the floor slippery and can leave a dull finish on the floor.
• Never use a steam-mop or steam-cleaner.
Protect Your Floor
Follow these simple steps to achieve many years of enjoyment from your timber floor:
• Place entrance mats (which must not have a rubber backing) at exterior doorways and entrances to trap dirt, sand, grit, moisture and other substances from shoes. Double mats (a coarse exterior mat and medium interior mat) are recommended for residential installations and triple commercial mats with a minimum walk off zone of 3.5 metres for commercial installations.
Clean mats regularly.
• Use non-staining felt protectors under heavy pieces of furniture. Fit office chairs, filing trolleys, mobile containers and furniture, with soft treads. Chair pads should be used under desk chairs with castors.
• Heavy objects and furniture such as large bookcases, full sized tables or kitchen
units should not be situated on a floating installation. This can lead to the floor failing to
respond to contraction and expansion, which can cause squeaking, gapping and possible failure.
• Never drag, slide or roll furniture or appliances across your floor. Protect the surface if using a trolley to move heavy objects.
• Spiked heels or shoes can severely damage your floor. In areas of excessive traffic and wear, make use of runners or rugs.
Rugs should be cleaned regularly.
• Pet claws can scratch your floor. Keep nails trimmed.
• Floor to ceiling windows coupled with the harsh New Zealand sun can create very high floor temperatures. Your floor should be protected from extreme temperatures and strong, direct sunlight by the use of interior temperature and humidity control (the recommended temperatures 10-30°C and relative humidity between 30% and 70%). Dramatic temperature
changes and/or extreme humidity can cause joins to lip/gap and possible surface checking. Prolonged direct sunlight will cause fading.
For more information about protecting your timber floor, discuss with our Flooring Studio team.
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