• Polyurethane is a popular coating for wood, especially for hardwood flooring. Although the initial look of a freshly finished floor or other wood item is shiny, gleaming and bright, you must take steps to preserve the beauty of the wood and its finish. Prevent as much damage and wear as possible, perform periodic deeper cleanings and address stains and scratches as they occur. Polyurethane requires specific care to maintain its luster.
  
  

Regular Care

• A good solution to cleaning wood finished with polyurethane is preventive maintenance. Regular care must involve measures to prevent a buildup of anything that would need to be cleaned off the wood.
  
  Keep sand and dirt off the flooring with throw rugs and area rugs, especially near exterior doors. Consider making a no-shoes-inside policy for the household, since hard-heeled shoes and untrimmed pet nails can cause dents in the finish of a hardwood floor.
  
  Any liquid is an enemy of polyurethane-coated wood, causing warping, especially if the liquid is allowed to stand on the wood. Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur.
  
  Never drag anything heavy, especially furniture, across the flooring. This will cause scratching that is hard to remove. Place felt under furniture legs or other items that are placed on the wood.
  
  UV rays from direct sun exposure can also cause damage, so keep draperies closed.
  
  

Deeper Cleaning

• It will periodically become necessary to clean polyurethane-coated wood more thoroughly. The interval depends on the wear the wood experiences, but once a month is a good guideline.
  
  Use a pH-neutral, water-based cleaner especially formulated for polyurethane finishes on wood. Since polyurethane is an oil-based finish, never use any high-pH cleaners such as alkaline soaps; these will dull the finish.
  
  Damp-mop with the appropriate cleaner. Dilute the cleaner in distilled water according to the directions. Dip the mop in and squeeze it almost dry. Mop one small area of the floor at a time. Immediately dry and buff with a clean cloth. Never use a dirty mop or drying cloth.
  
  

Removing Stains, Spots and Scratches

• If a water spot develops on your polyurethane-coated wood, try rubbing the spot from the outer edge toward the middle with Number 2 steel wool. Refinish by brushing on a light coat of polyurethane, brushing along the grain of the wood. Light burns from cigarettes can also be treated this way.
  
  Chewing gum stuck to the floor can be removed by carefully rubbing ice on the gum until you can remove it. Dry the floor immediately to remove any water drops from the melting ice.
  
  Severe stains and scratches should be left to professional floor refinishers.