Whether you are new to having hardwood floors in your home, or have had experience with it, there are some things you should not do to in order to preserve the overall condition and longevity of wood flooring. And with that in mind, we at Mike’s Custom Flooring would like to share a few “don’ts” when it concerns your wood floor.

Best Way to Take Care of Hardwood Floors

1) Protect Hardwood Floors from Dog Scratches. Do not neglect pet maintenance. Our pets deserve and require grooming maintenance periodically. Leaving your pet’s nails long will not only leave them uncomfortable, but it will cause scratches and scuffs on the wood floor surface. By keeping your pet well groomed, not only do you avoid the scratches and excessive shedding, but your floors will be spared minor damages and eye-sores.
2) Clean Dog Urine Stains on Hardwood Flooring Right Away. Do not let the pet stain sit. It is essential you immediately treat pet accidents. Allowing them to sit will damage the wood flooring. This swift action includes any area rugs that are inflicted by pet waste as well as underneath the rug.
3) Do Not Wear High Heels or Abrasive Shoes on Hardwood Floors. Shoes with high heels or designed traction shoes like cleats will damage floors, especially if they are flawed or damaged themselves. Avoid the nicks and scratches by kicking off the abrasive foot wear.
4) Keep Furniture from Scratching Hardwood Floors. Avoid leaving the furnishings unprotected. Dents, scratches and more will manifest under the weight of standing furniture along with shifting. By keeping the legs well padded with felt pads it will help cushion the weight and prevent scratches if the furniture should slide. If you want to move something, invest in help or furniture straps to lift and move.
Frequently recoat the appropriate furniture because the wood furniture casters can contribute to isolated expedited deterioration.
5) Avoid Water on Hardwood Floors. Resist using water tools as much as possible. Implements that include steam and water to operate should be significantly minimized if not avoided. Causing thermal break down your floor’s protective layer over a few uses, the steam mops produce high enough heat to cause more damage than care and need to be avoided. If the floors have spots and stains, use damp cloths of water or approved cleansers.
6) Don’t Use Too Much Liquid Hardwood Floor Cleaners. Do not apply liquid cleaning products excessively. Allowing puddles to sit in one location and attempting to spread it from there should be avoided as it is important to avoid the impulse to pour the cleaner. Creating uneven planks and done excessively over time, cause other forms of water damage using too much liquid it can cause the wood to swell.
7) Avoid Using Abrasive & Harsh Chemicals on Hardwood Flooring. Do not use dish washing detergent, powdered all-purpose cleaner, ammonia, vinegar, oil soap, Endust, Pledge, or any type of wax or silicone base products on your floor; always stick to the appropriate cleaner.
8) Do Not Neglect Professional Hardwood Floor Maintenance. Over time, even with diligent maintenance, the wood floor finishes will eventually show the wear patterns of foot traffic and scratches on the surfaces will manifest. When the wood looks dull, invest in a professional to refinish the floors to rejuvenate the shine. Typically, the floors need maintenance every 3-5 years.

Hardwood Floor Installation, Refinishing & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA

Call Mike’s Custom Flooring when your wood floors are in need of professional maintenance!