A floor that lasts begins with simple care.
A few consistent habits keep your Verawood floor beautiful for years: gentle cleaning, a stable indoor climate, and protection from grit and moisture.
Updated August 7, 2026
Daily and weekly cleaning
Consistent, gentle cleaning is the foundation of floor care. The goal is to remove grit before it can act as an abrasive against the finish.
What to do
Sweep or dry-dust daily
Use a soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop to lift loose dirt, dust, and pet hair. No habit prevents more scratches.
Vacuum weekly
Choose a hard-floor setting or soft brush attachment — never a beater bar. Pay attention to edges and corners, where grit collects.
Damp mop as needed
Use a well-wrung microfiber mop with a cleaner made for hardwood. The mop should be barely damp, never wet.
What to avoid
Wet mops and steam cleaners
Standing water and steam work into the wood and can cause cupping, warping, and finish damage.
Harsh chemicals
Oil-based soaps, vinegar, bleach, and general-purpose cleaners wear down the finish and leave a dulling residue.
Wax
Prefinished floors don't need waxing, and wax can make future recoating or refinishing more difficult.
Humidity and temperature
Wood responds to the air around it. A stable indoor environment is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of floor care.
| Condition | Recommended range | Outside the range |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor humidity | 35% – 55% relative humidity | Below 35%: gaps, checking, and cupping. Above 55%: swelling, buckling, and warping. |
| Indoor temperature | 60°F – 80°F (15°C – 27°C) | Sharp swings make boards expand and contract, stressing joints and the finish. |
| Seasonal variation | Normal within range | Humidify in winter; use air conditioning or a dehumidifier in summer to stay in range. |
Good to knowEngineered hardwood is more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood, which makes it well suited to climates with large seasonal swings, radiant heat, and below-grade rooms.
Preventing scratches
Most scratches are avoidable with a few simple habits and protective measures.
Felt pads on furniture legs
Replace them every 6 to 12 months, as they compress and pick up grit. Hard plastic feet are a leading cause of finish scratches.
Rugs in high-traffic areas
Entries, hallways, and kitchen work zones benefit most. Choose a hardwood-safe, non-slip backing — rubber can discolor the finish over time.
Shoes off at the door
High heels and cleats concentrate weight on a small point and can dent even durable finishes.
Trimmed pet nails
Regular trimming greatly reduces surface scratching from pets.
Lift, never drag
Move heavy furniture and appliances with sliders or a dolly rather than pushing them across the floor.
When spills happen
Respond quickly, before moisture can work through the finish and into the wood.
Blot immediately
Use a clean, dry cloth and blot rather than wipe, working from the outside of the spill toward the center.
Clean if needed, then dry
For sticky or staining spills, use a barely damp cloth with a little hardwood cleaner, then dry the area straight away.
Never let liquid sit
Even a few minutes of standing water can affect the finish. Moisture that reaches an engineered core can lead to delamination over time.
Seasonal care
Indoor conditions shift through the year, and your floor benefits from a little seasonal attention.
Winter
Watch humidity
Heating dries indoor air. A whole-house or room humidifier keeps levels in range and prevents gaps and checking.
Mats at every entrance
Snow, salt, and slush are especially hard on finishes. Change doormats often and keep them dry.
Summer
Control humidity
Humid air makes wood expand. Air conditioning keeps levels in range and helps prevent swelling and buckling.
Shade sunlit rooms
Prolonged UV exposure fades and shifts the color of wood. Blinds, curtains, or UV-filtering film slow the change.
When to call a professional
Some work is best left to an experienced flooring contractor.
Deep scratches and gouges
Light surface scratches can often be treated with a touch-up kit matched to the finish. Anything that reaches through the wear layer needs a professional assessment.
Cupping or buckling
Boards that lift, cup, or separate usually signal a moisture problem. A professional can find the source and advise whether the floor can be dried and restored.
Finish refresh
When the finish looks dull or worn across a wide area, a screen-and-recoat adds a fresh coat without removing any of the wear layer.
Full refinishing
Engineered floors can only be sanded as far as the wear layer allows. Contact us and consult a qualified installer before any sanding.
Questions about your floor?
Our team is happy to help with cleaning products, climate questions, or anything that doesn't look quite right.