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Hardwood floors are a good option in homes with pets, as it’s easy to clean up accidents and remove fur from the hard surfaces. The key to making the flooring last a lifetime is cleaning up after furry family members immediately. Reference the guide below so that you know what could happen when routine upkeep falls by the wayside and how to preserve the life of hardwood surfaces.

Hardwood Floor Issues in Homes With Pets

When pets run and walk on hardwood floors, their nails can leave scrapes and scratches in the finish. Many homeowners refinish the surfaces often to remove the imperfections. However, keeping your animal’s nails trimmed can cut down on the frequency you need to service the floors. 

Cincinnati-Ohio-hardwood-floorEven when animals are trained, they might have the occasional accident inside the house. The acids in urine can corrode the finish down to the wood underneath, leaving splotchy stains on the surface. Once urine soaks the wood, you might notice an ammonia smell wafting through the house that’s difficult to mask. If your pet does have an accident, clean it up right away and wipe the area down with a hardwood floor cleaner.

How to Maintain Hardwood Floors

In addition to clipping your pet’s claws, leave towels near entrances to clean off their paws when they come inside. Gentle rubbing will remove dirt, pebbles, and other abrasive particles that could damage the flooring. It will also remove moisture before it can settle on the floor’s surface. Each night, sweep the floor to remove any lingering residue.

If you don’t crate your pet when you’re gone, make sure to inspect surfaces for puddles when you get home. If the urine has set for an extended period, dab it with a cloth and sprinkle baking soda on the spots to neutralize odors. Place pet pads on spots where your animal tends to use the bathroom, as the fibers will soak up the liquid so that it doesn’t get on the flooring.

 

If your hardwood floors have seen better days, reach out to the professionals at family-owned-and-operated Accent Flooring for a replacement. Located in Cincinnati, OH, this flooring contractor carries hardwood, carpet, tile, and vinyl flooring and provides installation services throughout the Hamilton County area. They will outfit your home with light or reclaimed wood to help mask claw marks. To get a free hardwood floor estimate and schedule an in-home consultation, call (513) 481-8600 today. See the brands this company carries by visiting them online.

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