- 1 - Not having an entry mat
- 2 - Wearing high heels
- 3 - Forgetting to sweep
- 4 - Using the wrong vacuum attachments
- 5 - Mopping
The floors are one of the most important elements of any home, yet they are overlooked on a daily basis.
Hardwood floors add a rustic and warm atmosphere to any house and as long as you take care of them, they will be able to serve the feet that bless your doorstep for years to come.
However, there are many homeowners who make mistakes when it comes to hardwood flooring that can ruin it forever. Make sure that you avoid these few things in order to protect your flooring:
1 – Not having an entry mat
An entry mat does more than just decorate your house but it can actually help to protect your floors.
It is the first line of defense against dirt, gravel and any outdoor elements that you can bring in from the outside.
Not only will a mat like this protect your floor and keep it clean, but it can also serve as a good landing spot for guest and family shoes.
2 – Wearing high heels
Wearing high heels has the same effect on your floors as taking a tiny hammer and getting a few good knocks into the boards – and you probably would not want to do that.
The force of walking in heels can easily ding and scratch wooden floors, so rather leave them at the door before you enter the house.
You can further minimize the risk of scratches or pressure on the floorboards by putting floor protectors underneath tables and chairs.
Remember to keep the dog’s nails clipped as well to avoid scratches from their paws.
3 – Forgetting to sweep
Sweeping the floors might not necessarily be a huge chore for most people, but keeping it clean on a regular basis can prolong the life of your floors.
Many homeowners also vacuum their hardwood floors to ensure that it is always at its cleanest. Dust, dirt and abrasive debris can cause the floors to be scratched as people walk over it.
Regular cleaning and tidying up often will prevent this from happening and you can enjoy your floors for much longer.
4 – Using the wrong vacuum attachments
On the point of vacuuming, a lot of homeowners tend to use the wrong attachments when vacuuming hardwood floors.
Not only does this not clean the floors properly, but it can cause even more damage to the floors in the long run.
By using the right attachments you can get into those hard to reach areas and all the tiny crevices in between the floorboards. The beater bar on your vacuum can gouge wood floors, so you should use the brush instead.
It will make for a much smoother, accurate and safer clean without damaging the floor.
5 – Mopping
A lot of homeowners mop their wooden floors when they first move in and that is the worst thing that you can do. Water is a floor’s worst enemy. The moisture can penetrate the wood’s fibers and this can cause the floorboards to swell, cup, warp and separate.
If you need to deep clean your hardwood floors, then it is a good idea to rather use a barely damp mop or cloth and then dry the floor immediately with a towel.
You should also avoid any chemical or cleaning agent that is oil-based. Rather opt for a wooden floor cleaner in order to protect the floor even longer.
Bottom line: protecting your hardwood floors is not a difficult task and by just changing a few things you can ensure that your floors remain in perfect condition for years to come.
