Of all the flooring options on the market, there’s nothing quite like the refined flair of hardwood floors. However, to keep yours in pristine condition, you’ll have to know exactly how to take care of them — including what not to do. If you’re in the dark when it comes to hardwood floor maintenance, use the following do’s and don’ts to your advantage.

Do:

Use furniture pads.

When you redecorate your home, the bottoms of table legs and bed posts can scratch your hardwood floors. However, sometimes even just sitting down on a chair or sofa can cause small nicks in the planks. To prevent this wear and tear, attach adhesive felt pads to the underside of furniture legs, so they slide on the floor without damaging it.

Set a mat at your front door.

As you walk into your home from outside, the miniscule dirt granules on the bottom of your shoes will scrape away at the hardwood planks, sanding it down over time. While a no-shoes policy is an excellent way to prevent damage from foot traffic, it’s not for everyone. You can still cut down on surface wear by keeping a rough, bristled mat near the entrance to your home that will collect sediment from the shoes that cross over it.

Don’t:

Use water to clean.

Unlike tile, you can’t clean wood floors with a mop and a bucket of soapy water. Since wood is so absorbent, exposure to water will cause the planks to warp and lift at the edges, ruining the sleek look of your hardwood flooring. Instead, use a broom to pick up sediment, and a polish made especially for wood floors with a dry or slightly damp mop.

Leave accidents unaddressed.

If you spill a beverage or your pet has an accident on the hardwood floors, clean it up immediately to prevent the planks from absorbing the liquid. Not only could it lead to warping and rot, but also obvious discoloration. Even if the accident happens on an area rug, inspect the wood flooring underneath the spot for wetness.

If you’re in the market for high-quality hardwood floors, get in touch with Thayer Decorating Center of South Central Missouri and Northern Arkansas. This respected company has over 40 years of experience in providing unparalleled flooring to residential and commercial customers in Hardy, Cherokee Village, and Ash Flat, AR. They also offer free estimates and complimentary delivery services, so you can save big on your investment. To learn more about their products and installation services, visit the website, or call (417) 264-7773 today.