3 Simple Tips To Care For Hardwood Floors & Make Them Last

There?s no denying the classic, timeless look of hardwood floors. After investing in hardwood floors, you?ll want to make sure you take good care of them so they last for a long time. Though it may seem daunting, maintaining hardwood floors can be easily managed by three things: routine cleaning, home preparation, and controlling the foot traffic.

Keeping Hardwood Floors Clean

It seems obvious, but the most important thing you can do to care for your hardwood floors is to keep them clean. Dust and debris can be abrasive, scratching and wearing down the finish of your floors if left unattended. Any spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent damage.

It is recommended to dust daily using a microfiber mop or Swiffer. You?ll also want to vacuum weekly using a soft-bristled floor brush attachment. Once a month you should damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner. You want to be careful to never use wet mops or steam mops, as moisture can cause wood to shrink or swell. If the floors have polyurethane surface finish, polishing every two to three months and refinishing the surface every three to five years can help preserve hardwood floors for the long run.

Prepare Your Home For Hardwood Floors

Cleaning is important, but it?s also important to make sure your home is set up to take care of your hardwood floors. Simple changes like placing floormats near your doors can help control the amount of debris tracked through your home. Area rugs can also keep your floors protected. Furniture pads can help prevent scratches and markings on your floors.

It?s also important to remember that invisible elements can damage hardwood floors. Using window coverings can help control heat and UV rays which will protect your floors. Keeping your home?s temperature between 60- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit and keeping humidity levels down can also keep wood floors in top shape for a long time.

Control The Traffic

One of the biggest draws of hardwood floors is the durability, but any high traffic area in your home can be worn down over time. Things like removing shoes can help manage the wear-and-tear from foot traffic. High heels can be especially damaging, so be mindful of removing footwear before walking across your floors.

We all love our pets and believe it or not, taking care of them can assist the effort of taking care of your hardwood floors! Keeping pets? nails trimmed can help protect floors from getting scratched and damaged. Regularly brushing your cats and dogs reduces shedding, which helps keep your floors clean from pet hair debris. Regular grooming keeps your pets, and your floors, happy.


Keeping hardwood floors in good shape is easier than it sounds. By sticking to routine cleaning, preparing your home, and being mindful of foot traffic, it?s easy to take care of hardwood floors and make sure they stay in pristine condition for a long time.