Investing in beautiful hardwood floors can be a wonderful way to give your home a modern look. However, to keep their pristine appearance, they require regular maintenance. Here are a few tips to keep your hardwood flooring looking just as good as the day it was installed. 

How to Keep Your Hardwood Floors Looking Sharp

1. Vacuum Regularly

On carpet or tile, dirt and crumbs are just an annoyance. On hardwood, however, this debris is abrasive and can scratch and wear down the floor. You should vacuum your home at least once a week to reduce scratches. Don’t choose a cleaner with a beater bar; this can damage the floor, as well. A canister vacuum with a soft bristle wand head or a dust mop are the best options.

2. Buy Rugs or Mats

In a perfect world, people would take off their shoes immediately every time they go inside your home. However, this often isn’t the case. Buy rugs or mats for both sides of every outside door. This will keep guests from tracking in sand or dirt. Also, consider covering the floor with stylish area rugs in high-traffic parts of the house to reduce scuff marks. This is an especially good idea if you have pets with long nails.

3. Don’t Use Water

Hardwood flooring can become extremely damaged if you use water to clean it. Never mop or steam clean your hardwood. This can cause the floor to delaminate and swell, potentially leading to water damage and mold. Clean the hardwood floors with a no-wax cleaner; it’s essential to clean up any spills immediately, so keep a bottle handy.

Gene’s Floor Covering II in Gulf Shores, AL, can help you find the hardwood flooring option that fits your needs. They offer interior design consultations to make sure you choose the perfect floor type for your project. They can even install the new floors while you sit back and relax. Visit their website to learn more about their hardwood floors, or call (251) 968-6456 to schedule an appointment.