I'd take it back to John Lewis as they have a really good returns policy, my mrs took a kettle back as it broke after 6 months, they exchanged it without question.
Not sure if the hardboard is still working but i'd recommend getting to waterproof plastic sheeting under the hardboard. try this
http://www.protection.co.uk/products/tekgard-tk100-floor-protection-polythene-sheeting/
You can use a solution, after you have used the solution stay off the the floor until it is completely dry you can use a temporary floor protector if that helps.