Hardwood Floors December 2017/January 2018

Here are some important things for your clients to consider when damp mopping their oors: Always Use Water-Based Floor Cleaners ese products are strong enough to remove tacked-down dirt

and dust, but, because they are water-based, they won’t damage sensitive wood surfaces. In addition, they are designed to dry quickly so there is li le or no seepage into cracks and crevices, which can later cause cracking and spli ing. Invest in a High-Quality

High-Qual ity Spray Mops

Provide the Most Thorough Clean

SWIFFER WET JET

CONVENTIONAL MOP

Never Damp CleanWithout Dry Cleaning First – While your clients might save time by skipping the sweeping and going right to the mopping stage, all of the dust and dirt will just turn into a wet mess, resulting in a dull and streaky nish. Cleaning with a Traditional String Mop and Bucket – is method puts too much water onto the wood surface, risking the potential for moisture to penetrate through the seams into the deeper layers of the ooring, causing damage. Using Vinegar and Water – It might be a favorite home remedy for squeaky-clean oors, but vinegar is an acid. And even though it is diluted with water, when it’s used on sensitive wood surfaces, it can damage the nish. Using Waxes, Oils, and Other Protective Products – Many of these products should not be recommended to your clients because much of today’s wood ooring is engineered with a factory nish, and applying them will only leave a sticky surface that a racts dirt. Furthermore, if the products are used incorrectly, they can cause issues down the road, especially when it comes to re nishing or adding a new topcoat. When it comes to home ownership, maintaining and caring for wood oors is one of many things on your client’s to-do list. at is why helpful tips like these are so important. Not only do they save time, they lead to beautiful results, making your clients feel good about their investment and even be er about whom they chose to install them. This article was provided by Swiffer®. To learn more about Swiffer products, visit swiffer.com. ©2017 P&G

Spray Mop – These devices work well because they feature a built-in sprayer to evenly distribute cleaning solutions across the surface. This allows for a more uniform clean with less streaking and helps reveal your floor’s natural shine. Use Super-Absorbent Cleaning Pads – Much like dry- cleaning cloths, these damp mop pads are designed to absorb dirt and grime e ectively, so none of the mess is le behind or spread around. ere are two types of super-absorbent cleaning pads that are commonly used – micro ber pads and disposable pads. Micro ber pads have a lot of initial appeal because they can be washed and reused multiple times. However, a er repeat use, insoluble dirt and particles can get trapped inside the bers, creating the potential for scratches on oors. ey can also be a hygiene risk if they are not properly handled a er cleaning, and they can be a source for malodors if they are put in the washing machine and washed with clothing. Disposable pads have all the super-absorbent capability of reusable pads without any of the a er-cleaning concerns – no hygiene risks; malodor washing machine risks; and, most important, no risk of scratching upon repeat use if dirt becomes stuck in the pad. Once you are done mopping, you

simply remove the pad and throw it away. Cleaning Watch-Outs

You can’t stress enough to your clients how important regular dry and damp cleaning is for maintaining the beauty of their wood oors. Here are a few things to avoid:

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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