Are You Unintentionally Destroying Your Hardwood Floors?

If you have hardwood floors in your home, you may be unaware of the ways you could be destroying them without even knowing it. Here are some ways seemingly harmless items and habits could be harming your floors.

 

Wearing shoes in the house

A very simple way to reduce damage to your hardwood floors is to not wear shoes inside your home. This can help to eliminate tracked dirt that can ruin a floor’s finish. Also- high heels can be the worst type of shoes to wear in your home. The force of the heel can put dents in your floors. Try not to wear any shoes inside, but especially high heels.

No rug or entry mat

A doormat and rugs throughout your home protect your floors in high traffic areas. It is the first line of defense against dirt, grime or scratches.

Not cleaning up a mess right away

Leaving any type of liquid on your floors after a spill can cause your floor’s finish to dull. Be sure to wipe up any spills immediately with a cloth.

Mopping

Water and hardwood floors are not friends. Moisture can go through the wood’s fibers which cause boards to swell, cup and separate. Do not mop or use any water on your hardwood floors to clean up messes.

How to Keep Your Hardwood Floors Protected from Unintentional Damage

Wear and tear is a fact of life for hardwood floors, especially if they see a lot of traffic. However, there are things we can do to minimize the effects of wear and tear and protect our hardwood flooring from unintentional damage. Here are some of the best ways to do so.

Take Off Shoes

As mentioned above, wearing shoes on a hardwood floor is a surefire way to accelerate the wear and tear process. This change may only come gradually, especially if you’re in the habit, but it is well worth the effort as it will definitely prolong the lifespan of your floors.

Clean Up Messes as Soon as Possible

You should already know that leaving any kind of liquid sitting on a hardwood floor is practically inviting water damage. Water damage is not very fun to deal with, nor to fix, so it’s worth cleaning up spills as soon as they happen. If someone tracks dirt or mud onto the floors, clean it up immediately. It will prevent debris from setting into the wood or the cracks – plus it’s just plain easier to manage!

Use Specially Formulated Hardwood Cleanser

While mopping is a no-no for hardwood, special wood cleaners are definitely a great addition to your hardwood maintenance plan. Signature Hardwood always recommends Bona cleaner as it is safe and specifically designed for usage with hardwood.

Consider Your Finish

The finish your hardwood sports could play a major role in your perception of the condition of your floors. For example, a high gloss finish is sleek, but takes blemishes rather easily. On the opposite end, a matte finish may be more homey, but it also doesn’t display imperfections like scuffs as easily. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can beat up your matte floors with impunity – but it is something worth bearing in mind when you assess the condition of your flooring and how best to protect it from damage.

 

There are many different ways you could be damaging your hardwood floors without knowing. To learn more, contact the hardwood flooring experts at Signature Hardwood Floors for any questions, and a FREE ESTIMATE. You can call us at 410.415.0755 or click here today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!