1. Sweep or vacuum frequently to eliminate traces of grit (dust, sand, gravel, etc.) from floor surface. This debris can permanently alter the floor’s finish.


2. Clean your floor with cleaning products. Simply spray your dustmop with cleaner and mop your floor in the direction of the strips. Do not use domestic, commercial or industrial cleaning agents on your floors. These products can damage the floor’s finish or diminish its lustre.

Machine-wash your dustmop in the regular cycle without using fabric softener in the washer or dryer.

Remember that abrasive dust particles damage wood floors; this is what sandpaper is made of. Inadequate cleaning could void your warranty.

PRESERVING YOUR FORESFLOOR HARDWOOD FLOOR
You can preserve the appearance of your hardwood floor for generations by following these tips and recommendations:

• Use only cleaning products as they are designed to leave the floor’s finish intact. These products are non-abrasive and leave no residue. The use of domestic, commercial or industrial cleaners such as wax, oil-based soap, etc., can leave a greasy film or tarnish the floor’s finish. Also avoid cleaning with a vinegar solution, as it can have an oxidising effect on the DuraStar urethane finish.
• Quickly wipe spills from floor with a soft, dry cloth.
• Place felt pads under chair and furniture legs to avoid scratches and facilitate movement. Replace pads regularly and ensure they are clean before moving furniture.
• Place mats in front of the sink, dishwasher and other work areas to protect your hardwood floor in areas where water, detergent, grime and utensils falling to the floor could damage it. Do not use tightly woven mats or those with rubber backings as they retain grit and moisture.
• Place mats at all home entrances to avoid the tracking in sand and dirt on your hardwood floor.
• Lift furniture or other heavy objects to move them or place a thick mat under furniture to slide them.
• Avoid spike-heeled shoes, sharp objects and shoes with cleats.


• Avoid walking on your hardwood floors with outdoor shoes. These shoes are the best carriers of sand and other abrasive dirt that could damage your hardwood floor. Keep a pair of shoes to be worn exclusively indoors. Ensure these shoes have a soft sole that doesn’t grip abrasive dirt. By respecting this recommendation, you will protect not only your hardwood floor, but all the other floors in your home as well.
• Keep pet claws trimmed. When you hear your pet’s claws on the floor, it’s time to get to work.
• The DuraStar finish is designed to minimize discoloration of the finish. However, even if the finish itself changes very little, the wood “ages” and can change color. This is a natural phenomenon that is more noticeable on maple and American cherry wood. Protect your hardwood floor against direct sunlight or prolonged and repeated exposure to intense artificial light to minimize premature aging of the wood. Occasionally move rugs, mats and furniture to even out color changes in the wood.
• Maintain your home’s temperature between 18oC and 22oC at all times and its relative humidity as stable as possible between 37% and 45% by using appropriate devices such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air exchangers, etc.

Problem	Solution
Slight scratch or burn	Use your touch-up kit
Deep scratch	Replace damaged strip. Follow replacement instructions.
Food or beverage stain	Spray cleaner on stain and wipe immediately with a soft, dry cloth. Repeat as needed. Do not use domestic, commercial or industrial cleaning agents directly or indirectly on your floors.
Candle wax, crayon or chewing gum	Place ice cubes in plastic bag, place bag onto soiled spot and leave it until matter hardens to a crumble. Spray cleaner on stain and wipe immediately with a soft, well wrung-out cloth.
Oil and grease stains	Spray cleaner on stain and wipe immediately with a soft, well wrung-out cloth.
Ink	Apply lighter fluid onto a dry cloth and wipe. Then spray cleaner on stain and wipe immediately with a soft, well wrung-out cloth.
Stubborn stains	Apply white vinegar directly onto stain and let set for 1 to 2 minutes; wipe with a soft, well wring-out cloth. If stain remains, apply lighter fluid onto a dry cloth and wipe. Spray cleaner on stain and wipe immediately with a soft, well wrung-out cloth.
Scuff marks	Spray cleaner on stain and wipe immediately with a soft, well wrung-out cloth.

• Select a replacement strip that would blend in with the floor from those left over from the original installation.
• Using a wood chisel, cut (rip) both edges of the damaged strip. You may use a circular saw instead of a chisel. If you do, you must adjust blade height to the thickness of the floor, 13 mm (3/4"), to avoid damaging the subfloor.
• Next, with a chisel, remove the center section of the strip to be replaced and carefully remove the side pieces taking care not to damage surrounding strips.
• Thoroughly clean the hardwood surface as well as the subfloor surface.


• Trim replacement strip to required length by cutting on tenon (male) end.
• Remove the lower part of the groove (mortice, female side) on the end and side of the replacement strip.
• Partially insert the strip, as a test, and remove it.
• Redo the Micro-V joint at the end of the replacement strip with sandpaper, stain touch-up (if necessary) and quick-drying urethane.


• Then spread glue onto subfloor and secure replacement strip into position.

• The hardwood flooring must be clean and free of residue or grease.
• Lightly sand finished surface evenly with a synthetic abrasive pad or extra-fine sandpaper in order to even out the gloss of the finish without damaging the stain (if applicable) or the wood. Sanding should be done in the direction of strip length to create a good adhesive surface for the new urethane and avoid rub marks.
• Vacuum and wipe floor with a damp, well wrung-out cloth to remove any trace dust. It is very important to ensure the floor is clean before applying urethane because the final result will be greatly affected.
• Apply adhesive primer before applying urethane. Follow primer manufacturer’s instructions.
• Dry according to primer manufacturer’s instructions.
• Light sanding may be needed if the floor finish is uneven. This will tell you that the floor was not properly cleaned prior to application of the primer. If this is the case, lightly sand the hardwood floor in the direction of strip length, vacuum again and wipe with a damp, well wrung-out cloth to remove trace dust.
• Apply a layer of urethane finish according to urethane manufacturer’s directions.
• Dry according to manufacturer’s recommendations. At this point, the result could well be satisfactory.
• If not, lightly sand as you would at the primer stage and apply an additional coat of urethane according to urethane manufacturer’s instructions.
• Please note that sanding, primer application and urethane application must always be done in the direction of strip length.