Using Water-Based Cleaners On Prefinished Floors

Question:

I have just installed a Bruce Hardwood floor in my kitchen it is 3/4 x 2 1/4 plank tongue and groove prefinished flooring. How do I take care of it to keep it looking new? Do I wax it, and if so how often? Can I use the Swiffer wet? What type of area carpets can I put down, in front of the sink and stove? Are there special cleaners that can be purchased? I live in Winnipeg, Canada.

Thanks for your help. Karen

Answer:

Dear Karen

Bruce mostly makes the urethane prefinished floors these days. They may call it Dura Lustre or aluminum oxide or ceramic coating, just suffice to say this a factory conversion finish, and can be washed with water based cleaners. But for the whole story please use the search box at the top of the web page and type in floor maintenance to find the article on this topic. The first part deals with these floors.

But it may be the older Dura Satin or waxed floor, be sure you find out. It should have come with instructions in the box. In this case read the second half of the same article, and I believe the last page deals with waxing floors. These floors cannot be washed with water-based cleaners.