Tips for Making Your Hardwood Flooring Last
There is something downright homey about hardwood flooring. It conjures up images of cozy log cabins or picturesque farmhouses. It certainly makes me want to snuggle up with my dog and a mug of hot cocoa in front of a roaring fireplace. But hardwood flooring has a way of getting scuffed after a while, especially when they have families and pets to contend with. Never fear, y’all—I have some easy tips for making your hardwood flooring last.
Watch Out for Scratchers
As soon as you put your floor in, you should start up a mental list of all the things that might scratch your floor, so you can keep an eye on them. Heavy furniture is a big culprit. Investing in a set of furniture sliders will help you move anything from a sofa to an armoire without nicking the floor. Your shoes are also a prime candidate for floor scratching. Consider starting a “shoes off at the door” rule to keep pumps and soccer cleats from digging into your floor. Some members of your household don’t need shoes to scuff the floor, though. If your dog’s nails have gotten a little long, it might be time to schedule him a canine mani-pedi.
Keep It Clean
Some of the things that cause scratches are even less obvious. Dust, dirt, gravel, and sand tracked in from outside can become abrasive over time. Whatever your method for getting dirt off the floor-sweeping, dust mopping, or vacuuming—keeping the floors dust-free will keep them nicer longer.
But what about the wetter messes that happen on your hardwood like spilled juice, tracked-in rain puddles, or other kinds of messes from furry members of the house? Wood tends to absorb moisture, and moisture causes wood to warp, which is bad news for your floor. When wet messes happen, you will want to wipe them up ASAP. And when it comes time to mop, make sure you are using a cleaner that is recommended for your flooring.
Stain It
This is probably the only time when you want something to be stained. Wood stain not only makes your wood floor look newer, but it helps protect the flooring, too. A stained floor is better sealed against moisture or anything else that might want to get in and damage your floor. It also helps protect the flooring that is exposed to direct sunlight, which can age flooring faster. Fortunately, there are plenty of types of wood stains, making it easy to find one to fit your home.
We all want our cozy rooms to stay looking cozy, but life has a way of coming in and scratching up our plans. Making your hardwood flooring last will help keep the cozy in your room, whether you’re looking for that cabin in the woods or that little farm on the hill. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with some cocoa and a dog.
