Protect Hardwood Floors: 9 Easy Maintenance Tips in 2022

Protect Hardwood Floors: 9 Easy Maintenance Tips in 2022

Introduction

Hardwood floors are a classic and beautiful addition to any home. They're also a big investment, which is why you want to do everything you can to protect them. Fortunately, with a little bit of TLC, your hardwood floors can last for years.

In this blog post, we'll share 9 easy maintenance tips that will help you keep your hardwood floors looking like new. From sweeping and mopping to dealing with spills and scratches, we've got you covered. So if you want to learn how to protect your hardwood floors, read on!

Simple Tips for Protecting Your Floors From Damage

Hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable addition to any home, but they require special care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for protecting your hardwood floors from damage:

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris
  • Use mats at entryways to trap dirt and moisture
  • Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your floors
  • Don't allow water to sit on the surface of your floors for too long
  • Buff out scratches and scuffs with a soft cloth

If you want to know more, continue reading :)

How to protect hardwood floors?

1. Vacuum regularly

Assuming you have a busy household with kids and pets running around, your hardwood floors are going to need some regular maintenance to stay in good condition. The best way to protect them is to vacuum regularly.

You should vacuum at least once a week, and more if you have the time. A good vacuum will pick up all the dirt, dust, and pet hair that can get ground into your floors and cause damage. It's also important to sweep or mop before you vacuum so that you don't just push the dirt around.

If you have any areas of your floor that get a lot of traffic, you may want to vacuum more often. You can also use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to help protect your floors from wear and tear.

2. Dust mop often

One of the best ways to protect your hardwood floors is to dust mop them often. Dust mops can pick up all kinds of dirt and debris that can damage your floors, so it's important to use them regularly.

If you have a busy household, you may want to dust mop every day. If your home is not as busy, you can probably get away with dust mopping every few days or so. Just be sure to do it regularly enough that you're not leaving any dirt or debris on your floors for too long.

When you dust mop, be sure to go over the entire floor surface, including under furniture and in corners. You may want to use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to help get into all the nooks and crannies.

3. Use doormats and area rugs

One of the best ways to protect your hardwood floors is to use doormats and area rugs. It will help to collect dirt, sand, and other debris that can scratch or damage the floor. Be sure to place doormats at all entrances to your home, and vacuum or sweep the area rug regularly.

4. Wipe up spills immediately

One of the best ways to protect your hardwood floors is to wipe up spills immediately. Even a small spill can cause damage if not cleaned up immediately. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to soak up any liquid and then blot the area dry. You may need to use a mild cleaning solution to remove any remaining residue.

5. Keep pet nails trimmed

If you have pets, one of the best ways to protect your hardwood floors is to keep their nails trimmed. When pet nails are left untrimmed, they can cause scratching and other damage to the floor. In addition, untrimmed nails can also catch on carpet and fabrics, which can lead to tearing.

To avoid these problems, regularly trim your pet's nails. You can do this yourself with a nail clipper, or you can take them to a groomer or vet for help. Either way, keeping their nails trimmed is an important part of protecting your hardwood floors.

6. Put pads on furniture feet

If you want to protect your hardwood floors, one of the best things you can do is to put pads on the feet of your furniture. This will help to prevent scratches and dents on the floor, and it will also make it easier to move furniture around. There are a variety of different types of pads available, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs.

7. Avoid walking on hardwood floors with street shoes

When it comes to hardwood floors, one of the best ways to protect them is to avoid walking on them with street shoes. This can help to prevent scratches and other damage that can occur over time. Instead, opt for socks or slippers when walking around your home. If you must wear shoes inside, make sure to take them off as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary damage.

8. Reapply wax and sealant as needed

As your hardwood floors age, it's important to reapply wax and sealant to keep them protected. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

  1. Make sure the floor is clean before you start. Any dirt or debris will just get trapped under the wax and sealant, so it's important to start with a clean surface.
  2. Apply the wax or sealant evenly across the floor. You don't want to miss any spots, as this will leave your floors vulnerable to damage.
  3. Let the wax or sealant dry completely before walking on the floor. This usually takes a few hours, so be patient!
  4. Enjoy your newly protected hardwood floors!

9. Professional hardwood floor cleaning

Assuming your hardwood floors look a little dull and need some professional TLC, you should know a few things before hiring a floor cleaning company. For starters, most professionals use either a rotary brush or an orbital sander to clean hardwood floors.

If you have ever seen one of these machines in action, you know that they can be quite loud and create a lot of dust. That is why it is important to ask the floor cleaning company if they will be using any type of containment system to keep the dust from spreading throughout your home.

Another important question to ask is what type of cleaner will be used on your floors. Some cleaners can actually damage hardwood floors if they are not used correctly. Be sure to ask the company if they use eco-friendly cleaners and if they have experience cleaning hardwood floors.

Finally, make sure you are comfortable with the company you choose. Ask for references and check out online reviews before making your final decision. By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your hardwood floors will be safe and sound for years to come.

The Do's of Floor Maintenance

When it comes to floor maintenance, there are a few key things you can do to keep your hardwood floors looking great for years to come. Here are a few tips:

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly : This will help remove any dirt or dust that could scratch your floors' surface.
  • Use mats or rugs at entryways : This will help to trap dirt and moisture before it has a chance to reach your floors.
  • Avoid walking on wet floors : Water can damage hardwood floors, so be sure to wipe up any spills immediately.
  • Don't use harsh chemicals : When cleaning your floors, avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners that could potentially damage the finish.

The Don'ts of Floor Maintenance

There are a few things you should avoid doing if you want to keep your hardwood floors looking their best. Here are some floor maintenance no-nos:

  • Don't let dirt and dust accumulate – regular sweeping and vacuuming will help to remove dirt and dust before it has a chance to scratch or dull the finish of your floors.
  • Don't use harsh chemicals or cleaners – avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on your hardwood floors, as they can damage the finish. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution or a specialized hardwood floor cleaner.
  • Don't soak up spills with paper towels – when spills happen, blot them up with a clean cloth instead of scrubbing or soaking them up with paper towels. Scrubbing can damage the finish of your floors, and paper towels can leave behind lint or other debris.
  • Don't walk on your floors with dirty shoes – clean shoes will help to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto your hardwood floors. If possible, take off your shoes when entering your home to help keep your floors clean.

By following these simple tips, you can help to protect your hardwood floors and keep them looking their best for years to come!

The Best Way to Clean Hardwood Floors

Assuming you're talking about polyurethane-finished hardwood floors:

The best way to clean hardwood floors is to start by sweeping them with a soft bristled broom. Then, vacuum the floors using the softest setting. Next, mop the floor using a microfiber mop and a lightly dampened mop head. Be sure to avoid putting too much water on the floor, as this can damage the wood. Finally, dry the floor completely with a clean towel.

Protect hardwood floor during construction

If you're embarking on a construction project, it's important to take measures to protect your hardwood floors. Construction can be a messy and disruptive process, so it's important to take steps to safeguard your floors.

Here are some easy tips to follow:

  • Cover the floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. This will help catch any debris or dirt that may fall during the construction process.
  • Make sure workers wear shoe covers or booties when entering the home. This will help prevent tracking in dirt and mud.
  • Place mats at all entrances to absorb any moisture that may be brought in on shoes.
  • Remove any nails or staples that may fall during construction. These can damage hardwood floors if not removed promptly.
  • Use SPRITESHIELD temporary floor protection.Spriteshield Brand Cover Image

Following these simple tips can help protect your hardwood floors during construction.

Floor Protection Products

If you have hardwood floors, you know how important it is to protect them. Your hardwood floors can last a lifetime with the right maintenance and care. But if you're not careful, they can also become damaged and scratched.

That's why it's important to use the right floor protection products. Here are a few of our favorite floor protection products that will keep your hardwood floors looking like new:

  1. Furniture Pads : These pads stick to the bottom of your furniture and help prevent scratches when you move them around.
  2. Rugs and Mats : Rugs and mats placed in high-traffic areas can help reduce scratches and wear on your hardwood floors.
  3. Door Mats : Doormats placed at all entrances to your home will help catch dirt, sand, and other debris that can damage your floors.
  4. Boot Trays : Boot trays near entryways provide a place for storing wet or muddy shoes, so they don't track dirt and debris onto your hardwood floors.
  5. Vacuum Cleaner with Soft Brush Attachment : A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is the best way to clean hardwood floors without damaging them.

Conclusion

By following these 9 tips, you can help protect your hardwood floors and keep them looking their best for years to come. Whether regularly sweeping or using mats at every entrance, a little effort goes a long way in preserving your floors.

What other tips do you have for keeping hardwood floors clean and protected? Let us know in the comments below!

SPRITESHIELD shares the floor protections tips as expert.

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