Top 5 Enemies of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood is a favorite choice for many, but did you know it has enemies? Here's how to protect for beautiful floor form everything it hates.

Enemy #1: Dirt 

- ALWAYS have doormats inside and outside the entryway to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them regularly
- Vacuum regularly with a canister vacuum cleaner (no beater bar!)
- You can also do a quick dust mop with a DRY terry cloth/microfiber






Enemy #2: Dust

- Clean all rugs and mats them regularly
- Vacuum frequently, using a canister vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments (Never use a beater bar)
- Air purifiers and filters (as long as they're kept clean) are great at keeping dust and other impurities out of the air




Enemy #3: Water 

- NEVER put hardwood in a full bath

- ALWAYS clean up spilled and pooling liquids immediately
- NEVER ever use a steam cleaner or slightly damp mop on hardwood
- In rooms where spills are prevalent (kitchen, mudroom, half-bath, etc) use mats and/or rugs to catch any moisture that is tracked in or spilled
- In essence, just keep water away from hardwood. It will cause warping and eventual rot






Enemy #4: High Impact Points

- Check the bottom of shoes for anything that might be lodged (like stones) these will scratch or put dents in the floor
- Take shoes off at the door (especially high heels)
- Install felt pads or coasters on the bottom of furniture that is heavy (couches) or is moved around a lot (chairs). Clean them often to ensure grit doesn't become embedded causing scratches





Enemy #5: Sunlight


- Protect your hardwood floors with blinds or drapes, at least when the sun is shining directly on the surface.
- Cover the area that gets exposed for the most time with a mat or some furniture that will take the beating instead.