Routine cleaning
Sweep or vacuum with a hard-floor attachment — no beater bar. Damp mop with a hardwood-specific cleaner and a barely-damp microfibre pad.
What ruins a urethane finish
Warn clients about these specifically; they cause most premature finish failures.
- Steam mops — heat and moisture drive water through seams
- Vinegar, ammonia and general-purpose household cleaners
- Oil soaps and wax polishes, which prevent future recoating
- Standing water left at entries, sinks and dishwashers
Protection
Felt pads under every furniture leg, checked twice a year. Walk-off mats at exterior doors to catch grit, which is what actually scratches a floor.
Keep relative humidity between 35% and 55% year round. In Ontario that usually means a humidifier in winter and air conditioning or a dehumidifier in summer.
Direct sunlight ambers wood, and exotic species amber faster. Rotate rugs and furniture periodically so the colour changes evenly.
Frequently asked
- Can I use a steam mop on hardwood flooring?
- No. Steam mops force heat and moisture into board seams and will damage the finish and the wood beneath it. Use a barely-damp microfibre pad with a hardwood-specific cleaner instead.
Need this checked against a live job?
Send us the subfloor, the readings and the product you're planning to use. We'll tell you whether it works before the material ships.
Ask the Sunca team