Wood and laminate floors are beautiful and can last a lifetime if properly maintained.

It is important to know what kind of finish your floor has in order to know how best to care for it. For example, you should never use wax on a wood floor that has a polyurethane finish.

It is best to use the products and procedures recommended by the wood or laminate manufacturer. However, there are some basic care guidelines you should follow regardless of the type of floor you have.

Dirt & Grit - Don't clean it away - keep it away. Common dirt and grit can be as damaging to your floor as sandpaper. The best way to clean hardwood and laminate is to avoid dirt - simply leave it outside the door - but how? Use door mats at all exterior entrances in order to keep dirt and moisture from being tracked onto your floor. Don't use rubber, foam backed or plastic mats on your floor as they may cause discoloration.

Area rugs are recommended in front of sinks in bathrooms, kitchens and entrances into your home. To prevent slippage, use only rug underlays that have been approved for your hardwood or laminate floors. Vacuum or sweep regularly in order to remove any dirt or grit before it can be "walked in" to the surface.

Water - Water is a natural enemy to wood and laminates. Even with all the new finishes, water can still damage your floor. DO NOT damp mop your floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue. To clean it, use the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products and procedures.

Spills - As on any surface, spills should be wiped up immediately before they get sticky or dry. Dried spills can be removed with a slightly damp cloth.

Furniture - Protect your floor from scratches, gouges and indentations by putting fabric glides on the legs of furniture - it's easier to move the furniture and prevents scratches. Use wide, flat bearing surfaces or wide, rubber rollers to save floors Don't use small metal domes, hard rollers or small bearing surfaces. When moving heavy furniture, place a blanket or piece of carpet upside down between the floor and the object to be moved.

Laminate Glue - Should stubborn glue residue remain on the surface after installation it is advisable to use special laminate glue remover - use this VERY SPARINGLY according to the manufacturer's instructions, however, otherwise you might dissolve the glue in the joints.

High Heeled Shoes - High heeled shoes can cause denting and related damage to hardwood and laminate floors. A 125-pound woman standing on high heeled shoes exerts approximately 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. If the rubber tip is missing, an exposed nail will exert 8,000 pounds per square inch.

Humidity - The amount of humidity in the air will affect your floor. In very dry conditions your floor will contract making slight cracks and gaps more noticeable. A humidifier is recommended to minimize excessive shrinkage. In moist conditions your floor may expand causing some slight squeaking as the boards rub against each other. Using a dehumidifier or turning on your heating system or air conditioner periodically will help this situation (for best performance of your flooring it is important to maintain consistent temperature and humidity throughout the year).

Sunlight - Excessive sunlight through sliding glass doors and windows can lead to fading or discoloration of your floor. Keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining directly on your floor.

Aging - Finishes and certain chemicals in wood oxidize and are affected by ultra violet light sources causing the wood and finish to change color and develop a patina or age. To avoid uneven appearance, move area rugs occasionally and drape or shade large windows.

Long Term Care (Refinishing) - When traffic areas on surface finishes begin to show significant wear, screening and re-coating an entire floor may be in order. Each manufacturer recommends the best products and procedures to use on their hardwood floors (refinishing does not apply to laminates).

Total Care . . . for proper maintenance and cleaning, consult your manufacturer's care guide.