How to Protect Your Floors

Your hardwood floors are a long-term investment because they are built to withstand years of wear and tear, and when taken care of, can last for 20 or 30 years. However, there are certain instances that can add extensive wear and tear to your floors and decrease their life expectancy substantially. Examples of these instances include water damage, harsh furniture and pets. 

Water Damage

Unfortunately, one of the most common types of damage to your hardwood floors is water. Water damage is when water sits on the surface of the floor long enough to absorb into the wood and cause softness and swelling of the wood. More so, water damage can cause mold and mildew if left untreated. Flooring near windows and exterior doors are most at risk for water damage as cracks and poor insulation can allow rainwater to enter the home. Flooring in bathrooms and kitchens are also at a higher risk for water damage as accidents and leaks can happen with tubs, showers, sinks, and refrigerators. Protect your home from water damage by drying up spills as soon as you see them and keeping your windows and doors properly sealed. 

Harsh Furniture

Moving furniture can be very hazardous to your floors. While most furniture doesn’t move after it’s been placed inside your home, some furniture moves on a daily basis. Dining chairs, barstools and ottomans are just a few examples of furniture that can potentially cause damage to your floors. Protect your floors by applying furniture pads to the bottoms of chair legs, so they don’t scratch the floors each time the chair is pushed in or pulled out. If you are moving a large piece of furniture, adhere a furniture pad or use furniture blankets to safely protect both your floors and the furniture. 

Pets

Pets, namely cats and dogs, have claws and nails that can wreak havoc on your hardwood floors. Causing scratches and stains, pets are unknowingly ruining your floors. Have your pet’s nails trimmed often and have them avoid running on the floors when possible. These easy solutions could add years to your floor’s lifespan. 

Other Tips

Your floors are the foundation of your home. Watching for water damage, being mindful while moving furniture and caring for your pets are just a few of the ways to protect your hardwood floors. Here are a few other ways you can better protect your floors and have them last a lifetime:

Take off your shoes. By removing your shoes when you enter your home and waiting to put on your shoes before you leave your home, you can eliminate potential scratches and dings in your floors. 

Clean up spills immediately. When a spill happens, clean it up immediately as the longer the spill sits on the hardwood floors, the more damage it can cause. 

Cover your floors with rugs. While hardwood floors are beautiful to look at, covering high-traffic areas with rugs it’s a good way to protect the floors from damage. High-traffic areas would include access points to the home, the living room and kitchen, and major hallways. 

 Take care of your floors. 

Your hardwood floors go through a lot in life, let’s work together to keep them looking like new for a lifetime.