Keep Your Hardwood Floors In Top Shape

Hardwood flooring is a coveted feature in homes both old and new. It radiates feelings of warmth and tradition and creates an extremely classy look. Since so many older homes still have original wood flooring, it's clear that it's an extremely durable option when cared for properly.

While natural wood flooring is fairly easy to care for, it does require some preventative maintenance. The following simple care guidelines will help you keep your floors looking shiny and new for years to come.

1. Leave Your Shoes at the Door 
   Wearing your shoes inside tracks in dirt and increases the chances you'll scratch or scuff your flooring. Consider taking your shoes off at the door and asking your family and friend to do the same.
2. Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
   At least once a week, more often if you have children or pets, sweep or vacuum your entire home. If you use a vacuum cleaner, make sure you have it on the hardwood setting to avoid accidental scratches.
3. Protect High Traffic Areas
   Protect high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways by adding strategically-placed area rugs. This will help cut down on normal wear and tear and keep dirt from scratching the floor's finish.
4. Mop the Right Way
   Allowing water to sit on hardwood floors or using the wrong type of cleaner can cause serious damage. Take care of your floors by damp mopping with a gentle cleaner that's specifically designed for hardwood floors. Instead of using a traditional mop, choose one with a reusable microfiber cloth. This type of mop attracts dirt, is easy to clean, and won't scratch your floors.
5. Use Velvet Furniture Pads
   Protect your floors from scratches and gouges by placing velvet pads on the bottom of all your furniture legs. This is particularly important if you tend to rearrange your furniture frequently. When moving objects across the floor, always avoid dragging them, as damage can happen even after you add the padding.
6. Wax Your Floor Occasionally 
   If you have floors with a wax finish, consider waxing or polishing them every few months. This will help keep your floors looking well-maintained and can buff out small scratches that occur between maintenance sessions.
7. Protect Your Floors From Moisture
   Standing moisture and wood flooring are a bad combination. If something spills on your floor, clean it up right away. Keep moisture from pooling up on your floors by adding absorbent mats near your entryways and making sure to keep your windows closed when it rains.
8. Minimize Damage from Pets
   ​​​​​​​Minimize the chances of scratches by keeping your dog's nails trimmed as short as you comfortably can. Also, place area rugs in parts of your house where your dogs tend to spend their time. This will prevent them from digging up your floors if they jump up and take off running.

Despite your best efforts, you might end up with some scratches, dents, or gouges in your flooring. Take care of them right away so they don't lead to bigger problems. If you aren't sure you can fix the problem, contact a professional to handle the repair. With just a little bit of care and ongoing maintenance, your hardwood flooring will look gorgeous for decades.

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