·	Never clean or wet mop your hardwood floor with water. Do not use any wax or cleaner that must be mixed with water such as oil soap, as this may ruin your floor and result in a loss of warranty. Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor.

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If your floor abuts exterior doors, put outside door mats at the entrances to keep dirt and moisture from being tracked in. Inside, you may want to add an area rug to further prevent dirt and moisture from being tracked onto your hardwood floor. Don't use rubber, foam back, or plastic mats as they may discolor the floor. To prevent slippage of area rugs, use an approved vinyl rug underlay from a reputable manufacturer.

·	Area rugs should be moved occasionally as they block sunlight which may give the appearance of discoloring under the rug.

·	Use floor protectors on the feet of furniture to avoid scratches. When moving heavy furniture or appliances, use extra caution to help avoid scratching, indentations, and gouging. Some objects may be too heavy to be moved across a hardwood floor under any circumstances.

·	A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage of wood floors due to low humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to cause very dry conditions. A humidity level of 35-55% is recommended.

·	In damp conditions, proper humidity levels can be maintained with an air conditioner or dehumidifier, or by periodically turning on your heating system during the summer months.

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Spike or stiletto high-heel shoes, especially those in poor repair, may cause denting and related damage to hardwood floors due to the extremely high compressive force they generate. Such footwear can produce dynamic loads in excess of 1000 pounds per square inch, even when worn by someone of slight or average build.