How to Ruin Your Hardwood Floors

Many homeowners who have hardwood floors understand the value of the material and how the floors contribute to the interior setting. Although hardwood floors are durable, they can experience damage and excess wear over time. Unique Flooring, a trusted supplier of hardwood flooring in San Diego, explains a few common ways to ruin hardwood floors and offers tips for avoiding certain habits or mistakes that lead to damaged wood floors.

Failing to Use Furniture Pads
It can be easy to underestimate the importance of using furniture pads, which are designed to work as a buffer between furniture legs and the floor. Without furniture pads, you can expect scratches and scuffs to develop when the dining chairs slide back and forth or the coffee table naturally slides. Furniture pads are inexpensive and easy to apply, which makes them essential for preserving your hardwood floors.

Using Too Much Liquid Cleaner
Although it’s important to clean wood floors regularly, using too much liquid cleaner can cause the floorboards to warp, especially older hardwood flooring. The water can also seep underneath the floorboards and create movement over time. Newer hardwood materials are designed to be more resistant to moisture but can still become damaged. Work on small areas at a time and use a minimal amount of liquid cleaner on each section. It’s also necessary to use the right cleaner on hardwood floors. Avoid using a product that contains heavy chemicals or wax, which can cause buildup to occur on the floors with each cleaning. Opt for cleaners that have natural ingredients and are less abrasive.

Wearing High Heels
High heels may look nice, but they’re a threat to hardwood floors because they’re prone to leaving dents. The sharp edge of the heels and the weight that isn’t always distributed evenly can leave behind blemishes in the floors that affect their overall appeal and value. Stick to wearing comfortable flat shoes in the house and wait until you go out the door to wear stilettos or pumps.

Forgetting to Purchase a Welcome Mat
Welcome mats aren’t just decorative. They’re also designed to keep dirt out of your home. Without a welcome mat at your front or back door, it’s easy for guests to track in dirt and grime that can settle in between the hardwood floors and affect their overall quality and appearance. Moisture can also be tracked into the house if there’s a pool in the backyard or if someone is wearing rain boots on a wet day.

When you understand how your hardwood floors need to be cared for, you can avoid common mistakes and prevent the material from coming into contact with different elements. By protecting the floors over time, you can increase their lifespan and continue feeling proud to show off your home.

Reach out to the flooring experts at Unique Flooring for advice on maintaining your hardwood floors. We can also assist you with our floor refinishing services or start you off right with floor installation. San Diego homeowners can drop by our showroom or give us a call at 760-454-1436.