Hardwood is an elegant and timeless flooring option. However, scratches and fading can detract from its stunning appearance. To keep your hardwood flooring beautiful for years to come, it’s important to take protective measures. While hardwood flooring is typically very durable and can be refinished to reduce signs of wear, preventing damage before it occurs will help save you time and money. Here are some of our best tips for how to protect wood floors.
Clean your hardwood flooring regularly
Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining your hardwood flooring’s appearance. When dirt and grime are allowed to linger on flooring, it can damage your flooring’s finish. As such, it is important to clean your floors regularly to eliminate any residue.
When cleaning your hardwood flooring, make sure to avoid cleaners that contain ammonia, vinegar, polish, or oil soap. Such ingredients may dull or damage the topcoat of your flooring. Instead, opt for a vacuum, broom, or damp microfiber mop with a cleaner specifically made for your flooring’s finish.
Put some “shoes” on your furniture’s feet
While you should always take your shoes off before entering the home to avoid tracking in dirt, your furniture shouldn’t adhere to the same rule. The legs of furniture are notorious for scraping and damaging the finish of hardwood flooring.
To end their reign of terror, simply put some felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs to provide a soft barrier. If your furniture legs are designed in a way that makes putting felt pads on them awkward or impossible, consider opting for plastic floor glides that are specially designed for your unique furniture.
Place rugs and floor mats in areas with heavy foot traffic
An easy way to protect your hardwood flooring while also adding a fun decorative element to your home is by investing in a few rugs. Placing rugs in areas of your home that experience heavy foot traffic will help prevent fading and scratches.
The entryway can especially benefit from a rug or two. In addition to decreasing damage caused by the heavy foot traffic, a rug will also help trap dirt from shoes, keep your floors clean, and protect their finish.
If you haven’t followed these tips for protecting wood flooring in the past and your current flooring is already damaged beyond repair, Hardwood Design Co. can install your dream flooring. We specialize in wide plank premium oak flooring that is internally sourced and manufactured. To ensure that your flooring is precisely suited to your unique tastes, we work with each client individually to customize their flooring’s texture, finish, and species. For more information regarding our products and services, contact us today.