FAQ - Maintenance and Upkeep

To keep your floor beautiful for decades, maitaining it and controlling the environement –temparetaure and humidity levels- is mandatory. Mercier has published a complete maintenance guide which contains useful pieces of advice to help you keep the best looking floors for years to come. Following these maintenance instructions is key to keeping your warranty valid and maintaining the beautiful look of your floors for years to come. Maintaining a hardwood floor is simple and easy :

Step 1 : The best way to protect your wood floors is to vacuum regularly.

Step 2 : Spray a small quantity of cleaner on your Mercier mop and swab a section of floor in the same direction as the floorboards. Continue until the entire floor is done. Change and wash mop covers as required

WARNING Never use wax, household detergent, or oil-based soap on the floor. These products may discolor and damage the finish and leave a greasy film, making the floor slippery and difficult to maintain afterwards. The greasy film may also make it impossible to apply a restorer coat. Mixtures of water and vinegar are not recommended for cleaning pre-finished flooring, since vinegar has an oxidizing effect on the finish.

Wood fibres swell when they absorb water, which can damage floors and their finish. When water gets into your floor, it can alter floorboard dimensions, cause discoloration, and lead to mold build-up between boards. Floors in kitchens and entranceways are particularly subject to getting wet. Special care must be taken with wood floors in these locations to maintain recommended humidity and temperature levels and prevent water from getting on the floor.

Wood and water Wood fibres swell when they absorb water, which can damage floors and their finish. When water gets into your floor, it can alter floorboard dimensions, cause discoloration, and lead to mold build-up between boards. Floors in kitchens and entranceways are particularly subject to getting wet. Special care must be taken with wood floors in these locations to maintain recommended humidity and temperature levels and prevent water, snow and ice from getting on the floor.

Recommendations. Wipe up spilled water, liquids, or detergents before they are absorbed by the wood fibres. Place floor mats at each doorway to trap water, snow and ice and in front of the sink, dishwasher, and work areas in the kitchen. Place leak-proof saucers under your plants to avoid accidental spills. Choose pots with a waterproof glaze rather than porous clay pots that may let water through.

Warning! Never use large amounts of liquid or water to clean wood floors, and never use a saturated mop.

Question
Where can I buy the Mercier Generations maintenance kit?

Answer
Mercier has designed products specially made for the maintenance of your prefinished floors. The care kit is available through your authorized Mercier dealer. You can also purchase it online.



Question
Can I wax my Mercier Generations floor?

Answer
It is strongly recommended that you not wax your Mercier Generations floor. Waxing may damage the finish and leave a greasy film on the surface, making upkeep much more difficult.



Question
Can I install a Mercier Generations floor in my home, even though I have pets?

Answer
Yes, your pets and hardwood floor can coexist peacefully. However, make sure you trim and file your pets' claws regularly. Also, choosing a satin finish can help hide small scratches your pets may leave.



Question
How often should I clean my wood floor?

Answer
Clean your floor as often as necessary. Abrasives such as sand, glass, and more harm your floor. Vacuum or sweep regularly to eliminate abrasives that could damage your floor's finish.