CARE AND MAINTENANCE
- Preventative Care
Wood is a natural hygroscopic material, therefore there will be natural levels of expansion and contraction as the seasons change. Preventative care is meant to reduce the amount of expansion and contractions to an acceptable level.
During non-heating seasons – summer, fall, spring. We recommend turning on the air conditioner, or dehumidifier, periodically heater as necessary -- high humidity will invariably cause expansions in wood floors.
During the winter months – when your central heaters are running; we recommend using a central humidifier to minimize shrinkage which occurs under low humidity conditions. The ideal temperature for Grandeur’s flooring products ranges from 18 C (65 F) to 24 C (75 F). The reletive humidity level should be maintained between 35% to 55% at all time.
- Scratches and Blemishes
- Regular cleaning of dirt, grit, dust, salt and any other abrasive materials will help to prevent scratches or blemish to the top-layer of your floors.
- Placing area rugs and mats at doorways and high traffic areas are highly recommended to lessen wear and tear.
- Always clean area rugs and mats regularly as they are prone to trapping abrasive materials.
- Avoid letting sharp objects come into direct contact with your hardwood floors – high heels, cleats etc. any hard objects which may cause irreversible damage.
- Place felt pads or floor protectors on the bottom of furniture to prevent scratching when moving furniture – careful not to drag any furniture across the surface of your hardwood floors.
- When vacuuming floors – be sure to not to drag any plastic or metal attachments as that will scratch the surface of the finish and damage the floors.
- Water and Spills
- If water or any other liquid is spilled, promptly wipe, and dry the area – avoid wiping into the bevel between planks.
- DO NOT use any household agents: oils, cleaners, soaps, waxes, pinesol, vinegar etc in cleaning hardwood floors as it may damage the finish and void your warranty.
- Dry methods to cleaning hardwood is best – do not use a wet mop that will leave excess water behind
- Steam cleaners are damaging to hardwood floors and should be avoided at all costs.
- Sunlight and Discoloration
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause changes to the color of wood. It is a natural phenomenon and the fading of color of hardwood should be expected if exposed to sunlight or intense lighting.
- To moderate sunlight exposure, it is recommended to have light filtering window coverings – drapes and blinds.
- Preventative Care
During non-heating seasons – summer, fall, spring. We recommend turning on the air conditioner, or dehumidifier, periodically heater as necessary
During the winter months – when your central heaters are running; we recommend using a central humidifier to minimize shrinkage which occurs under low humidity conditions.
- Scratches and Blemishes
- Regular cleaning of dirt, grit, dust, salt and any other abrasive materials will help to prevent scratches or blemish to the wear-layer of your vinyl floors.
- Placing area rugs and mats at doorways and high traffic areas are highly recommended to lessen wear and tear.
- Always clean area rugs and mats regularly as they are prone to trapping abrasive materials.
- Avoid letting sharp objects come into direct contact with your floors – high heels, cleats etc. any hard objects which may cause irreversible damage.
- Place felt pads or floor protectors on the bottom of furniture to prevent scratching when moving furniture – careful not to drag any furniture across the surface of your vinyl floors.
- When vacuuming floors – be sure to not to drag any plastic or metal attachments as that will scratch the surface of the finish and damage the floors.
- Avoid prolong contact with rubber as it can create a chemical reaction that will stain your vinyl floors – latex, rubber, bicycle wheels etc.
- Water and Spills
- If water or any other liquid is spilled, promptly wipe, and dry the area – avoid wiping into the bevel between planks.
- DO NOT use any household agents: oils, cleaners, soaps, waxes, pinesol, vinegar etc in cleaning vinyl floors as it may damage the finish and wear layer and void your warranty.
- Steam cleaners are damaging to vinyl floors and should be avoided.
- Sunlight and Discoloration
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause changes to the color of vinyl flooring. It is a natural phenomenon and the fading of color of vinyl should be expected if exposed to prolonged sunlight or intense lighting.
- To moderate sunlight exposure, it is recommended to have light filtering window coverings – drapes and blinds.
- PREVENTATIVE CARE
This laminate product is sold finished and does not need any further work done on it.
The ideal conditions for avoiding problems with the boards’ dimensions and static loads are: 50-70% RH and +/-20C. Use a humidifier if needed.
- SCRATCHES AND BLEMISHES
- Do NOT varnish, sand, polish etc. the laminate flooring. Products with wax, soap or polish may leave behind residues.
- Never fix the laminate flooring to the base floor or other construction elements (with glue, nails, fixed door stops etc).
- Protect the feet of furniture and chairs with felt or plastic pads and regularly check their condition and cleanliness.
- Use chairs with soft wheels that won’t damage the flooring (Type W, in accordance with regulation DIN 68131), or failing that, use a polycarbonate mat to avoid direct contact with the floor (the wheels should be kept clean).
- The use of doormats at exterior door entrances is recommended in order to prevent dirt, dust, gravel, water etc. coming in from the street.
- Use a broom, cleaning pad, vacuum cleaner with brush for parquet flooring or a completely wrung out mop. Never use abrasive cleaning aids (wire wool, scouring pads etc.) or cleaning machines to clean the laminate flooring.
- Use non-abrasive, pH neutral detergents preferably with Ecolabel.
- WATER AND SPILLS
- To clean grooved products, do not use sharp or pointed, abrasive, cutting, wet etc. instruments. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush for parquet flooring. If this is not enough, use a cloth slightly dampened in water.
- To eliminate stubborn stains on the surface (NEVER in joints or groves), Clean with a damp cloth.
- Special care should be taken in areas with pets (urine can damage the laminate flooring; avoid it and clean it immediately).
- If any water is spilled, it should be dried immediately to prevent any liquid remaining.
- SUNLIGHT AND DISCOLORATION
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause changes to the surface color of most objects. It is a natural phenomenon and the fading color of laminate flooring should be expected if exposed to sunlight or intense lighting.
- To moderate sunlight exposure, it is recommended to have light filtering window coverings – drapes and blinds.
