Hardwood Floor Care & Maintenance FAQs

Keep Your Hardwood Floors Beautiful for Years

Hardwood flooring is an investment that adds warmth, value, and timeless beauty to your home. With proper care and maintenance, your hardwood floors can look beautiful for decades.

Below are answers to the most common questions our Flooring Consultants receive about caring for hardwood flooring.

For best results:

  • Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum 2–3 times per week.
  • Clean spills immediately.
  • Damp mop as needed with a manufacturer-approved hardwood floor cleaner. We recommend Bona Hard Surface Cleaner.
  • Place mats at entrances to reduce dirt and grit.

Regular cleaning helps prevent scratches caused by sand, dust, and small debris.

The safest method is:

  1. Remove dust and dirt using a microfiber dust mop or soft broom.
  2. Vacuum using a hardwood floor attachment (without a rotating beater bar).
  3. Lightly damp mop using a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood flooring.
  4. Allow the floor to dry completely before walking on it if moisture remains.

Never soak hardwood floors with water.

No.

Steam mops force heat and moisture into the wood, which can damage the finish and potentially cause swelling, cupping, or separation over time.

We recommend only using manufacturer-approved hardwood floor cleaners with a microfiber mop. Bona Hard Surface Cleaner is a great choice.

Use only cleaners specifically formulated for hardwood flooring and approved by your flooring manufacturer. We recommend Bona Hard Surface Cleaner.

Always follow the care instructions provided with your flooring.

Avoid:

  • Vinegar
  • Ammonia
  • Bleach
  • Murphy Oil Soap
  • Wax cleaners (unless specifically recommended)
  • Abrasive powders
  • Steam cleaners
  • Excessive water

These products can dull or damage your floor’s protective finish.

Yes.

Use:
✔ Hardwood floor attachment
✔ Soft brush attachment

Avoid:
✘ Vacuums with rotating beater bars
✘ Vacuum settings designed for carpet

These can scratch your floor.

A few simple habits go a long way:

  • Use felt pads under furniture legs.
  • Lift furniture instead of dragging it.
  • Remove shoes, especially high heels.
  • Trim pet nails regularly.
  • Use area rugs in high-traffic areas.
  • Place walk-off mats at all entrances.

Yes.

Natural hardwood will gradually change colour over time when exposed to UV light.

To minimize fading:

  • Close blinds during intense afternoon sun.
  • Rotate area rugs occasionally.
  • Rearrange furniture periodically.
  • Consider UV-protective window coverings.

This helps your floor age evenly.

Wood naturally expands and contracts with seasonal humidity changes.

For best performance, maintain indoor humidity between 35% and 55% year-round.

Using a humidifier during winter and a dehumidifier or air conditioning during humid summer months can help reduce seasonal movement.

Clean spills immediately using a soft, dry cloth.

For sticky spills, lightly dampen the cloth with a hardwood floor cleaner recommended for your flooring. We recommend Bona Hard Surface Cleaner.

Never allow standing water to remain on hardwood flooring.

Yes.

Engineered hardwood is an excellent choice for kitchens when spills are cleaned promptly and proper maintenance is followed.

Avoid allowing water to sit on the floor for extended periods.

Absolutely.

Hardwood flooring performs well in homes with pets when properly maintained.

We recommend:

  • Keeping nails trimmed.
  • Using rugs near food and water bowls.
  • Cleaning accidents immediately.
  • Vacuuming frequently to remove dirt and grit and avoid scratches.

  • Install felt pads under every chair and table leg.
  • Replace worn pads regularly.
  • Use furniture glides for heavy pieces.
  • Lift furniture instead of sliding it.

This is completely normal.

Wood naturally shrinks during the dry winter months and expands during warmer, more humid seasons.

Maintaining proper indoor humidity helps minimize seasonal movement.

Minor scratches can often be repaired using manufacturer-approved touch-up products.

For deeper scratches or heavy wear, professional recoating or refinishing may be recommended depending on your flooring type.

Contact one of our Flooring Consultants if you’re unsure which option is best.

The timing depends on foot traffic and the type of flooring.

Most hardwood floors can be professionally refreshed when the finish begins showing noticeable wear rather than waiting until the wood itself becomes damaged.

The best long-term maintenance includes:

  • Regular sweeping and vacuuming
  • Cleaning spills immediately
  • Using entrance mats
  • Maintaining proper humidity
  • Using furniture protectors
  • Avoiding harsh cleaners
  • Following manufacturer care recommendations

With proper care, quality hardwood flooring can provide decades of beauty and performance.

Visit an Exclusive Floors Showroom Near You

Explore our flooring collections at one of our convenient showroom locations across the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect flooring solution for your home, from product selection to professional installation.

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Vancouver Showroom

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Abbotsford Showroom

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Coquitlam Showroom

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Surrey Showroom

Visit our Surrey location for a wide range of flooring products, expert recommendations, and professional installation support from our dedicated team.

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Still Have Questions? Contact Exclusive Floors

Every hardwood floor is unique. Care recommendations may vary depending on the wood species, finish, and manufacturer.

If you have questions about maintaining your hardwood floors, our experienced Flooring Consultants are happy to help.

Visit one of our showrooms in Surrey, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, or our new Vancouver showroom, or contact us for personalized advice.