Preventing Scratches on Hardwood Floors
To best protect your floors from any major damage, the best defense is a great offense.
Preventing Scratches on Hardwood Floors
To best protect your floors from any major damage, the best defense is a great offense.
Clean the Outside of Your Home
Make sure the areas outside all home entrances are kept clean. Unwanted debris can get tracked by guests and pets as they enter. Even a strong breeze can blow in nasty particles if the outside area is dirty. Be sure to pay special attention to high traffic areas like entryways, garages and patios.
Take Off Your Shoes
Shoes with hard heels or points can be very dangerous for floors. High heels and sports shoes do not evenly distribute weight, making dents and pock marks a very real risk. Even shoes with soft bottoms can still track and grind dirt into your floors, transforming your shoes into stylish sandpaper. The best remedy is to remove shoes altogether, offering your guests soft slippers to use when in your home.
Use Rugs to Protect High Traffic Areas
Rugs and mats are great ways to protect your floors while offering an extra bit of style. Use a mat or rug wherever your floors get the most stress. You can also use a mat or rug to prevent water damage. Be sure to use mats inside and outside main entrances to eliminate as much dirt as possible from getting on your floors. Avoid rubber backed mats since they can lock in moisture and damage floors.
Protect Your Floors from Furniture
Fabric pads and glides are excellent ways to guard your floors from scuffs and scratches due to furniture. Plan your selection of pads according to how often the furniture is moved. Avoid plastic wheeled furniture since they can easily scratch and mar floors. If you need protection in a pinch, there are many DIY options: old socks, loose paper, plastic bags and business cards are just some of the things that can be used to add a protective barrier between your furniture and your floors.
Trim Your Pet’s Claws
You don’t have to choose between having an exquisite hardwood floor and having a pet. Make sure pet nails are properly groomed and maintained. Use caution and care when trimming pet claws because improper techniques can harm your pets. Other alternatives include pet booties and nail caps.
Rearrange Your Floor Plan
Periodically rearrange your furniture and rugs so that your floor can age evenly. Redesigning your floor space will help redistribute the stresses on your floor while keeping your space looking fresh and lively. Consider using window treatments to minimize potential damage from the sun’s UV rays.
Plan and Follow a Cleaning Schedule
A clean floor is protected floor. As dirt and particles accumulate, you raise the risk of tiny dings and scratches on your floor and finish. Brooms, mops and vacuums are the best tools for keeping your floors spotless. Just remember that not all cleaning tools are optimized for hardwood floors. Make sure the tools you use are gentle enough for your floors. Avoid stiff bristled brooms, wet mops and vacuums with beater bars and wheels. Knowing how often to clean your floors will further aid in preventing major damage. Here’s a quick schedule to follow for keeping your floors in their best condition:
- Daily Schedule – Sweep
- Weekly Schedule – Vacuum/Mop
- Monthly Schedule – Polish
- Yearly Schedule – Deep Clean
With preventative maintenance and care, you’re able to properly protect your floors for years to come. The best part about these techniques is that they’re simple and easy, especially when they become part of your normal routine. Damage to hardwood floors can take away from its overall beauty, and it can also take away from the overall look of your home. While we all want to do our best to avoid damage to our floors, the fact remains that all floors will get scratched, regardless of maintenance routine.
Take a look at these Bona products that will best help you maintain your floors.
The best way to see the effects of floor sealers and finishes is to talk with your flooring professional. They can give you samples and recommendations based upon your needs and region. Connect with a trusted local flooring contractor and see just how easy it is to get the floor of your dreams