7 Things That Will Damage Your Hardwood Floors

Over the years, hardwood flooring has become synonymous with beauty. The go-to choice for attractive flooring for well over a century, hardwood flooring boasts a variety of benefits. Not only is it visually appealing and relatively low maintenance, but hardwood flooring adds value to any home. But perhaps the greatest benefit of hardwood flooring is its extreme durability.

Compared to other flooring options like carpet or laminate, hardwood flooring can withstand the test of time much more effectively. If properly taken care of, hardwood flooring can last a lifetime. However, just because hardwood is incredibly resistant to wear and tear, that doesn’t mean that it’s immune to damage.

This blog post will examine seven things that could potentially damage your beautiful hardwood flooring.

High heels

Wearing high heels on your hardwood can scuff, scratch, and leave dents on your flooring. So next time you’ve got a night out planned, we recommend keeping your heels at the door and opting for something safer on your hardwood.

Pet’s nails

The nails of dogs, cats, or other domestic creatures you might have inside your home, can scratch and scrape your hardwood flooring. Trimming your pet’s nails every so often will help ensure that your hardwood flooring stays looking its best, and it will also make for a more comfortable walking experience for your pet.

Too much sunlight

Direct sunlight on your hardwood floors can cause fading over time. You can prevent this by closing your blinds or drapes whenever the light becomes too intense.

Vacuums with beater bars

While we recommend sweeping your hardwood floors to remove dirt, dust, and other debris, some do prefer to clean their floors using a vacuum. If you do, you’ll want to make sure you use a hose attachment or a vacuum without a beater bar. These bars, with repeated use, will scratch and harm your hardwood flooring.

Liquid

As a general rule, your hardwood flooring should not take on a significant amount of liquid. When cleaning, you’ll want to use a damp cloth or towel and work your way across the hardwood instead of mopping or steam-mopping, which can result in standing water on your floor. Whether from a spill or a leak, too much water is an issue for hardwood flooring as it can work its way into the seams, causing damage and potentially leading to mold.

Dirt and other debris

Dirt, dust, and other debris can scratch, scrape, and work their way into the seams of your hardwood flooring. By sweeping daily, you can help guarantee that your hardwood floors do not take on damage and stay looking great.

Using the wrong cleaning solution

When cleaning your hardwood floors, you want to be very careful about what types of cleaning products you use. Avoid abrasive solutions and instead opt for a mild detergent. When in doubt, consult your flooring product’s manufacturer for approved cleaning products.

Hardwood flooring and you

Hardwood flooring, while incredibly durable, does have its limitations. By being aware of what your hardwood should and should not come into contact with, you help ensure that your flooring stays looking its best for years to come.

Are you interested in learning more about hardwood care and maintenance or perhaps having some beautiful new hardwood flooring installed? Contact the team at Flooring 101 to learn more today!