Hardwood floors are a great investment—that is, if you know how to take care of them properly. Some homeowners install hardwood flooring in Colorado without first learning how to protect and clean them. If you want to preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors, make sure you follow these tips:

Cut your pet’s nails.

Do you have a dog? If so, make sure his nails are trimmed down at all times if you allow him to walk across your hardwood floors. A dog’s nails can easily scratch through the finish of your hardwood floors, leaving unsightly scratches that will need to be repaired.

Put down a welcome mat.

A welcome mat in front of your home serves two purposes: greeting people who have just arrived at your home, and protecting your hardwood floors. Kindly ask your guests to wipe their feet on a welcome mat before coming into your home so they don’t drag dirt and debris inside. If your guests walk across your hardwood floor with dirt and debris stuck to their shoes, they could cause damage.

Use the proper cleaning technique.

Proper cleaning is very important for your hardwood floor. Start by gently sweeping the dirt and debris off of your hardwood floor using a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a bristle attachment.  You can lightly damp mop with vinegar and water, or use a product that is designed specifically for hardwood floors and follow the instructions closely. Wipe up spills as soon as possible to prevent damage. Do not let water spills, wet boots, etc. sit on the floors to prevent water damage issues. Learn how to clean hardwood floors.

Put padding on your furniture.

Don’t move your furniture back into the room after a hardwood installation until you have inspected the bottoms of every piece. If any piece of furniture does not have padding, make sure you buy some and put it in place. Furniture can scratch your hardwood floors if there’s not a layer of padding separating it from the floor. There are several options to choose from, including foam pads or adhesive pads that stick to your furniture’s legs. Make sure you choose one that is designed to be used on hardwood floors.

You should also be careful if you have any furniture with wheels, such as an office chair. If you can, pick up any furniture with wheels when you are moving it back into place after an installation. For everyday use, buy a mat to lay underneath this furniture to protect your floors.

Now that you know how to take care of hardwood floors, are you ready to install this flooring material in your home? Let our professionals help. Contact the team of design experts at Ward Hardwood who have a knack for helping clients choose the right flooring for their homes, and preserve it for years after installation. Call 303-674-6966 to set up a consultation today.