10 Ways You're Ruining Your Wood Floors

One of the most desired characteristics of homes is hardwood floors. They are beautiful and long-lasting, but they also need to be treated carefully. In truth, many people conduct regular activities that impede their improvement without awareness. So let's investigate these issues, and since the new year is approaching, why not make a resolution to abstain from these actions to safeguard your lovely wood floors.

1. Choosing the Incorrect Cleaner

It may be more harmful than you think for the products you use to keep your floor looking and smelling clean. The citrus scent of lemons and oranges can sometimes damage the wood floor's maintenance. There are a wide variety of wood finishes, and each one may call for a specific cleaner that will work best on it.

2. No Welcome Mat

Even though it may not seem like a huge deal, investing a few extra dollars in a welcome mat is worthwhile if your floors are hardwood. It serves as your first line of defence against tracking in dirt, wetness, and floor debris. Without one, entering would be like having sandpaper on the bottom of your feet, which would cause significant harm.

3. Uncut Pet Nails

The love and camaraderie that pets provide to their owners' lives are immeasurable. While the sound of their long untrimmed nails hitting a wood floor may seem cute and endearing, they can harm the floor's surface. Therefore, keeping your pets' nails cut is a cheap method to protect your feet and provide them with more comfort.

4. Unsafe Furniture Legs

Every piece of furniture in your home should have safety padding under its legs. Without them, the weight and motion of the table could eventually dent and scratch the floor finish. Also, avoid dragging bulky furniture or appliances across the floor; always elevate before moving.

Read More - The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Hardwood Flooring

5. Wearing High Heels

High heels come in various hues and patterns and are seen as a wardrobe essential by many. So it's terrible that high heels cause damage to hardwood flooring, which is obviously accidental but becomes apparent quickly. The floor's surface damage increases with the heels' thickness. Therefore, save the heels for when you're leaving the house and check them at the entrance when you enter.

6. Using the Wrong Vacuum Attachments

To keep dust and debris off your floors and out of teeny cracks and crevices, vacuuming is a necessary activity. However, you must use the proper attachments. Your vacuum's beater bar may damage wood floors. Use the hardwood brush attachment in its place.

7. Letting Spills Wait

Liquid spills will occur, regardless of how thoroughly you patrol. Cleaning it up right away will help you reduce the chance of damage. Any liquid that remains on the surface for an extended period will cause more harm than other liquids. Clean up any sticky liquids with a damp rug after mopping it up. Even in homes with wood floors in the kitchen, it will preserve them in excellent shape.

Additionally, if you wait too long after your pet has an accident on the floor, the floor will be damaged. As soon as possible, clean it to minimise harm. Make sure to wash and dry the area rug and the wood floor below if a mishap occurs on one.

8. Using a Steam Mop

Use a dry mop instead of a steam mop if you have hardwood floors. One of the worst things you can do to your hardwood floors is to use hot water, and using steam is equivalent to dumping boiling water on your floor.

9. Not Sweeping Regularly

Sweeping hardwood floors can help keep them cleaner longer by extending their lifespan. When wood floors are walked on, dust, dirt, and other abrasive particles can scratch and dull the finish. However, if you regularly clean up, they won't do any lasting harm.

10. Too Much Sun Exposure

Your wood flooring may deteriorate considerably more quickly than usual if they receive too much sun. When the sun is at its hottest, keep the blinds or shades closed to prevent fading and drying out of the wood's finish.

Conclusion -

Everyone wants to keep their wood floors looking beautiful, but the methods we've discussed can make that chore more challenging. Fortunately, since you are aware of these habits, you can prevent them and provide them with good treatment. The stunning hardwood floors you've always desired can now be yours!