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| Southern Pine Flooring: Maintenance |
With proper care of the finish, a Southern Pine floor is easily maintained and
will keep its "new" look for many years.
If the builder, floor installer, or previous owner does not provide a record
indicating whether a surface sealer or a penetrating sealer was applied, a simple
test will determine what type of finish was used. In a closet or other inconspicuous
location, use a coin or knife to scratch the floor surface. If the finish flakes,
it is likely to be a surface sealer. If it does not flake, it is most likely a wax finish.
Penetrating Sealers
Sweep the floor regularly or vacuum, but do not use a beater-bar type.
Wipe liquid spills promptly. Use No.2 steel wool on stains caused by water,
cigarette burns, ink, or pets. Rewax the area.
Do not use water to maintain wax finishes. For stains, use vinegar, wood
floor cleaners, mineral spirits or ammonia. Use very fine steel wool to clean
the area, then dry it. Reapply the same color and brand of stain wax, if necessary.
Small repairs can be made by applying a small amount of wax to the
affected area, then buffing.
Surface Sealers
Surface sealers require very different care and cleaning procedures than
do penetrating sealers.
Wipe spills promptly with a dry cloth. Use a damp cloth on sticky spills,
then wipe dry with another clean cloth.
Sweeping regularly reduces scratching. Do not use beater-bar vacuums on
wood floors.
Never use ammonia, oil soap, or any other household cleaner on surface
sealers; surface damage and dulling will result.
For general maintenance, use a solution of 1/4 cup vinegar to 4 cups of warm
water, dipping it with a clean cloth and wringing dry. Wipe or mop the floor.
Using a second cloth, wipe the floor dry.
Do not use waxes to restore the shine on surface sealers. To restore original
luster, remove room contents, clean thoroughly, then steel wool the entire surface.
Use only the same brand surface sealer as on the existing floor (or read
carefully the recommended finish instructions of the sealer manufacturer).
| GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS - KEEP YOUR SOUTHERN PINE FLOORS LOOKING NEW |
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Use door mats at entryways. Do not use cocoa fiber or rubber-backed mats.
Do not slide refrigerators or other heavy appliances on the floor. Place a clean sheet of plywood on the floor for protection from scratches and gouges.
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Use area rugs in high-traffic lanes.
Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.
Use floor protectors beneath furniture.
Sweeping regularly prevents scratching from dirt and grit. Daily sweeping is recommended in homes with small children or large families.
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Avoid using water on wood floors. Water causes wood to expand.
Direct sunlight can discolor wood. Use draperies or blinds to shield the floor from direct sunlight.
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