Maintenance and Care Bamboo Floors

How To’s

  • Don’t wet mop or steam mop a bamboo floor.
    • Water / moisture can become trapped in the boards which will, over time, swell and warp.
  • Don’t slide heavy furniture or appliances across room.
    • Pick these pieces up to move – even if only a few feet.
  • Don’t walk on your hardwood floors in high heels, cleats, or sports shoes.
    • If you must walk in high heels, make sure they are in good repair.
  • Don’t let your pet’s claws go untrimmed.
  • Don’t use a hard or stiff brush to scrub your Bamboo flooring.
    • Always use a soft cloth or soft microfiber brush to clean your floors.
  • Don’t use any of the following products as they can dull today’s floor finishes and cause the protective layer of the bamboo planks to peel right off.
    • Oil Soap
    • Mineral Spirits
    • Paint Thinner
    • Acetone
    • Ammonia-Based Cleaners
    • Acrylic Finishes
    • Wax-Based Products
    • Detergents
    • Bleach
    • Polishes
    • Abrasive Cleaning Soaps
    • Acidic Materials (like vinegar)

How to Maintain Your Bamboo Floors

  • Vacuum, sweep, or dry mop regularly – followed by a Bamboo / hardwood safe cleaner.
    • It’s a good idea to keep on hand a wood cleaning kit.
      • Floors Etc. will be happy to recommend one that best suits your needs.
  • Clean spills immediately.
  • Place interior and exterior mats at entrances to trap sand, grit, and other substances.
    • A grain of sand has dozens of sharp edges and can create scratches if tracked across the floor. Be careful of other debris such as small rocks and pebbles being drug across the floor.
  • Use area rugs in front of kitchen sinks and in high traffic areas.
    • Rugs must be made of a breathable material to prevent moisture entrapment.
      • We recommend using a breathable rug underlay; mesh or grid patterns are best.
      • Do not use rugs with solid rubber or vinyl backings as this may damage the finish.
  • Use protective pads or caps, such as Bona® Floor Guards, on feet of furniture. Fix rolling furniture with soft rubber casters.
    • Periodically check the felt tips for wear or buildup of grit/debris and replace as needed.
  • Limit direct sunlight on the floor by using curtains and blinds in areas that are exposed to high UV rays.
    • Direct exposure to sunlight will discolor certain types of bamboo.
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Floors Etc. Pro Tip

Periodically rearrange rugs and furniture so that the color changes evenly, especially in the first few months after the floor is installed.

Maintain a consistent humidity level throughout the year in all living areas.

  • Excessive swings in humidity levels will cause Bamboo floors to swell, shrink, cup, crack and show excessive gaps between boards – all causing potential permanent damage.
    • Ventilation, humidity, and temperature control is a must even when the home is not occupied.
      • Flooring will perform best when the interior environment is controlled to stay within a relative humidity range of 40%-60% and a temperature range of 60° to 80° Fahrenheit.

NOTE: Seasonal movement is a normal characteristic of wood flooring and is not considered a defect. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain appropriate conditions via the use of a humidifier and/or de-humidifier and/or air conditioner.

Adhere to Manufacturer Warranty and Guidelines

  • Be sure to read any care and maintenance literature provided by the manufacturer because different styles and finishes can each have their own unique guidelines.
    • Floors Etc. will provide you with any product warranties upon completion of your project.
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How to Safely Clean Your Bamboo Floors

General Weekly Cleaning

1. Vacuum or Sweep

The best method of removing dirt and grit is vacuuming.

  • If using the Bona® mop to dry mop, remove any loose dirt or grit on the mop afterwards by rinsing with water and wringing out the mop pad.
    • This should be done prior to cleaning floor.

2. Clean

Lightly mist a 4′ x 6′ area of your floor or directly mist the cleaning pad on your Bona® mop with Bona® cleaner and thoroughly clean the floor with the mop.

  • Finish one area before moving on to the next.
  • Your Bona® mop pads are reusable and washable.
    • Do not use any fabric softeners, dryer sheets or bleach on your Bona® mop pads as these products will diminish the natural cleaning characteristics of the microfiber.
  • When the mop pad becomes excessively soiled, launder and/or replace with another clean mop pad.
    • Continued use of excessively soiled pads may cause streaking.

For Spills and Messes

  • Soak up the liquid right away.
  • Mist the area with cleaner, and wipe with your Bona® mop or a clean, soft cloth.

When to Call Floors Etc.

For the following Bamboo flooring problems please reach out to Floors Etc.

Damage | Pet Stains | Scratches | Water Stains

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