Hardwood floors are elegant, lasting, and versatile. You can choose the type of wood and have it stained and sanded to match your home’s decor. To make sure yours serve you for decades, keep these maintenance tips in mind.

Do:

Use entry mats.

Place mats at all the entry points in your home. This way, you and your guests will wipe off your shoes before entering the house and avoid tracking in dirt and other debris that might scratch the floor now or as it accumulates. Further, mats will keep out moisture that can be absorbed by the floor and cause warping and other damage. Use mats by your kitchen sink and other areas near a water source. 

Vacuum, sweep, and use the right cleaning products.

Regularly sweep and vacuum your floor to eliminate dirt and debris from building up and marking your hardwood. If your vacuum has a beater bar, don't use it as it may scratch your floor—the gentler your cleaning tools, the better.

When it comes to cleaning products, opt for ones that are specifically labeled safe for cleaning hardwood. You’ll want to avoid products with wax or oil as they often hold dirt and cause a hazy build up. Similarly, ammonia-based products will break down the finish of your floor.

Don’t:

Wear heels and athletic shoes.

Heels and athletic shoes, such as cleats with spikes on the soles, will create scratches and knicks that will prove impossible to remove from your hardwood floor. Avoid the temptation of clacking across your floor by keeping your shoes in a closet or designated area near the door. 

Your pets’ sharp nails can do similar damage to your floor. Routinely trim back their nails to prevent their every step from doing harm.

Use water on your floor.

While you might think scrubbing your floor with water and a mop is the key to a good clean, it will damage the finish of your wood. Hot water is particularly harmful because it can penetrate the surface faster than cold water. If there’s a spill or leak, dry it promptly to prevent permanent stains. Allow wet mats or rugs to dry completely before putting them back on your floor.

If you’re ready to upgrade to the beauty and ease of a hardwood floor, visit Parker Floor Covering in Hamilton, OH. For over four decades, this family-owned and -operated business has provided high quality flooring at reasonable prices. In addition to hardwood, they offer a wide selection of carpets, rugs, and ceramic tiles. Based on your tastes and budget, they’ll help you choose the ideal floor for your home. Call (513) 863-6767 to speak to a friendly representative, or read more about their expert floor installation online.