Care & Maintenance

Please be aware that Essex & Co. provides different types of coatings. Before cleaning a particular floor, confirm what type of finish your floor has. Essex & Co. currently provides U.V. cured Poly Urethanes, Hard Wax Oils and U.V. Oils. Please keep in mind that different coatings require different maintenance and care.

Basic Care for Coatings:

For optimal performance please follow these guidelines: Flooring should be one of the last items installed in a project. After installation, great care should be taken to protect the flooring. Use a breathable product such as “Ram Board”. Clean all debris off the floor before laying the protective covering. Keep in mind that wood is subject to fading when exposed to direct sunlight. Seasonal movement is to be expected and not considered a defect.

Recommended:

  • Place walk-off mat at all entrances.
  • Install felt floor protectors underneath all furniture.
  • Remove “spiked heels” when walking on floor.
  • Keep pet claws trimmed.
  • Remove work boots and shoes they can trap pebbles in the soles.
  • Sweep and vacuum frequently.
  • Quickly wipe up any spills.
  • Never wet mop a wood floor, spot clean as necessary.
  • Use mats near sinks, dishwasher and workstations.
  • Protect your floor when moving furniture.
  • Follow NWFA guidelines for relative humidity (35%-55%) and temperature (60 – 80 degrees) Fahrenheit.
  • Remove any water and sand immediately, they are any floors biggest enemy.

 

To Clean U.V. Oil Floors:

After installation and for regular cleaning mop with WOCA soap natural. Natural soap is a concentrate that is mixed with water. Frequent cleaning (up to once a week) will extend the time before re-oiling becomes necessary. Cleaning with natural soap protects, seals and nourishes your new floor, it is the most important key to maintaining the look of the floor.

DO'S:
  • Use a cotton mop (not micro-fiber)
  • Use a second bucket for rinsing the mop
  • Thoroughly wring out the mop
  • For spot cleaning use WOCA soap & spray natural
  • For difficult stains use WOCA spot remover
  • For light scratches use WOCA master floor oil natural

Keep in mind that frequent sweeping and vacuuming removes debris that can get ground into the grain by foot traffic. Oil finishes soak into the wood, protecting from within rather than forming a barrier above so that the natural wood texture is felt on the surface.

Don'ts:
  • Never use ammonia, vinegar, petroleum based cleaners, wax, polish, abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads, furniture cleaners, or any other NON-WOCA brand product to clean your oil finished floor.
  • Never mop your floor with a bucket of water. Always use WOCA soap or Oil Refresher
  • Avoid using a micro-fiber mop, which can remove oil from the floor

For more details regarding cleaning, preventative products and instructional videos please refer to the WOCA website: www.woodcareusa.com 

To Clean U.V. Poly Urethane Floors:

Use Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner as directed. Do not use waxes, oils, oil soaps, or petroleum-based cleaners under any circumstances. Do not use any abrasive cleaning implements i.e. wet jets. Bona has an extensive line of hardwood floor care products: www.bona.com  

To Clean Hard-Wax Oil Floors:

After installation and for regular cleaning use either Rubio Surface Care Spray or Rubio Natural Soap. Natural soap is a concentrated version of Surface Care Spray. The use of Surface Care Spray does not require mixing with water. Your Rubio Hard-wax Oil floor is fully “cured” at time of delivery.

Do's:
  • Use a cotton mop (not micro-fiber)
  • Use a second bucket for rinsing the mop
  • Thoroughly wring out the mop, damp mop only.
  • Use only Rubio cleaning products
  • For difficult stains (grease) use Rubio grease remover
  • For spot cleaning use Rubio Surface Care spray
  • For water spots use Rubio Lime spot remover
  • Use Rubio Refresh for textural damage every 1 to 3 years.
  • Use Rubio Maintenance Oil every 4 to 6 years.

Keep in mind that frequent sweeping and vacuuming removes debris that can get ground into the grain by foot traffic. Oil finishes soak into the wood, protecting from within rather than forming a barrier above so that the natural wood texture is felt on the surface.

Don'ts:
  • Never use ammonia, vinegar, petroleum based cleaners, wax, polish, abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads, furniture cleaners, or any other Non-Rubio brand product to clean your hard-wax oil floors.
  • Never mop your floor with a bucket of water. Always use Rubio Natural Soap.
  • Never use a “wet jet” on your hard-wax oil floors.

For more details regarding cleaning, preventative maintenance and instructional videos please refer to the Rubio-Monocoat website: www.monocoat.us