Six Steps for Proper Daily Maintenance:

  • SWEEP THE FLOOR DAILY with a properly treated dust mop.
  • IMMEDIATELY WIPE UP SPILLS and any moisture on the floor surface.
  • MAKE SURE THE HEATING/VENTILATING/AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY and set to maintain indoor relative humidity level between 35 percent and 50 percent year round. In areas of consistently high or low outside humidity, a 15 percent fluctuation will not adversely affect the maple.
  • REMOVE HEEL MARKS using an approved floor cleaner applied with a soft cloth or a dust mop. Contact your floor finish manufacturer for approved cleaning products.
  • INSPECT FLOOR FOR TIGHTENING OR SHRINKAGE. During wet weather, check for water leakage around doors and windows. Remove debris from expansion voids.
  • ALWAYS PROTECT THE FLOOR when moving heavy equipment or furniture.

Never Do the Following:

  • NEVER shut down the ventilation system in your home for a prolonged period of time.
  • NEVER clean your MFMA floor using water or steam. Water is your floor's worst enemy!
  • NEVER attempt to modify or repair your MFMA maple floor without first consulting your MFMA contractor.
  • NEVER use household cleaning products or procedures to clean your floor. They can be harmful to the floor finish and to the wood and may leave floors sticky or slippery, and potentially harmful. Your finish manufacturer will recommend the proper cleaning and maintenance materials for your MFMA maple floor.

Wood is naturally porous and can absorb and release moisture. If the humidity in your home rises, your wood floor will absorb that moisture, causing it to expand. If the humidity falls, your wood floor will release moisture, causing it to shrink. Many installations include expansion voids around the perimeter and around columns or floor inserts. These features permit natural, normal expansion and contraction without damage to the floor. Too much moisture causes abnormal expansion, which can lead to cupping or buckling of your floor. In abnormally dry conditions the wood will contract, leaving separations between flooring strips.

Direct all questions about your MFMA maple floor to your MFMA Floor Contractor.

© Copyright 2013, Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The MFMA Residential Flooring Brochure has been designed to provide general information to homeowners, specifiers, distributors and other consumers. The MFMA, its members, officers and agents disclaim any responsibility whatsoever for the accuracy or applicability of these guidelines under all circumstances and conditions.
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