Care and Maintenance Guide
Wood is a natural material that reacts to its surrounding conditions. To ensure your new wood floor lasts as long as possible, please read and understand the section below.
​
Our structural warranty depends on the installation method and site conditions. As long as the care and maintenance guidelines below are followed, the warranty remains valid under the terms and conditions.
Humidity
An indoor relative humidity level between 40% and 60% is ideal for wood flooring. When humidity drops below 35% or rises above 70%, the risk of movement, hairline cracks, and veneer deterioration increases. We strongly recommend using a humidifier or dehumidifier to help maintain humidity within this range.
Temperature
It is recommended to maintain an indoor temperature between 16°C and 27°C. Temperatures outside this range can increase the likelihood of movement and hairline cracks in the wood veneer.
Protecting Against Surface Fading
While wood naturally changes colour over time, excessive UV exposure can cause severe fading and reduce the coating’s lifespan.
• Wood reacts to UV light through oxidation, leading to visible colour shifts, such as darkening, lightening, or yellowing, within the first 1–3 months.
• Avoid placing rugs for the first 3 months, and rotate rugs or furniture periodically to maintain even colour tones.
• Use UV protected windows, blinds, or curtains to minimise sun damage and preserve the floor’s finish.
Protecting Your Wood Floor
• Avoid dragging or rolling heavy furniture or appliances. Always lift or use a protective layer such as plywood when moving items to prevent scratches or dents.
• Use felt pads under all furniture legs, especially chairs, to prevent surface damage.
• Clean spills immediately. Wipe excess moisture within an hour and ensure rugs or furniture are completely dry before placing them back.
• Avoid high heels or shoes with stones or cleats that can dent or scratch the surface.
• Trim pets’ nails and keep their paws clean. Place mats under food and water bowls to prevent moisture damage.
• Use breathable mats or rugs (avoid rubber or vinyl backing) and rotate them regularly to ensure even colour aging.
Cleaning Wood Flooring - Lacquer Flooring
Regular Cleaning (Weekly)
​
-
Remove dust, sand, and debris using a vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle head. Make sure the wheels are clean and roll freely to prevent scratching.
-
Clean the surface with a slightly damp microfiber mop using a suitable wood floor cleaner. Mop along the length of the boards and wipe until the surface is nearly dry.
Recommended Practices:
• Sweep, vacuum, or use an anti-static mop regularly.
• Use only cleaning products formulated for wood flooring.
• Avoid wet or steam mops.
• Do not over-wet the floor, it should dry within 2–3 minutes.
• Wash and replace microfiber pads regularly to keep them effective.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning your wood floor every 2–4 years helps maintain its beauty and longevity. It removes embedded dirt, grime, and scuff marks that regular cleaning might miss, restoring the floor’s original look.
For best results, have the deep cleaning done by a professional using an appropriate wood floor scrubbing system.
Sanding and Recoat
If your wood floor appears dull, discoloured, or heavily scratched, it may be time for a full sand and refinish. Engage a professional to sand the surface back to bare wood, apply your preferred colour, and finish it with a high-quality protective coating to restore its original beauty.
Cleaning Wood Flooring - Oil and Hardwax Oil Flooring
Regular Cleaning (Weekly)
Remove dust, sand, and debris using a vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle head. Ensure the wheels are clean and roll freely to prevent scratching.
Clean the surface with a slightly damp microfiber mop and a suitable wood floor cleaner, mopping along the length of the boards. Avoid letting water sit on the surface for too long — always wipe until the floor is nearly dry.
Recommended Practices:
• Sweep, vacuum, or use an anti-static mop regularly.
• Use only cleaning products formulated for wood flooring.
• Avoid wet or steam mops.
• Do not over-wet the floor, it should dry within 2–3 minutes.
• Wash and replace microfiber pads regularly to keep them effective.
Sanding and Recoat
If your wood floor’s protective coating begins to show signs of wear, light scratches, or minor staining, a gentle surface sanding can effectively refresh its appearance. For the best results, engage a professional to lightly sand the surface layer using a fine-grit pad to remove superficial marks. Once sanded, the floor should be recoated with a suitable maintenance oil or protective finish to restore durability and sheen.
Stubborn Dirts
Wire-brushed wood flooring have open grain textures that can easily trap fine dust and debris, especially after renovation or construction work. To clean effectively:
​
-
Avoid using water directly — moisture can cause the dust to harden and bond to the surface.
-
Vacuum thoroughly using a high-quality vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle brush head to lift dust from the textured grain.
-
Prepare a mild cleaning solution using a suitable wood floor cleaner diluted with warm water. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth or mop (not soaking wet) and gently wipe the surface, rinsing and changing the cloth frequently.
-
Dry immediately with a separate cloth to remove excess moisture — the surface should dry within a few minutes.
Scratches
While engineered wood floors are highly durable, minor scratches can still occur over time. Fortunately, there are simple ways to reduce their visibility and prevent them from developing into larger issues.
​
For a quick remedy, remove the outer shell and any brown skin from an oily nut, such as a Brazil nut. Gently rub the nut over the scratch in both directions. The natural oils and fine particles from the nut will help fill and mask shallow marks. Wipe away any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
​
Lacquer Finishes
For small surface scratches, apply a suitable maintenance lacquer using a fine artist’s brush over the affected area. This will help mask the white mark and reseal any exposed wood to maintain protection and sheen. Alternatively, for deeper or more noticeable scratches, a coloured wood filler or touch-up paint that matches your floor tone can be used to blend the repair more seamlessly.
​
Oil or Hardwax Oil Finishes
For small surface scratches, apply a suitable maintenance oil using a fine artist’s brush over the affected area. This will help mask the white mark and reseal any exposed wood to maintain protection and sheen.
​​
A car scratch repair pen can be used for very shallow surface marks. While it won’t fill the scratch, it can create a thin protective layer similar to a polyurethane or lacquer coating. Apply the pen gently along the scratch, wipe away any excess, and allow it to dry completely.
For a more lasting repair, a wax touch-up pen can be used on both minor and deeper scratches. Lightly sand the area with a fine abrasive pad to help the wax adhere, then apply the wax pen several times over the scratch. Finally, buff the area with a clean cloth to remove any residue and blend the repair seamlessly.
​
​Major damage may require removing the affected plank and installing a replacement. This should always be carried out by a qualified flooring professional to ensure a proper fit and finish.
​
Disclaimer: The company accepts no responsibility for any damage or injury resulting from the use of these repair methods. All maintenance or repair work is undertaken at the user’s own risk.
FAQ on Maintenance
CAN I USE A STEAM MOP ON MY WOOD FLOOR?
Please do not use a steam mop on your wood floor. Wood is a natural material, and excessive heat or moisture can cause it to expand, warp, or buckle. Steam can penetrate between the joints and compromise the structural integrity of the flooring, leading to permanent damage.
CAN I REPLACE PLANKS ON A GLUED-DOWN FLOOR?
Yes, damaged planks can be carefully removed and replaced by a qualified flooring professional or installer.
CAN I USE HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS LIKE BLEACH OR DISINFECTANT CLEANERS?
Please avoid using household cleaning products such as bleach, other general detergents on your floor. These chemicals can damage the protective coating, leaving the wood surface exposed and prone to permanent damage.
IS MY FLOOR WATER OR SPILLPROOF?
​
No wood flooring is completely waterproof. While the surface coating provides a certain level of protection against moisture, prolonged exposure to water can still cause damage. It’s always best to wipe up any spills as soon as possible to maintain the beauty and durability of your floor.
IS MY FLOOR SCRATCH-PROOF?
​
We work closely with our suppliers to ensure the best quality lacquered and oiled finishes on our products. However, no surface coating is completely resistant to scratches or dents. With proper care and simple preventive measures, you can help minimise marks and maintain the natural beauty of your floor.
WHY DOES THE SHOWROOM PIECE LOOK SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE INSTALLED?
Natural variation is one of the most beautiful characteristics of real wood. A small showroom sample provides only a general indication of the colour and grain pattern, while a full installation will reveal more variation between planks and batches.
​
Differences in lighting, room size, and viewing angle can also affect how the colour appears once installed. Some areas may look lighter or darker, with natural markings, knots, or cracks that add to the authenticity and warmth of the floor, unlike the uniform appearance of SPC or laminate.
​
At Porter Rosewood, we offer a range of wood grades. Character and Rustic grades showcase stronger natural characteristics such as visible knots, sapwood, and filled cracks, while Prime and Natural have a cleaner, more minimal appearance. Even in the cleaner grades, some degree of natural variation is to be expected, this is what makes every floor unique.