Caring for your Flooring
Aquastop
General maintenance; how to care for your laminate floor.
- Sweep floor regularly with an electrostatic broom, soft bristled broom or wood floor mop.
- Dust and or clean with a soft bristled vacuum head. Ensure vacuum head is non-abrasive with no metal contact points.
- Remove spills promptly with an absorbent cloth or similar.
- Place mats at exterior and interior doors to trap sand and grit from incoming traffic and for drying feet if pool activity is nearby.
- Use a rug or matt in high traffic areas to reduce wear & scuffing.
- Stick soft pads to the base of all furnishings in contact with the floor.
- When moving heavy furniture or appliances always pick it up rather than sliding it across the floor.
- Keep pets’ claws properly trimmed to avoid excess scratches and gouges.
- If necessary, clean with a well rung out mop with warm water and a PH neutral floor cleaner. We strongly recommend BONA or LOBA laminate floor care solutions; these are available from reputable flooring retailers. Consult instructions before use. Do not use supermarket floor or general cleaning solutions as they are likely to be concentrated and if used incorrectly will damage the surface coating.
Prevention maintenance.
- A well rung out mop is ok to use on moisture resistant Laminate flooring.
Do not steam mop or excessively wet mop floor surface area after installation. Too much water may cause the planks to swell and warp and damage the laminate plank. - Do not use waxes or common household supermarket cleaners or detergents on the floor. These types of cleaning solutions are very abrasive. Long term use will dull the finish and soften the surface coating reducing its durability and sheen level.
- For optimum performance chairs with roller wheels must be placed on protective mats to protect the surface from excessive grit and point load concentrated wear.
- Do not let sand, dirt or grit build up on the floor surface.
- Do not roll or slide heavy furniture or appliances across flooring without surface protection or lift trolley.
- Place drip pans or protective matting under pot plants and animal feeding or bedding areas to avoid moisture ingress.
- Importantly, make sure there is a minimum humidity of 35%- 50% in the room. Constant site variations above or below these limits may require the use of a humidifier. Good airflow and ventilation is required to avoid heat and cooling extremes. Long-term exposure may result in changes to the flooring surface.
Artisan | De Marque Oak | Prestige Oak | Pronto | Elk Falls
General maintenance; how to care for your floor.
- Sweep floor regularly with an electrostatic broom, soft bristled broom or wood floor mop.
- Dust and or clean with a soft bristled vacuum head. Ensure vacuum head is non-abrasive with no metal contact points.
- Remove spills promptly with an absorbent cloth or similar.
- Natural hardwood flooring is photosensitive and will change colour as the floor ages and is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This is a naturally occurring phenomenon and as such these changes are not covered by the product warranty.
- For new installations avoid placing rugs or mats on the floor surface for at least 2 months. This should enable a more even UV exposure to natural and internal lighting. Avoid animal rugs unless you determine the backing is PH neutral or place carpet / rug lining under to avoid bleaching the floor surface.
- Place mats at exterior and interior doors to trap sand and grit from incoming traffic and for drying feet if pool activity is nearby.
- Use a rug or matt in high traffic areas to reduce wear & scuffing.
- Where possible periodically relocate rugs or large items to allow natural aging of the floor surface area. For new floors please refer rug and mat details noted above.
- Stick soft pads to the base of all furnishings in contact with the floor.
- When moving heavy furniture or appliances always pick it up rather than sliding it across the floor.
- Keep pets’ claws properly trimmed to avoid excess scratches and gouges.
- If necessary, clean with a well rung out mop with warm water and a PH neutral floor cleaner. We strongly recommend BONA or LOBA floor care solutions; these are available from reputable flooring retailers. Consult instructions before use. Do not use supermarket floor or general cleaning solutions as they are likely to be concentrated and if used incorrectly will damage the surface coating.
- Your engineered floor is pre-finished with a water based PU coating suitable for residential use. If coating repairs or future re-coating is required please contact a coating professional. Small repairs are possible to the surface coating however it is vital that a test sample with a compatible brand of water based PU coating is done prior to attempting the final in-situ repair. If a left over floor sample is not available attempt a small test area in a cupboard or less visible location within the room.
Prevention maintenance.
- Do not steam mop or wet mop floor surface area after installation. Too much water may cause the planks to swell and warp and damage the surface coating.
- Do not use waxes or common household supermarket cleaners or detergents on the floor. These types of cleaning solutions are very abrasive. Long term use will dull the finish and soften the surface coating reducing its durability and sheen level.
- Chairs with roller wheels must be placed on protective mats to protect the surface coating.
- Do not let sand, dirt or grit build up on the floor surface.
- Avoid walking in narrow point or stiletto heel shoes as they may damage the surface of your floor.
- Do not use masking or other types of adhesive tapes on the surface coating, removal at a later stage may result in coating damage.
- Do not roll or slide heavy furniture or appliances across flooring without surface protection or lift trolley.
- Place drip pans or protective matting under pot plants and animal feeding or bedding areas to avoid moisture ingress.
- Importantly, make sure there is a minimum humidity of 35%- 50% in the room. Constant site variations above or below these limits may require the use of a humidifier. Good airflow and ventilation is required to avoid heat and cooling extremes. Long-term exposure may result in changes to the flooring surface.
Proper maintenance is necessary and a vital requirement to maximise the performance and enjoyment of your flooring investment. A well maintained floor will provide many years of service life and will add to the overall warmth and charm that only a natural flooring product can provide.
If you follow these industry acknowledged guidelines the task of maintaining your flooring will become a regular function in the overall upkeep of the property. If you’re unsure regarding any of these steps, please call or email Inspirational Flooring.
Engineered pre-finished Oak & Hickory -
Moisture Resistant Laminate Flooring -
Hydroplank | Aspire | Iconic | Easi-Plank
General maintenance; how to care for your laminate floor.
- Sun Blinds or similar must be used for window & door openings exposed to heat and high UV exposure; this will assist in reducing the harmful effects sun damage can have on your Hybrid floor.
- Sweep floor regularly with an electrostatic broom, soft bristled broom, or wood floor mop.
- Dust and or clean with a soft bristled vacuum head. Ensure vacuum head is non-abrasive with no metal contact points.
- Remove spills promptly with an absorbent cloth or similar.
- For new installations avoid placing rugs or mats on the floor surface for at least 2 months. This should enable a more even UV exposure to natural and internal lighting. Avoid animal rugs unless you determine the backing is PH neutral or place carpet / rug lining under to avoid bleaching the floor surface.
- Place mats at exterior and interior doors to trap sand and grit from incoming traffic and for drying feet if pool activity is nearby.
- Use a rug or matt in high traffic areas to reduce wear & scuffing.
- Where possible periodically relocate rugs or large items to allow natural aging of the floor surface area. For new floors please refer rug and mat details noted above.
- To avoid scuffing, adhere / stick soft pads to the base of all furnishings in contact with the floor.
- When moving heavy furniture or appliances always pick it up rather than sliding it across the floor.
- Keep pets’ claws properly trimmed to avoid excess scratches and gouges.
- If necessary, clean with a well rung out mop with warm water and a PH neutral floor cleaner. We strongly recommend BONA or LOBA Vinyl floor care solutions; these are available from reputable flooring retailers. Consult instructions before use. Do not use supermarket floor or general cleaning solutions as they are likely to be concentrated and if used incorrectly will damage the surface coating.
Prevention maintenance.
- Sun Blinds or window coverings are required to reduce excessive heat and UV exposure.
- Do not steam mop or excessively wet mop floor surface area after installation. Too much water may allow seepage through the click profile and will create a moist environment under the floor planks.
- Do not use waxes or common household supermarket cleaners or detergents on the floor. These types of cleaning solutions are very abrasive. Long term use will dull the sheen level of the coating.
- Chairs with roller wheels must be placed on protective mats to protect the surface coating.
- Do not let sand, dirt or grit build up on the floor surface.
- Avoid walking in narrow point or stiletto heel shoes as they may damage the surface of your floor.
- Do not use masking or other types of adhesive tapes on the surface coating, removal at a later stage may result in coating damage.
- Do not roll or slide heavy furniture or appliances across flooring without surface protection or lift trolley.
- Place drip pans or protective matting under pot plants and animal feeding or bedding areas to avoid moisture ingress and mold.
- Importantly, make sure there is a minimum humidity of 35%- 50% in the room. Constant site variations above or below these limits may require the use of a humidifier. Good airflow and ventilation is required to avoid heat and cooling extremes. Long-term exposure may result in changes to the flooring surface.
Engineered pre-finished Australian Timber -
Fiddleback | Select Australian Timber
General maintenance; how to care for your laminate floor.
- Sweep floor regularly with an electrostatic broom, soft bristled broom or wood floor mop.
- Dust and or clean with a soft bristled vacuum head. Ensure vacuum head is non-abrasive with no metal contact points.
- Remove spills promptly with an absorbent cloth or similar.
- For new installations avoid placing rugs or mats on the floor surface for at least 2 months. This should enable a more even UV exposure to natural and internal lighting. Avoid animal rugs unless you determine the backing is PH neutral or place carpet / rug lining under to avoid bleaching and possible tannin stains on the floor surface.
- Place mats at exterior and interior doors to trap sand and grit from incoming traffic and for drying feet if pool activity is nearby.
- Use a rug or matt in high traffic areas to reduce wear & scuffing.
- Where possible periodically relocate rugs or large items to allow natural aging of the floor surface area. For new floors please refer rug and mat details noted above.
- Stick soft pads to the base of all furnishings in contact with the floor.
- When moving heavy furniture or appliances always pick it up rather than sliding it across the floor.
- Keep pets’ claws properly trimmed to avoid excess scratches and gouges.
- If necessary, clean with a well rung out mop in warm water and a PH neutral floor cleaner. We strongly recommend BONA or LOBA floor care solutions; these are available from reputable flooring retailers. Consult instructions before use. Do not use supermarket floor or general cleaning solutions as they are likely to be concentrated and if used incorrectly will damage the surface coating.
Prevention maintenance.
- Under floor or under product heating of any type is not suitable for installation with our Australian Timber ranges.
- Do not steam mop or wet mop floor surface area after installation. Too much water may cause the planks to swell and warp and damage the surface coating.
- Do not use waxes or common household supermarket cleaners or detergents on the floor. These types of cleaning solutions are very abrasive. Long term use will dull the finish and soften the surface coating reducing its durability and sheen level.
- Chairs with roller wheels must be placed on protective mats to protect the surface coating.
- Do not let sand, dirt or grit build up on the floor surface.
- Avoid walking in narrow point or stiletto heel shoes as they may damage the surface of your floor.
- Do not use masking or other types of adhesive tapes on the surface coating, removal at a later stage may result in coating damage.
- Do not roll or slide heavy furniture or appliances across flooring without surface protection or lift trolley.
- Place drip pans or protective matting under pot plants and animal feeding or bedding areas to avoid moisture ingress.
- Importantly, make sure there is a minimum humidity of 35%- 50% in the room. Constant site variations above or below these limits may require the use of a humidifier. Good airflow and ventilation is required to avoid heat and cooling extremes. Long-term exposure may result in changes to the flooring surface.
- Your engineered floor is pre-finished with a water based PU coating suitable for residential use. If coating repairs or future re-coating is required please contact a coating professional. Small repairs are possible to the surface coating however it is vital that a test sample with a compatible brand of water based PU coating is done prior to attempting the final in-situ repair. If a left over floor sample is not available attempt a small test area in a cupboard or less visible location within the room.
Disclaimer: we have used its reasonable endeavors to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained herein and, to the extent permitted by law, will not be liable for any inaccuracies, omissions or errors in this information nor for any actions taken in reliance on this information. Products must be installed in accordance with relevant installation recommendations and industry best practices.
Timber & Engineered Floors -
Oakleaf | Classic Laminate
General maintenance; how to care for your laminate floor.
- Sweep floor regularly with an electrostatic broom, soft bristled broom or wood floor mop.
- Dust and or clean with a soft bristled vacuum head. Ensure vacuum head is non-abrasive with no metal contact points.
- Remove spills promptly with an absorbent cloth or similar.
- Place mats at exterior and interior doors to trap sand and grit from incoming traffic and for drying feet if pool activity is nearby.
- Use a rug or matt in high traffic areas to reduce wear & scuffing.
- Stick soft pads to the base of all furnishings in contact with the floor.
- When moving heavy furniture or appliances always pick it up rather than sliding it across the floor.
- Keep pets’ claws properly trimmed to avoid excess scratches and gouges.
- If necessary, clean with a well rung out mop with warm water and a PH neutral floor cleaner. We strongly recommend BONA or LOBA laminate floor care solutions; these are available from reputable flooring retailers. Consult instructions before use. Do not use supermarket floor or general cleaning solutions as they are likely to be concentrated and if used incorrectly will damage the surface coating.
Prevention maintenance.
- Do not steam mop or excessively wet mop floor surface area after installation. Too much water may cause the planks to swell and warp and damage the laminate plank.
- Do not use waxes or common household supermarket cleaners or detergents on the floor. These types of cleaning solutions are very abrasive. Long term use will dull the finish and soften the surface coating reducing its durability and sheen level.
- For optimum performance chairs with roller wheels must be placed on protective mats to protect the surface from excessive grit and point load concentrated wear.
- Do not let sand, dirt or grit build up on the floor surface.
- Do not roll or slide heavy furniture or appliances across flooring without surface protection or lift trolley.
- Place drip pans or protective matting under pot plants and animal feeding or bedding areas to avoid moisture ingress.
- Importantly, make sure there is a minimum humidity of 35%- 50% in the room. Constant site variations above or below these limits may require the use of a humidifier. Good airflow and ventilation is required to avoid heat and cooling extremes. Long-term exposure may result in changes to the flooring surface.
Ultimo Luxury Vinyl Plank
General maintenance; how to care for your laminate floor.
- Sun Blinds or similar must be used for window & door openings exposed to heat and high UV exposure; this will assist in reducing sun damage & bleaching of the plank’s colour format.
- Sweep floor regularly with an electrostatic broom, soft bristled broom or wood floor mop.
- Dust and or clean with a soft bristled vacuum head. Ensure vacuum head is non-abrasive with no metal contact points.
- Remove spills promptly with an absorbent cloth or similar.
- For new installations avoid placing rugs or mats on the floor surface for at least 2 months. This should enable a more even UV exposure to natural and internal lighting. Avoid animal rugs unless you determine the backing is PH neutral or place carpet / rug lining under to avoid bleaching and possible tannin stains on the floor surface.
- Place mats at exterior and interior doors to trap sand and grit from incoming traffic and for drying feet if pool activity is nearby.
- Use a rug or mat in high traffic areas to reduce wear & scuffing.
- Where possible periodically relocate rugs or large items to allow natural aging of the floor surface area. For new floors please refer rug and mat details noted above.
- To avoid scuffing, adhere / stick soft pads to the base of all furnishings in contact with the floor
- When moving heavy furniture or appliances always pick it up rather than sliding it across the floor.
- Keep pets’ claws properly trimmed to avoid excess scratches and gouges.
- If necessary, clean with a well rung out mop in warm water and a PH neutral floor cleaner. We strongly recommend BONA or LOBA floor care solutions; these are available from reputable flooring retailers. Consult instructions before use. Do not use supermarket floor or general cleaning solutions as they are likely to be concentrated and if used incorrectly will damage the surface coating.
Prevention maintenance.
- Sun Blinds or window coverings are required to avoid excessive UV exposure
- Do not steam mop or wet mop floor surface area after installation. Too much water may cause the planks to swell and warp and damage the surface coating.
- Do not use waxes or common household supermarket cleaners or detergents on the floor. These types of cleaning solutions are very abrasive. Long term use will dull the finish and soften the surface coating reducing its durability and sheen level.
- Chairs with roller wheels must be placed on protective mats to protect the surface coating.
- Do not let sand, dirt or grit build up on the floor surface as it may damage the sheen level on the coating.
• Sharp objects on furniture etc. may damage the surface of your floor. - Do not use masking or other types of adhesive tapes on the surface coating, removal at a later stage may result in coating damage.
- Do not roll or slide heavy furniture or appliances across flooring without surface protection or lift trolley.
- Place drip pans or protective matting under pot plants and animal feeding or bedding areas to avoid moisture ingress & mold.
General Laminate Flooring -
Timber & Engineered Floors
Although a floor may be walked on after initial curing/hardening of the coating, some precautions are necessary with a newly finished floor until the coating system has fully hardened and this may take several days to several weeks depending on the coating option taken and the weather
conditions at the time of application. Use of the floor before the full cure has been reached can result in scuffing and/or scratching. It is recommended that rugs are not laid until after the floor finish has fully hardened. Rugs with rubber backings should not be used as they may stain or
otherwise affect the applied coatings. While light furniture can be replaced and used during this period, it should be ensured that furniture protection felt pads are attached to the feet of tables and chairs etc. and furniture such as chairs should be lifted and not slid across the floor.
General maintenance; how to care for your laminate floor.
- Anti-static mop, sweep and/or vacuum (soft head) the floor as often as possible. Use mats at entry doors if shoes are not being removed.
- Only use cleaners that are recommended by timber floor coating manufacturers or timber floor manufacturers.
- Wipe up all spills immediately. Many beverages will stain most finishes if left on the floor.
- Put floor protectors on the bottom of all furniture and anything else that is hard and will make contact and might rub on the timber floor. (Lift and do not slide chairs.)
- Keep pet nails trimmed. Know that dogs running through the house will scratch any finish.
- Consider using carpet runners/area rugs in high-traffic areas.
- Protect your floor from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can soften the tone of different species of timber to varying degrees and accelerate the darkening from oxidation and aging of timber and the coating.
- Keep your home at normal living conditions for your area—no extremes of humidity or temperature.
Rearrange your rugs and furniture periodically to allow the flooring colour to age evenly
Prevention maintenance.
- DO NOT use: ammonia-based cleaners, wax-based products (unless coating is wax),detergents, bleach, polishes, abrasive cleaning soaps, steel wool or abrasive cloths,turps or kerosene.
- DO NOT wet-mop or steam mop a timber floor.
- DO NOT wear shoes with stiletto heels on your timber floor. Remove shoes at the door to avoid potentially dragging in sharp objects in your shoe treads.