Humidity
Keep indoor relative humidity between 35% and 55%. Below that, boards shrink and gaps open. Above that, they cup. A $200 humidifier in January is cheaper than a refinish in April.
Cleaning
- Dry dust. Damp mop with a cleaner the finish manufacturer actually lists.
- No steam. No oil soap. No vinegar folklore.
- Felt pads on furniture. A mat at every exterior door — grit is sandpaper.
Recoat, don’t sand, if you can
A screen-and-recoat every 4–8 years in a family house keeps the wear layer you already paid for. Full sand is for when the finish is gone or the colour has to change. We will tell you which.