One of the first things of the minds of homeowners when debating whether to get hardwood flooring or not is preventing scratches on it. All hardwood is susceptible to scratching no matter what type you pick, but there are ways to minimize the number of scratches yours encounters and prolong the life of it. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some ways to prevent scratches on your hardwood floors:

Remove Shoes

The main culprit of scratches on hardwood is dirt and grit. That is why you should always remove your shoes before entering your home so that you do not track outside debris in. Make it easier to remember by adding a bin or bench near your door for shoes to be left on.

Use Entryway Mats

Water, snow and salt can quickly spread throughout your home from your outside door. The best way to stop this from happening is by adding entrance mats – one outside your door and one inside. It also helps if you have an overhang above your door. That way your outdoor mat won’t get as wet.

Add Felt Pads

Using felt pads on the legs of your furniture is a simple and inexpensive way to prevent scratches from moving furniture. They are especially helpful on chair legs that people slide in and out from under tables often. Typically, you will not need to move heavier items like couches often, so felt pads for that kind of furniture is likely not necessary. You should always buy more felt pads than you think you will need just in case any fall off over time.

Avoid Rolling Chairs

These chairs tend to scratch up floors despite how easy they are to move because of the grit and dirt that gets caught in them. Either use mats under these types of chairs or avoid buying them altogether.

Clean Often

The best way to prevent dirt and grime from settling on your hardwood floors is by cleaning your home regularly. Several cleaning products are hardwood-friendly on the market to choose from as well. Keeping your floors clean leaves them scratch-free and looking beautiful.

Avoid Wearing Stilettos, Cleats and Spiky Shoes

These types of footwear can dig into your wood and cause holes and scratches as you walk across it. Refrain from wearing them indoors or only on surfaces with mats or rugs.

Use Area Rugs Under Chairs

Wherever there are moving chairs in your home, you should consider putting in area rug underneath them. They are especially handy in your dining room or office where people move chairs around the most. Area rugs also reduce noise from moving chairs as well, making your home more tranquil.

Now that you know how to adjust your home for hardwood floors, you can finally get them. Call Milton Hardwood to book a consultation and make your home look modern.