How to Keep Your Wood Floors Shiny and Scratch-Free

*This is a collaborative post on how to keep your wood floors shiny and scratch-free

Many people love the idea of installing wood floors in their homes. However, they worry endlessly about maintenance. They fear that within five minutes, children, dogs, and furniture will scratch up their new floors and make them look a hundred years old. 

If that sounds like you, then this post is here to help. We explore how you can keep your wood floors scratch-free and look their best long-term. 

Sweep or vacuum wood floors regularly

The first step is to vacuum your floors regularly using the best wood floor vacuum you can find. These remove particles that can act as abrasives and damage the surface. Ideally, you should sweep or vacuum your wood floors at least once a week, or more often if you have pets or high-traffic areas. Always use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to avoid scratching the floor. Don’t treat it like a carpet. It’s not the same. 

Lay rugs or mats

Another way to keep your wood flooring in great shape is to use rugs and mats, particularly in areas where there is more wear and tear, such as entryways, hallways, dining rooms, and living rooms. 

Rugs and mats are a great addition to any room. However, they are particularly useful for those wanting to add some colour and style to their spaces. Rugs provide you with extra comfort and insulation, helping to reduce some of the harshness of traditional wood flooring. 

Cut your pets’ nails to protect wood floors

If you have furry friends at home, you’ll want to consider cutting their nails. Dogs and cats love nothing more than running around on your wood floors, damaging them with their nails as they go. 

To avoid this problem, you should trim your pet’s nails regularly or take them to a groomer for professional care. Also, try to fight the temptation to give them hard toys or chews they could drop on the floor. If you do want to treat them, set aside a separate space with more appropriate flooring, such as tiles. 

Add furniture pads

Furniture can also cause scratches on your wood floors if they are dragged or moved around without proper care. For instance, you’ll often find scratches on your floors after a renovation or moving new sofas into a room. 

You can prevent this from happening by using furniture pads on all the legs of your chairs, tables, sofas, and other pieces that come in contact with the floor. Furniture pads are cheap and easy to find at any hardware store or online retailer, meaning you don’t need to look far. 

Clean up spills straight away

Lastly, while it might sound obvious, you should prioritise cleaning up spills immediately. Unfortunately, they can happen anytime, especially if you have kids or guests over. However, leaving them to fester will cause stains, warping, and discoloration. 

Keep a cleaning kit nearby at all times. Avoid using harsh chemicals or vinegar that can damage the finish of your wood floors. Stick with approved treatments for wood.