Tips to Protecting Your Northern Wide Plank Hardwood Floors
To preserve their integrity and finish for years to come, follow these key preventative maintenance tips. This information can also be found in our Cleaning & Care Guide.
The Dos
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Whether it’s food, wine, coffee, paint, water, or pet accidents, clean up spills as soon as they occur. Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage the wood and finish.
Move Furniture with Care
When moving appliances or furniture, always lift and place them. If sliding is necessary, use a clean piece of carpet (fuzzy side down) or smooth-side-down Masonite to protect the floor surface.
Use Felt Pads
Attach protective felt pads to the legs of all furniture and appliances. Avoid metal feet, which can leave permanent marks or scratches.
Place Door Mats
Use breathable mats at all entryways. These trap water, grit, and abrasive dust—helping to minimize unnecessary wear and tear on your floors.
Maintain Proper Humidity
Keep your indoor relative humidity between 35–55% and temperatures between 15–24°C (60–75°F). Low humidity can cause shrinkage, cracking, or gapping in the wood.
Monitor In-Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating systems should never exceed 29°C (85°F). Avoid rapid temperature changes—limit adjustments to no more than 2°C (4°F) per 24-hour period to prevent damage.
Damp Mop Correctly
Use the Vileda Ultraspeed Pro Double Bucket Mopping System with NWP Floor Soap. This system features a replaceable mop head suitable for daily cleaning and periodic refreshing using NWP Wax Care Cleaner.
Watch the full instructional video here
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
Residential
Damp mop once a week
Refresh floors with Wax Care every 8-12 months
Commercial/High-Traffic Areas
Damp mop daily
Refresh floors with Wax Care every 3–9 months
The Don’ts
Do not use conditioners, acrylic waxes, or ammonia-based cleaners not specifically made for hardwax oil finishes. Stick to NWP Floor Soap.
Do not use vinegar, detergents, or water directly on the floor. Never wet mop or flood the surface.
Do not use steam cleaners or hardwood cleaning machines unless specifically approved by Northern Wide Plank.
Do not use steel wool or abrasive items to remove stains. Refer to our care instructions or the instructional video for proper stain removal methods. Click here to view video.
Do not apply any type of tape to the surface, as it can lift the finish or leave residue.
For additional guidance, contact our Customer Care Team: customercare@northernwideplank.com
877-763-6169