A little over 3 years ago we had Anderson engineered floors installed in a dark burgundy color. The manufacturer recommended Bona as a maintenance cleaner. We recently started having a difficult time getting the floors to shine after cleaning, they seemed to have a build-up of some sort. We had a bathroom remodel done that created a lot of dust throughout the home but we were vigilent in keeping the floors vacuumed and cleaned. We suspected the construction dust may have contributed to the dullness but we also think it may be the Bona cleaner.

On the Bona website they indicate a deep clean my be required and we used their "Locate a deep clean specialist" link-out to find someone in our area who could do the job. The company we selected came out with a cleaning machine that put down a thin liquid product and they also used a circular buffer. About half way through the job they abrubtly stopped, said they were having issues removing the build-up and left saying thier supervisor would call to recommend a different method. We noticed that the area they were cleaning when they suddenly stopped had a clouded look to the finish. We also noticed that there was some puckering around the seams where end boards butt together. I think they may have damaged the floor. Their process did not remove the film build-up we see on the floor.

I'm looking for advice on next steps. Can someone recommend a safe deep cleaning method and based on my description, does it sound like they did permanent damage to the finish? Thank you for your help!

Oh gosh, I'm not sure what to recommend, and I am definitely not a cleaning expert by any stretch. My initial first reaction was that I don't think that Anderson hardwood is that shiny. Most of it is dull/matte finish and some of it satin. It is possible that previous to these deep cleaners coming in that someone may have tried to add some shine w/ a cleaning product of some sort that has wax in it. Not sure if that happened or not...but I know a lot of customers do that and don't realize that they are damaging the floors.

Anyway, my next reaction is that I think it's very risky to have anyone clean w/ any sort of steam cleaner and that usually is a no no and voids any warranties.

Here is a link to Anderson's cleaning care instructions, and I hope this helps.
http://www.andersonfloors.com/Care/Maintenance.aspx

As you read this, it sounds like what this company did is not recommended and voids the warranty, and I have a hunch they caused some bigger issues and made things worse. (Of course I can't see this, so I'm only guessing).

I would first call Anderson to see what they recommend so that you can try it in the area these guys didn't touch (and/or try in an area that doesn't matter such as a closet or area that will be covered by furniture or something.

Separately, I might see if you can pursue something w/ the cleaning company. I think they realized that they messed up and that's why they stopped.

Tricky situation for sure.

Debbie Gartner, aka The Flooring Girl
http://TheFlooringGirl.com

I'd also call Bona as they recommended the cleaning method and company. Be insistant they fix it or find a solution.

VI.Do not use 2 in 1 cleaners with polish that may contain acrylics or urethane polish to restore gloss – the use of these products will void the finish warranty and may produce unsatisfactory results when not applied properly.

Theres another recent thread here about a similar problem.

post49624.html?hilit=

Is this a hand scraped floor? Reason being I've heard reports of drywall dust being a big problem with these floor types. Hand scraped floors are not necessarily smooth all over as there is some roughness to the grain.

Ditto to contacting Anderson.

Yep if you get drywall dust down in the scrapes where their is little to no finish then you tryied to clean it up with a damp mop you have effectively filled the texture with drywall mud now and its never coming out. Ive seen two diffrent floors torn out and replaced for this exact reason.

Sounds like you used the Bona restorer/polish as their cleaner is very neutral and shouldnt leave a film. BIggest thing about using mops on wood floors is that you have to have a clean mop cover and use a micro fiber mop slightly dampened with warm water. If you use straight cleaner on your floor with a dry mop head you will never ever get it clean.