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Whether your family members consist of a Labrador Retriever or a Siamese cat, you know that the additional responsibilities of pet care are far outweighed by the rewards. In fact, pet owners can still enjoy luxurious home designs, complete with hardwood flooring and other sensitive materials. Keep your floors in pristine condition by utilizing the following tips.

How Pet Owners Can Care for Their Hardwood Floors

1. Protect High-Traffic Areas

Dog owners know all about the frenzied excitement that takes over when you say “walk” or “outside” to your pet. But as your pet races to the door, their nails could leave light scratches in the wood, dulling its surface. When they come in from outside, dirt and grass on their paws might stain your hardwood.

Lay down thick area rugs with non-slip backings to protect high-traffic entrances and exits. If you have hallways leading to your doors, place long area rugs or runners in these spaces. 

2. Clean Up Accidents Quickly

hardwood flooringWhether your dog gets sick, you’re house-training a new puppy, or your cat has to let out a hairball, accidents are inevitable. However, you can prevent them from causing permanent damage by cleaning them up right away.

Use a plastic grocery bag to pick up the bulk of the mess, and a paper towel to wipe away any smudges left behind. Gather a cleaning solution that is specially formulated for wood floors and a wringed-out, slightly damp microfiber cloth to sanitize the area.

3. Create a Mess-Proof Feeding Station

Another area of concern for hardwood flooring is your pet’s feeding station. Dogs can be messy eaters, and some cats like to paw their water, leaving drip marks on the floor.

To protect these areas, place a waterproof rubber or plastic mat under your pet’s food and water bowls. Avoid flimsy feeders and opt for weighted bowls with rubber bases that won’t slide around. When sweeping wood floors, make sure to move the feeding station, so you can gather any crumbs or residue that may have gathered around the edges.

 

If you’re interested in installing hardwood flooring in your home, check out the selection at Sigstad's Flooring. This Forest Lake, MN, business has over 25 years of experience in the industry and can point you to the hardwood that will stand up best to high-traffic, pet-friendly homes. They can also supply you with area rugs to protect your home’s entrances and exits. To learn more about their high-quality selection of flooring materials, visit them online. Call (651) 462-5698 to speak with a friendly staff member.  

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