ST. LOUIS, August 14, 2019 – School is back in session and that means calendars are quickly filling up with soccer games, band practice, and homework. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) has some tips on how to keep wood floor maintenance simple and part of your regular routine.

1. Leave shoes (especially cleats and high heels) at the door.

2. Keep breathable throw rugs at doorways to help prevent dirt and debris from being tracked inside.

3. Wipe up spills immediately with a slightly damp cloth.

4. Sweep floors regularly with a broom or dust mop, or vacuum using the bare floor setting.

5. Don’t use wet mops or steam mops, as they can damage your floor’s finish and the wood over long periods of time.

6. Use an appropriate wood floor cleaner once a month. Avoid products that claim to restore luster or add shine.

“Busy families are short on time, but caring for wood floors isn’t complicated,” said Brett Miller, VP of Education & Certification for NWFA. “A simple cleaning routine can prevent the everyday wear and tear and ultimately protect your investment for the long haul.”

If existing wood floors look a little dull, they usually can be renewed through recoating. A maintenance coat involves cleaning the existing floor’s finish, lightly sanding it, and applying a fresh new coat of finish. The NWFA recommends having a wood flooring professional apply a new coat of finish to floors every 3 to 5 years. Individual maintenance schedules vary a bit depending on use, wear and tear, and lifestyle.

To view the recommended maintenance schedule or to download the free Homeowner’s Handbook to Real Wood Floors, please visit: www.WoodFloors.org. The NWFA thanks the following sponsors of the “Real Wood. Real Life.” initiative for their dedication to the industry: Mannington Mills and Maxwell Hardwood Flooring.

About NWFA
The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies worldwide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. NWFA members receive the best in educational training, benefits, technical resources, and networking, to advance their professionalism and success. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (U.S. and Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or online at www.nwfa.org.