Cleaning & Care
Urbanfloor boasts in stylish design of a great variety of wood choices.
Protect Your Purchase
Hardwood floors are a lifetime investment and you have spent a considerable amount of money to beautify and add value to your home.
Most important in keeping your investment at peak condition (healthy) is to allow for the right room climate by maintaining a stable environment in the home. To keep your investment healthy, a room temperature of 60° to 80° F and a humidity range of 30-50% is recommended year round. (The use of a humidifier or de-humidifier may be required.)
Do’s and Dont’s
DOS
- Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum the floor regularly. Use a vacuum designed for hard surfaces. If vacuum has a beater bar (rotating bristle brush) it should be disengaged before use.
- Immediately wipe up liquid spills with cloth or paper towels.
- Maintain with the appropriate floor cleaner. *See below.
- Use felt protectors or furniture coasters under heavy furniture.
- Close curtains or blinds to limit direct sun exposure.
- Maintain room temperature (60°–80° F) year round.
- Maintain relative humidity in room/building between 30-50% year round.
- Caster wheeled chairs should have wide casters.
- A protective mat should be placed under office chairs.
- In areas with icy or snowy winters, extra protection against salt & grit may be needed.
- Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
- Remember that cleats, sport shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
- Place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.
DON’TS
- Use oil based soaps.
- Use paste wax based products (NEVER wax a lacquered finished floor).
- Drag sharp wooden legs or metal furniture legs as it can scratch/dent hardwood floors.
- Expose to direct sunlight for extended period of time as it may dry/fade natural wood.
- Use steam cleaners. They are not recommended for use on natural wood flooring.
- Place porous flower pots or vases on the floor.
- Use steel wool or scourers.
- Move heavy furniture without protecting wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or bottom of items.
- Ever wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull a finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
Seasonal Gaps
Seasonal gapping can be expected, especially on wider planks. This is normal and not a defect. Throughout its life, wood will naturally expand and contract in response to the wet & dry seasons and also from the environmental conditions in the home. To keep these dimensional changes to a minimum, maintain the home temperature & relative humidity within the range outlined above.
Wirebrushed Textured Styles
With a wire-brushed texture, the finish on some planks may contain minor snags and raised grains. This is normal for this style. For maintenance procedures on this style, we recommend a lint-free cotton cloth mop with no loops, rather than a micro-fiber applicator. Micro-fiber material contains very fine fibers that can catch and snag on a textured surface.
TIP: If you have a cleaning kit that includes a microfiber cleaning pad, wrap and cover the pad with a cotton material such as an old t-shirt.
To keep snags and raised grains to a minimum, maintain the relative humidity in the home to the recommended level of 30%-50% year-round and room temperature between 60°-80°F. A humidifier may be necessary to keep relative humidity within recommended levels.
Villa Caprisi, Chene, Timbertop –
LifVilla Caprisi, Chêne, Timbertop – Lifestyle & Herringbone Series, Savanna, L’artiste
The above collections are high-quality engineered flooring with a water-based, UV-lacquered, surface finish.
NEVER USE a wax or oil-based cleaning product on a lacquered finish.
*Urbanfloor recommends Bona ® cleaning products. However, it is important to use the appropriate Bona cleaning product. For NON-OILED, urethane/lacquer finished wood use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Follow manufacturer instructions. Visit Bona’s website: www.mybonahome.com to find out more about their products.
Remember, all-purpose cleaners, such as “Murphey’s Oil Soap” and “Orange Glow”, are not recommended as they can dull your floor’s finish and leave a hazy residue.
Composer Symphony –
11.5” Wide, Timbertop – Chevron Series
The above collections are engineered, natural wood flooring with a UV oiled finish.
NEVER USE a cleaning product made for a Polyurethane or lacquered floor on an oil finish.
A UV oiled finish does not require any special treatment directly after installation, however, we recommend, in addition to regular maintenance, that the floor be treated with an oil REFRESHER/wash & care product (e.g., from WOCA, Bona, pr OSMO) every 3 to 6 months or whenever the floor needs revitalizing.
NOTE: Observe the cleaning product manufacturer’s instructions prior to using their product on your floor.
Even pre-finished engineered flooring will naturally get worn over time; therefore regular maintenance is very important to protect and to preserve its surface.
Daily cleaning should be done with a vacuum cleaner fitted with felt pads to avoid scratches. Do not use vacuums with beater bar (bristle bar) or turn off beater bar before use.
Whenever necessary, the floor surface can also be cleaned with a damp mop or a special spot remover/cleaner to remove stains, grease, shoe tracks etc. Cleaning products can be obtained from WOCA, Bona, or OSMO. Never use the traditional wax or steel wool on your floor. When mopping with a well-wrung damp, lint free, cotton cloth mop, ensure that the residual water evaporates from the floor within 1 minute. If it takes longer, then there is too much moisture on the applicator.
Preventative Maintenance
Todays hardwood floors are quick & easy to maintain, and with a few low cost cleaning tools and a little preventative maintenance can look beautiful for years to come. In addition to maintaining a stable environment, your hardwood floor should be cleaned regularly. Simply sweep, dust mop or vacuum to remove dirt & grit. When necessary clean your floor with a hardwood floor cleaning product.
CAUTION: It is important to only use a cleaning product compatible with the type of finish of your flooring.
(*See below for the type of cleaning product recommended for your particular flooring style.)
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Avoid using a wet mop as over time this can damage the finish. Remember: water & wood do not mix.
All purpose cleaners are not recommended as they can dull your floor’s finish or leave a hazy residue.
Color Change
Normal exposure to sunlight, heat, air conditioners, etc. will bring about natural changes in the original color as the floor ages. If possible, use blinds or drapes to protect floor from excessive sunlight. When some areas of the floor are covered, as in large furniture pieces and area rugs, the change under these pieces can be lighter than the surrounding floor, as they are not exposed to the same conditions. This is normal and is not a defect. Rotating the position of area rugs and furniture from time to time will allow the covered areas to slowly adjust in color to the surrounding floor.
Surface Checks
During the winter months of low humidity, minor surface cracks (checks) may appear in wood flooring, then often close up again in the summer months when the humidity is higher. This is a normal characteristic of natural wood and not a basis of a complaint against the manufacturer, especially if there is no structural failure.
Urban Lifestyle, Presidential Signature,
Mountain Country, Welcome Home, Royal Court
The above collections are natural wood collections with a UV-cured Polyurethane finish.
NEVER USE a wax or oil-based cleaning product on a polyurethane finish.
*Urbanfloor recommends Bona ® cleaning products. However, it is important to use the appropriate Bona cleaning product. For NON-OILED, urethane/lacquer finished wood use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Follow manufacturer instructions. Visit Bona’s website: www.mybonahome.com to find out more about their products.
Remember, all-purpose cleaners, such as “Murphey’s Oil Soap” and “Orange Glow”, are not recommended as they can dull your floor’s finish and leave a hazy residue.
General Care and Maintenance Tips
Dog & Animal Care
Keep nails clipped. Dogs running through the house will scratch any finish. Put down a mat to stand between your pet’s water dish and your wood floor.
Area Rug Backings
Only rugs with a natural backing (i.e., felt) are safe for a wood floor. Avoid rugs with a rubber or abrasive backing, as these can damage or discolor a floor.
Floor Protectors
Non-abrasive, felt-backed products are best. Rubber or plastic backed products can trap moisture & discolor your floor.
Removing Scuff Marks
If scuff cannot be removed using a damp rag, stubborn scuffs can be removed by the use of a tennis ball or pencil eraser. Gently rub in direction of grain.
Floor Cleaning
During the cleaning process, rinse applicator often in a separate pail of clean water. A dirty applicator can spread dirt to other areas, causing streaks & haziness.
Remember: use a damp (never wet) applicator —Squeeze out surplus water and ensure that the residual water evaporates from the floor within one minute. If it takes longer, there is too much moisture on the applicator.
Moving Appliances
When moving heavy items, such as appliances, slide a 1/8” Masonite sheet under the heavy objects to prevent floor damage.
Protect Your Purchase
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Cascade SPC Vinyl Flooring
When properly installed and cared for, your Cascade flooring will keep its great look for years to come. One of the most important things in keeping your Cascade flooring in top condition is to allow for the right room climate by maintaining a stable environment in your home. A room temperature of 60° to 80°F and a humidity range of 30% to 50% is recommended year-round. The use of ahumidifier or de-humidifier may be required.
Immediately after installation, we recommend a first cleaning to remove dirt and debris caused by the installation process. Dry vacuum to remove dust and debris, then damp mop with plain water or an appropriate vinyl floor cleaner – follow instructions in Preventative Maintenance.
Preventative Maintenance
Sweep and Vacuum Regularly
Dust, dirt, and grit can be your floor’s worst enemy and cause them to scratch prematurely. The faster you remove it, the less wear and tear to your floor. Daily sweeping or vacuuming is recommended to help keep them scratch-free. If the vacuum has a beater bar (rotating bristle brush), it should be turned off.
Environmental Factors
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. During peak sunlight hours, use drapes or blinds to minimize the direct sunlight on the flooring. Most types of flooring will be affected by continuous strong sunlight. In addition, excessive room temperatures are not good for resilient floors. Some natural ventilation or intermittent air conditioning in vacant homes should be considered. Long term continuous inside temperatures over 95°F combined with strong direct sunlight can damage the flooring and cause the installation to fail.
Wash Your Floors Weekly
After sweeping or vacuuming, we recommend weekly or twice weekly washing. Some floors may require more frequent washing, depending on the amount of foot traffic, i.e. commercial locations. Use a microfiber or sponge-headed applicator and damp mop (NEVER wet) with plain water. Rinse applicator often in a separate container of clean water. A dirty applicator can spread dirt to other areas. Squeeze out surplus water from applicator and ensure that the residual water evaporates from the floor within 60 seconds. If it takes longer, there is too much moisture on the applicator. Use a dry mop or cloth to remove any remaining water, then allow to dry completely.
If floor is extremely soiled, a cleaning agent may be necessary. Use a PH neutral cleaner specifically made for cleaning vinyl flooring that leaves no hazy residue (such as Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Cleaner). Do not use abrasive cleaners, polishes, waxes, or ammonia-based cleaners. Before using, test any new cleaning agent on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor (i.e. closet) or a spare plank.
Preventing and Treating Scratches and Scuffs
Cascade flooring is extremely scratch resistant, but not scratch or damage proof. Here are some tips to prevent and treat scratches and scuffs, helping to keep your floor looking like new.
FLOOR PROTECTORS: Remove any metal or hard plastic caps from the bottom of your existing furniture legs and replace with non-abrasive felt floor protectors (i.e. Flexi-Felt®). Clean protectors periodically to remove any dirt or grit that may become embedded. Heavy furniture pieces should be equipped with large, non- staining rests/floor protectors. Never slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the floor. When moving heavy items, use a furniture dolly or slide a 1/8” Masonite sheet under the item to prevent floor damage.
WALK-OFF MATS: Place non-staining walk-off mats at doors leading in from outside areas to reduce tracked in dirt and grit. Choose mats with a non-rubber/breathable backing.
AREA RUGS: Only area rugs with a natural backing (i.e. natural felt) are recommended for Cascade floors. Avoid rugs with a rubber or abrasive backing as they can damage or discolor the floor.
DOG AND ANIMAL CARE: Keep your pet’s nails clipped. Dogs and other animals running through the house can scratch any finish.
REMOVING SCUFF MARKS: Stubborn scuffs can often be removed by use of a tennis ball or pencil eraser. Gently rub in long direction of plank.
SCRATCH REPAIR: Should your floor develop some surface scratches, depending on the extent of the scratches, a plank replacement procedure is always an option. However, there are several scratch repair kits available on the market that many homeowners have found especially helpful in treating surface scratches. Although we do not officially endorse any product/s, “ScratchFix by Dr. Schultz®” and “ScratchAway by Cal-Flor” are two popular products designed to treat scratches. Further information regarding these products can be found on the manufacturer websites.
Do’s and Dont’s
DOS
- Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum the floor regularly. Use a vacuum designed for hard surfaces. If vacuum has a beater bar (rotating bristle brush) it should be disengaged before use.
- Immediately wipe up liquid spills with cloth or paper towels.
- Maintain with the appropriate floor cleaner.
- Use felt protectors or furniture coasters under heavy furniture.
- Close curtains or blinds to limit direct sun exposure.
- Maintain room temperature (60° to 80°F) year-round.
- Maintain relative humidity in room/building between 30% to 50% year-round.
- In areas with icy or snowy winters, extra protection against salt and grit may be needed.
- Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
- Remember that cleats, sport shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
- Place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.
DON’TS
- Use abrasive cleaners.
- Drag sharp wooden legs or metal furniture legs as these can scratch/dent your flooring.
- Expose to direct sunlight for extended periods of time as it may discolor and damage your floor.
- Place porous flower pots or vases directly on the floor.
- Use steel wool our other scourers.
- Slide or roll heavy furniture or appliances across the floor without protecting it with 1/8” Masonite sheet or using a furniture dolly under the item.
- Use caster-wheeled chairs. Caster wheels are not recommended as, over time, they can damage your SPC floor.
Spot and Stain Cleaning
Although Cascade flooring has an extremely durable and hard wearing top coat, staining and discoloration can still occur from accidental spills of acidic liquids or other harsh substances. Should this happen, attempt to clean the area with a damp mop as soon as possible. For tougher spots, try putting a few drops of dish washing liquid or hair shampoo in a bucket of warm water and clean the area with a damp mop or clean cloth. Rinse area with clean water.
Food stains, including mustard, ketchup, tomato sauce, etc. can often be removed by making a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub the stain with the paste until it is clean. Rinse area with clean water and then allow to dry.
Isopropyl rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits can be helpful in removing more stubborn stains caused by paint, marker pens, crayons, lipstick, hair dyes, etc. Apply sparingly onto a clean cloth and rub gently onto the area. Do NOT pour liquid directly onto the floor. When finished, clean area with the appropriate floor cleaner to remove residue.
As with any new cleaning product, before using, test product on a spare plank or inconspicuous area of the floor (i.e. closet).
General Care and Maintenance Tips
Dog & Animal Care
Keep nails clipped. Dogs running through the house can scratch any finish. Put down a mat to stand between your pet’s water dish and your Cascade floor.
Area Rug Backings
Only rugs with a natural backing (i.e. felt) are safe for vinyl floors. Avoid rugs with a rubber or abrasive backing, as these can damage or discolor a floor.
Floor Protectors
Non-abrasive, felt-backed products are best. Rubber or hard plastic products can scratch and discolor your floor.
Removing Scuff Marks
If scuffs cannot be removed using a damp rag, stubborn scuffs can often be removed by using a tennis ball or pencil eraser. Gently rub in the long direction of the plank.
Floor Cleaning
During the cleaning process, rinse applicator often in a separate pail of clean water. A dirty applicator can spread dirt to other areas, causing streaks and haziness. Remember: use a damp (never wet) applicator. Squeeze out surplus water and ensure that the residual water evaporates from the floor within one minute. If it takes longer, there is too much moisture on the applicator.
Use the right cleaner. Do not use soap-based detergents or abrasive cleaners. Use cleaners recommended for vinyl flooring (such as Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Cleaner). Avoid scrubbing your floor. Use a soft-headed mop or cloth. Never use abrasive scrubbers or steel wool.
Protect the Floor’s Surface
Do not use ‘ball’ type castors directly on your floor as they can damage the surface. High heeled shoes with damaged heels can scratch and damage your floor. When moving heavy items, such as appliances, slide a 1/8” Masonite sheet under the heavy objects to prevent floor damage.
Flooding
If your floor has been exposed to excessive amounts of water due to flooding, the Cascade SPC plank surface is waterproof. Simply remove the water as quickly as possible. A dehumidifier should be promptly turned on in the room to reduce the moisture levels back to normal. Do not dry the room below the normal moisture level that existed previously.
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