Keep Your Hardwood Floors Looking Beautiful All Year Long

Hardwood floors can look fabulous. The rich hues welcome guests and beckon them to enter a space where they can feel comfortable. However, wood floors which aren’t maintained can look tired and forgotten. Here are a few tips to help you keep your hardwood floors looking their best.

An Ounce of Prevention

An ounce of preventative maintenance cuts down the time it takes to clean them. One of the best ways to prevent dirt from being tracked in is by placing mats on both the outside and inside of your entry doors. Make sure the mats are designed for entry ways to trap most of the dirt, snow and water, so they don’t reach your floors. Place boots in a bin or other shoe storage compartment so that melting snow or drying mud doesn’t fall off onto the flooring.

Another issue with hardwood floors is scuff marks made from shoes or dents from high heels. First, determine if your floors are susceptible to these marks by talking to a professional. It will depend on the type of wood flooring you have as to how delicate it is. If you discover the floor has a problem with scuff marks and dents, ask guests to remove their shoes when they come inside.

A second option is to lay runners along areas of high traffic or an area rug. This is a great option even if you have guests take off their shoes because it’s more comfortable on bare feet. An area rug can actually highlight the rest of the hardwood floor if you choose to complement or contrast the tone.

Furniture can leave marks on the floor as well, especially if it moves around, such as a chair when you sit down. Floor protectors prevent marks and damage by allowing the furniture to glide over the floor. Don’t scoot heavy pieces, but have multiple helpers, so you can lift it and move the furniture over the floor.

Cleaning to Prevent Damage

Preventative maintenance includes using cleaning products that won’t harm your floor. It’s important to only use products designed for hardwood. It’s also recommended to use only a damp cloth or mop when cleaning the floor to avoid allowing too much water to soak into the wood. If the hardwood is sealed, this isn’t as much of an issue, but it’s important to be careful.

Never use harsh cleaning supplies such as sandpaper to remove stains because you can cause damage to your floor. Older hardwood floors are more susceptible to damage because they often don’t have a sealant so everything seeps into the wood.

Protect your hardwood floors by preventing as much damage before it occurs as possible. By following these tips, you can prevent spills, stains and other general damage that can dull or hurt the look of the floors. If you are unsure about how to treat any issues you have, consult with a professional. You want to keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful, so that you can continue to enjoy them.

Canada’s premier hardwood flooring store. Proudly selling Hardwood Flooring in Toronto since 1977. We have hardwood, laminates, engineered, and exotic flooring; we also provide hardwood flooring installation.