As much as you love your pets, they have the power to wreak havoc on your flooring, including hardwood floors. Their claws scratch, their urine stains and creates odors, and they shed. Rather than spending money on expensive cleaning chemicals and floor replacements, use these ideas to maintain pet-friendly floors.

How to Maintain Pet-Friendly Floors

Install Easy-to-Clean Flooring

Research and compare the numerous pet-friendly floor options available, including laminate, tile, and vinyl flooring. All are easy to clean, as there is no danger of urine seeping into, and staining, the floor.

Keep Scratch-Resistance & Noise Level in Mind

While laminate and tile floorings are both scratch-resistant, they can be slippery under paws. Vinyl is arguably the best option because it muffles the sound of pet nails in addition to being low-maintenance. Both vinyl and laminate flooring are available in a variety of styles, including those that mimic the look of hardwood.

Trim Pet Claws

Trim your pets’ claws regularly to further reduce damage to flooring, especially if your house mainly features hardwood floors or carpets prone to pulling. Dog nails are generally easier to trim than cat claws because the nails are exposed. Cat nail trimming requires gentle pressing on the paws to expose the claws. Follow your vet’s instructions when doing so to avoid harming the animals.

Use Area Rugs

Keep any hardwood floors in your home protected with area rugs. This minimizes scratches and provides an extra barrier against pet messes. Purchase carpet matting as well, so the area rugs stay in place and do not slide when your pet comes running into the room.

Consider Baby Gates & Prefinished Options

Consider using baby gates to keep the animals out of the rooms with wooden flooring. Prefinished hardwood floors are also a possibility if you are getting ready to replace your current options, as they are known for their supreme durability.

Accent Flooring provides homeowners in Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas with the variety of quality options they need, including vinyl, laminate, tile, and hardwood floors. The Magic Fresh® carpet line that makes pet mess cleanup simple is also available. Pick from hundreds of samples with help from knowledgeable team members to increase the beauty and value of your home today. Call (513) 481-8600 or visit their website for more information.