Cleaning and Maintenance

Protecting Your Investment: The Secret to Long-Lasting Floors

A well-finished hardwood floor is remarkably easy to maintain—the key is a simple "sweep, sweep, sweep" philosophy.

The Sandpaper EffectThe biggest enemy of your floor is grit. When dirt and sand sit on the surface and are walked upon, they act exactly like sandpaper, slowly grinding away your finish. To prevent this, we recommend a consistent cleaning schedule based on your household:

• Active Homes (Kids & Pets): Sweep or dust-mop at least every other day.
• Lower Traffic Homes: Twice a week is usually sufficient.

The "Verhine Way" to Clean (Weekly)We recommend the same meticulous method we use to prep your floors for their final coat of finish:

1. Vacuum: Use a vacuum with a soft felt head (no beater bars) to remove loose debris.
2. The Microfiber Method: Use a microfiber mop head dampened with water and wrung out thoroughly.
3. The Figure-Eight: Never break contact with the floor. Start with the perimeter, then move to the center using a "figure-eight" pattern. This keeps the dust and grit trapped at the front edge of the mop.
4. The Finish: At the end of your run, you’ll have a small pile of debris that can be pinched up into the mop head and rinsed away..    

While you may occasionally want to use a cleaner other than water, we urge you to be cautious of products that promise anything more than a clean floor.

Never use products that claim to "restore shine" or "enhance sheen." These typically contain acrylics or waxes that leave a persistent residue on your wood. This buildup creates a barrier that prevents future finish coats from bonding—potentially forcing you into a costly, full re-sand instead of a simple, affordable re-coat.

To protect your investment, products like Orange-Glo, Lemon Pledge, and oil-based soaps should never be used on our flooring products.

Most finish manufacturers offer cleaners specifically designed for their products to ensure the finish stays protected and "re-coat ready." If you are unsure what to use, please ask us—we are happy to tell you exactly what to buy and where to find it to keep your floors looking their best for years to come.

Hardwood Floors & Your Pets

Pets are family. Whether you have a dog, a cat, or a more unique companion, we know you likely love them more than your floors—and you should! However, as a general rule, pets and hardwood aren't always the best of friends.

The Reality of Wear

While we use highly durable, commercial-grade finishes, no finish can entirely withstand the physical impact of an animal’s nails. Over time, those nails will scratch the finish and mar the wood. Additionally, pet urine contains acids that can permanently stain wood black if left to sit.

Proactive Protection Tips:

• Hydration Stations: If your pet is a messy drinker, place a waterproof mat under their water bowls to prevent moisture from seeping into the seams.
• Favorite Spots: If they have a favorite place to nap, a cozy rug or pet bed can protect that specific area from oils and nails.
• Quick Response: If an accident happens, clean it up immediately to prevent the acid from reacting with the wood fibers.
• Anticipate "The Dance": Most scratches occur when older dogs struggle to stand or when younger dogs "dance" or take sharp turns during play.

The Bottom Line:The best you can do is love your pets and accept a certain amount of wear as a part of a lived-in home. The good news? Unlike carpet or laminate, hardwood is resilient. When the time comes, the damage can almost always be fixed by re-coating or re-sanding to make your floors look brand new again.