Hardwood floors bring warmth, beauty, and value to your home. Whether you’ve chosen engineered hardwood flooring for durability or the timeless elegance of solid hardwood flooring, your investment deserves protection. Scratches, dents, and water damage can significantly reduce the lifespan and appearance of your floors, but with the right care, your hardwood flooring can retain its stunning look for decades.
Here’s how to keep your hardwood floors in great condition and prevent everyday wear and tear from turning into lasting damage.
1. Use Area Rugs and Mats Strategically
One of the simplest ways to keep hardwood floors clean is to place rugs and mats in high-traffic areas. To catch moisture and dirt before they get to the wood, place them in front of doors. In places like kitchens and hallways where people walk the most, a runner may prevent wear. Make sure you pick rug pads that are appropriate for hardwood floors, since certain rubber backings might discolour them.
2. Install Felt Pads on Furniture
Furniture legs are a major source of floor scratches. Furniture such as couches, tables, chairs, and even plant stands can create noticeable stains if they are moved frequently. Place felt pads or furniture coasters on the undersides of the legs. Check and replace the pads regularly, as dust and dirt can accumulate on them, causing them to behave like sandpaper.
If you’re planning hardwood floor installation, consider how your furniture layout could impact wear and place pads accordingly from day one.
3. Clean Your Floors Properly
You must maintain a regular cleaning schedule to keep your hardwood floors safe. Underfoot, dirt and tiny particles may behave as abrasives. Use a hardwood-specific Hoover or sweep every day. Beater bars on vacuums can scrape the surface, so stay away from them.
Use a microfiber mop and a cleaner specifically made for hardwood flooring. Avoid excessive water and never steam clean wood floors—moisture can warp both engineered hardwood flooring and solid hardwood flooring over time.
4. Manage Indoor Humidity
Wood is a naturally occurring substance that responds to variations in humidity. While too little moisture may result in cracks and gaps, excessive moisture can cause swelling and warping. Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 35% and 55%, especially in regions with varying seasons, such as Southern Ontario.
This is particularly important if you’ve had a recent hardwood floor installation, as new floors need stable conditions to settle and stay flat.
5. Trim Pet Nails
Pets can be tough on hardwood floors. Dogs and cats with long nails can scratch the surface as they run or play. Keep your pet’s nails trimmed and consider placing rugs in their favourite lounging or running spots.
For homes with large or active pets, engineered hardwood flooring is often a better choice due to its layered structure and improved resistance to wear.
6. Take Your Shoes Off Indoors
Shoes, especially high heels and heavy boots, can dent and damage wood surfaces. Gravel, salt, and moisture from the outdoors can also wear down the finish. Creating a no-shoe policy in your home is one of the easiest and most effective ways to extend the life of your hardwood floors.
7. Refinish When Needed
Even with excellent care, hardwood can lose its lustre over time. The good news? Both solid hardwood flooring and many types of engineered hardwood flooring can be refinished to restore their beauty. Sanding and reapplying the finish will remove surface scratches and give your floor a brand-new look without the need for a complete replacement.
Trust Milton Hardwood for Flooring That Lasts
Protecting your floors starts with high-quality materials and expert installation. At Milton Hardwood, we specialize in hardwood floor installation, offering both solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring in timeless styles. Reach out today!
