These days, hardwood flooring is usually synonymous with stylish interiors. It can add aesthetic to your home and even raise your home’s value. Hardwood floors are easy to care for. Regular dusting and sweeping is all you need to keep it clean. However, they are equally easy to ruin.
Here are 4 things that can damage your hardwood floor.
High heels
Walking on hardwood floors with high heel stilettos can be synonymous to whacking your floor with a small hammer. They strike the floor with more force per inch than an elephant’s foot; hence, damaging your precious floor. To prevent unwanted damage to your wood floors, it is wise to leave your heels at the door.
Water
Wood is one of the most durable flooring materials available. One of its biggest drawbacks, however, is that, it can’t stand up to prolonged water exposure. In fact, water is a wood floor’s worst enemy. Be sure not to leave spills behind. Water can seep through the floorboards. Before you know it, your flooring has warped or damaged.
Some moisture is needed occasionally to deep clean your flooring, but be sure to use water sparingly and as infrequently as possible. After dipping the mop in water, wring it thoroughly so it feels only slightly damp to touch.
Dog nails
Your dog’s nails can wreak havoc on your hardwood flooring. He will gradually scratch and damage the floor if he traverses the same stretch of floor many times a day. This is especially true if your dog has overgrown nails.
Proper claw grooming is the key to preserve the beauty of your flooring. Clip your dog’s nails regularly so they don’t scratch and clack on the floor as he walks. When cutting your pet’s nails, be careful not to pierce the sensitive part of the nail. Or better yet, take your pet to a professional groomer for a trimming.
Dirt and grime
Dirt and grime can act like sandpaper, causing dents, scratches and may even dull your floor’s finish. Place a mat at the entrance so family and guests will have a chance to wipe their shoes before entering your home. This will help get rid of dirt, grime and grit beneath their shoes. Another option is to ask everyone to remove their shoes before entering the house.
Regular dusting and sweeping is also important. It will not only help keep your floors clean, it can also help extend the life of your flooring.
