Once your UA flooring has been installed, you will be provided with a set of instructions as to how to care for the flooring. It is important to read the instructions because any deviation in care can lead to the warranty being voided.  Below is a summary of the care and maintenance that US Floor Distributors recommend if you want it to last for decades.

  • Sweep Regularly

Sweep with a soft brush or use a microfiber cloth to remove the dust and debris at least once a week. The minute pieces of debris can cause micro-abrasions to the flooring if not regularly removed. In areas of heavy traffic, you may need to sweep twice a week.

  • Use Only Recommended Products

If any stain marks appear, you should only use products recommended by a UA floors distributor. These products are environmentally safe and will not damage your flooring. Do not use any caustic products, bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or detergents.

  • When Using a Mop, Avoid Excess Wetness

You want the mop to be just wet enough to clean the stain. If there is excess wetness leftover after mopping, you will need to wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth. Always start cleaning a small area of the flooring first so that water is not left sitting on the floor for a long time. After completion of mopping, check the flooring for any areas of residual wetness, which may need to be dried.

  • If There Are Any Liquid Spills, You Should Clean Up Right Away

Even though UA flooring is moisture resistant, prolonged contact with moisture may lead to warping and bowing.

  • Avoid the Use of Oil-Based Detergents, Waxes, and Other Household Cleaners

They will damage the finish of the flooring. According to some UA installers, these products may leave a large oily stain on the surface.

  • Remove Shoes Before Entering

Because water, dust, and sand are natural enemies of all flooring, ask all people who enter your home to remove their shoes. Secondly, place a heavy absorbent mat at the entrance where it will retain all the sand and dirt. In addition, you may need to use mats in the kitchen, bathroom, and workstations where there is always dust and water collection. Regularly take the mats outside the home and clean them for use again.

  • Use a Special Vacuum

UA flooring installers advise that if you decide to use a vacuum, use one with soft wheels and a soft brush. Avoid vacuums with heavy wheels and beater bars as they will damage the finish of the flooring.

  • Use Furniture Pads

If you have furniture like tables and chairs, use paddings on the ends/bottoms to prevent scratches on the floor. Many types of soft rubber paddings can be applied to the bottom of furniture. Avoid the use of metal, wood, or plastic paddings as they will scratch and damage the finish.

  • Maintain Home Humidity

Keep humidity in the home between 40-60 percent as this will keep the flooring dry and also keep germs from causing any health issues.  A UA floors distributor says that if the humidity is high, the moisture can soak into the wood and eventually cause warping. 

On the other hand, you do not want the home excessively dry as this could cause the flooring to release moisture and will lead to shrinkage and contraction of the flooring, causing gaps between the planks. It is a good idea to invest in a high-quality meter that can read humidity continuously and reliably.

  • Trim Pet’s Nails

If you have pets, then get their nails trimmed regularly to prevent scratching of the flooring. In addition, keep a thick rug in the area where the pet sleeps, plays, and eats.

  • Use Heavy Rugs in Some Areas

Children are known to throw their toys all over the place and some of these toys can cause damage to the flooring. Therefore, you should place a heavy rug in the area where children play to avoid damage by thrown toys.

  • High Traffic Areas

In areas of high traffic, such as the patio, deck, kitchen hallway, etc., there is always a higher risk of damage to the flooring by foot traffic, dirt, and liquid spills. In such scenarios, install runners or rugs so that the flooring is protected.

  • Excess Exposure to the Sun’s Rays Can Cause Discoloration of UA Flooring

To avoid this, UA flooring installers say that you have several options. You can keep the curtains closed or place a shade in that area. Another option is to place a rug in an area exposed to sunlight. Or you may rotate the furniture to prevent the same area from being exposed to the sun all the time.

Conclusion

The flooring does come with a 25-year warranty, which will cover the finish during normal residential use, according to a UA floors distributor. The warranty is for one year with commercial use. The warranty will cover any finish defects prior to installation. Call East Coast Flooring & Interiors today at 1.954.321.5721 to learn more from a professional installer.