Use and Care Guide

FLOOR CARE FOR SHAW HARDWOOD

FLOORING

New hardwood floors represent a substantial flooring investment and with proper care the appearance and

performance of your Shaw hardwood floor can be maintained over time. A total care program consists of key areas:

1) Preventative Maintenance 2) Routine Maintenance and 3) Spot and Spill Removal.

Preventative Maintenance:

Always protect floors from direct exposure of sunlight that can cause the wood or stain to change colors.

Warranties do not cover damage from UV exposure. Recommended humidity levels are between 35% R.H.- 55%

R.H.

Protect floors when moving heavy objects to prevent permanent scratches and tears. The use of plywood

and heavy cardboard are examples of protective barriers.

Use appropriate wide floor protectors under tables, chairs, and any other heavy home furnishing to avoid

permanent damage. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector.

Walk-off mats should be used at all entrances to absorb soil and moisture. The use of appropriate mats will

help avoid scratches and damages to the floor. If mats are placed directly on top of the hardwood floors, use proper

indoor mats. Mats that can trap moisture underneath have potential to cause possible discoloration. Latex and

rubber backings are not recommended.

Area rugs are recommended in high traffic and pivot areas. Avoid shoes with spiked or damaged heels.

Also keep pets’ paws and nails cleaned and trimmed.

Routine Maintenance:

Daily removal of dirt and dust is important to prevent particles from abrading the floor’s surface. Sweeping,

dust mopping, and vacuuming are recommendations to remove soil particles that can result in scratches and worn

appearances. Do not use vacuums with rotating beater bars on hard surfaces.

Shaw’s R2x Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner and Shaw’s EPA/Dfe Green Formula Hard Surfaces Flooring

Cleaner are recommended for general spotting and cleaning.

Periodic cleaning will be necessary to help maintain the floor’s appearance. Always pre-vacuum or dust

mop before any type of cleaning. Shaw’s R2x Hard Surface cleaner or appropriate hardwood floor cleaning agents

(neutral pH cleaners) are recommended. Do not use abrasive cleaners or cleaning agents that leave dull residues

on the surface of the floors. Never wet mop the floor with water and do not allow excess cleaner to remain on the

floor’s surface as this may permanently damage the wood. Steam cleaners are not recommended. Expedite drying

with air movers or fans.

Do not use oil soaps, liquid or paste wax products, or cleaners with citrus type oils, Tung oils, silicon or

ammoniated products as well as 2 in 1 cleaners with polish additives. Problems from these type products can affect

the floor which would not be considered in the warranty.

Spot and Spill Removal:

Remove wet spills promptly by blotting with white paper or cloth towels.

Dried spots should be removed by Shaw’s R2x Hard Surface cleaner with gentle agitation from a clean

towel or cloth. Always blot dry.

Do not use detergents or abrasive cleaners since these products can result in a dull residue and appearance.

Use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) with a clean white cloth for spots requiring a solvent type cleaner

that hardwood cleaning agents can not remove.

Please note that some stain conditions may become permanent. Contact Shaw at 800-441-7429 or

www.shawfloors.com/customer-care/contact-us for additional assistance.