Caring for wood floors protects your investment and ensures decades – if not generations – of worry-free use. Like all good things, a little time every day and every week can reap tremendous rewards long-term. Follow these hardwood floor care tips to enjoy shining, beautiful floors for years to come.

Consistency Is the Key to Hardwood Floor Upkeep

Benjamin Franklin’s famous line holds true across the board, and especially for your floorboards: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Daily, weekly, and monthly hardwood flooring care will delay the need for major projects, like refinishing, and add decades to your flooring’s lifespan.

Whether you've just had your hardwood floors installed or are looking to make your current floors last, follow this handy hardwood floor cleaning regimen.

Always

Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches
Use area rugs near entryways to keep dirt and dust from spreading throughout the home
Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid scratches
Keep indoor humidity between 35% and 50% (using a dehumidifier or humidifier, if needed)

Daily Wood Floor Care

Sweep or vacuum daily with a soft broom. Only use a vacuum specially designed for wood floors
Use a microfiber mop to trap dust

Weekly Wood Floor Care

Use a wood floor-safe cleaner and a microfiber mop to pick up dust and dirt
Inspect high-traffic areas for signs of cupping, scratches, or other issues

Monthly/Seasonal Wood Floor Care

Recoat your hardwood floors without sanding to address minor scuffs and wear

What to Avoid When Taking Care of Wood Floors

As you can see, wood floors are easy to maintain; the harder part is protecting your hardwood flooring from moisture and contamination.

Don’t use wet or steam mops on hardwood flooring
Never use vinegar, ammonia, or oil-based cleaners
Avoid dragging furniture over wood floors
Keep all sources of water away from the floor; address spills or leaks immediately

How to Remove Pet Urine from Wood Floors

Pets can be hard on wood floors, and the occasional accident can have a lasting, negative effect on your home. Address pet urine immediately if you can, and be smart about using safe cleaning products to remove lingering odors from wood floors.

Clean up pee immediately with a damp (not wet) towel, then wipe dry.
Address dry pet urine with a wood floor-safe enzymatic cleaner to break down uric acid crystals and eliminate smells. Always test your chosen cleaner in an inconspicuous spot to observe its effect on your floor’s finish.
Deep urine stains may require sanding and refinishing the area or replacing the damaged boards.

How Do You Disinfect Hardwood Floors?

After tackling pet urine or other big issues, disinfect your floors safely with the right materials. Always remember to sweep or vacuum your wood floors to remove dust and debris, then use a microfiber mop to disinfect the surface.

Use a pH-neutral disinfectant or a specialized wood cleaner and a damp microfiber mop.
Use as little moisture as possible and only allow the cleaner to stay damp (not wet!) for the required amount of time before letting it air dry or using a fan to accelerate the drying process.

Always follow the cleaning product instructions and your flooring manufacturer's recommendations to avoid damaging your floors. When in doubt, give us a call at (330) 594-9078, and we’ll answer any questions you might have!

Is It Cheaper to Refinish Hardwood or Replace?

It is almost always less expensive to refinish hardwood floors than to replace them. With refinishing, you’re only paying for labor and minimal material expenses, whereas replacing floors incurs substantial material costs.

Refinish wood floors if they are still thick enough to sand and if you still enjoy the look, color, and ambiance of your existing floors.
Replace your wood floors if they are too thin to sand, or a significant number of planks are damaged, cupped, or warped.
We’ll help you decide on the most cost-effective approach during your free in-home consultation.

Your Local Wood Floor Care Experts

Floor Coverings International® of Cleveland South is the area’s trusted wood floor care specialists. We offer a wide range of quality products, professional installation, and a truly customer-focused process that makes every step easy. Discover more wood floor maintenance tips and an honest assessment of your refinishing needs today. Call (330) 594-9078 or schedule a free, in-home consultation to get started!