Hardwood Floors  > Caring for your Floor > Polyurethane Floors

Polyurethane Floors

Floors with urethane-type finish are extremely durable. With just minimal care your floor will look beautiful for years to come. The key to preserving your floor is protecting its finish. Urethane-finished floors require minimal care, but it is important that you provide regular care. It is particularly important to get grit off the floor before it can be ground into the finish. Sweep the floor regularly and vacuum at least weekly. Clean up spills before they turn into stains or otherwise damage the finish. For stubborn, sticky spills a damp mop with an approved cleaner may be used. Refinishing will only be necessary once the weekly care fails to restore the floor's shine. Of course, never apply a wax to a floor with a urethane finish.

Scratches

Most minor scratches can be removed with the help of a touch-up kit available from any wood flooring retailer.

Stains and Spots

Generally stains and spots caused by standing water can be removed, and the shine restored, by applying a small amount of recommended floor cleaner and buffing vigorously with a soft clean cloth or towel.

Dark Spots (Ink, Pet Stains, Diaper Stains)

Follow these steps:

• Remove the floor finish and clean spot and surrounding area with No. 2 steel wool and a wood cleaner or mineral spirits.
• Wash area with household vinegar and permit it to stand for 3 or 4 minutes.
• If these steps don't work, sand the darkened area in the direction of the wood grain with fine sand paper, "feathering out" 3 or 4 inches into the surrounding area.
• Using a vacuum or tack cloth, remove all traces of grit and refinish with at least two coats of polyurethane finish.

Heel Marks

Heel marks, caster marks, and similar scuffs should wipe up easily with an approved cleaner. Some marks can also be scraped up carefully with a sharpened blade.

Mold or Mildew

Mold or mildew that is on the surface can usually be cleaned with an approved cleaner. If the mold or mildew is under the surface, however, that portion of the floor will need to be refinished.

Chewing Gum, Crayon, Candle Wax

Try scraping the residue off with a sharpened blade, taking care not to scratch the surface. Another option is to apply ice until the substance becomes brittle enough to break off. If you use ice, make sure you remove any spots of water immediately. A third option is to apply cleaning fluid on the surface of the floor surrounding the spot. It will seep under the substance and loosen it.

Cigarette Burns

Use a sharpened blade to scrape the burned area. Apply additional finish if necessary.

Oil and Grease

Generally it is possible to remove oil and grease stains by applying mineral spirits or tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and wiping with a clean cloth. Buff the area to restore the shine.

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Financing Plans Available

(972) 562-8610

Visit the Heritage Showroom

Located near the historic square in downtown McKinney, our showroom features many options for your hardwood floors, from solid wood to engineered and pre-finished.  Our design center includes red oak flooring, white oak flooring, maple flooring, walnut flooring, smooth and handscraped finishes.  You can get wonderful ideas for flooring your home, and plan your next project with our experienced staff.  We welcome you to our showroom, or to take advantage of a free in-home estimate by calling (972) 562-8610.

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