We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
One of the most important (and overlooked) elements of any home? The floors. Hardwood floors add warmth and character to any space whether modern or rustic and as long as you care for them properly, they’ll serve you well. Make sure you’re not making mistakes that could ruin a floor that could otherwise last for decades.
1. You forget to sweep regularly.
Sweeping and vacuuming hardwood floors isn’t only a good cleaning tip, but it can also lengthen the life of your floors. Dust, dirt, and other abrasive particles can scratch and dull the finish of wood floors once they’re underfoot. Tidying up often, though, will keep them from causing lasting damage.
Carpet, hardwood, vinyl, and tile flooring.
Bob Vila has partnered with Empire Today to help you easily get beautiful new floors at a great price. Free In-Home Estimates2. You use the wrong vacuum attachments.
Vacuuming is an important chore for keeping dust and dirt off of your wood floors and out of tiny cracks and crevices—but use the right vacuum attachments. The beater bar on your vacuum can gouge wood floors; instead use the hardwood brush attachment.
“Hardwood has an advantage: When the surface is worn and scratched, a professional sand and stain can make it look and mostly perform like new.”
—Paul Carter, Executive Vice President, Empire Today
3. You’re mopping them.
Water is a wood floor’s worst enemy. Moisture can penetrate the wood’s fibers causing boards to swell, cup, warp, and separate. If your hardwood floors need a deep clean, use a barely damp mop or cloth and then dry the floor immediately and completely with a towel.
4. You don’t clean up spills promptly.
Dried and caked on spills can take a lot of force to remove, if left to sit. Avoid that trouble (and possible damage) by wiping spills up immediately with a soft, clean cloth. If you need to use a spot of water to lift the spill, be sure to dry the floor thoroughly with a clean towel.
5. You wear heels in the house.
No one would ever take a tiny hammer to their floors, but walking on wood with high heels can do similar damage. The force of walking in these sharp shoes can easily ding and scratch wood floors, so check them at the door. You can minimize the risk of scratches from other damaging items by placing floor protectors under table and chair legs, and keeping the dog’s claws clipped and trimmed.
6. There’s no entry mat by the front door.
A good entry mat is the first line of defense against dirt, gravel, and other outdoor elements that can mar a wood floor. Not only will a mat help keep your floors cleaner, but it will serve as a good landing spot for guest and family shoes.
Carpet, hardwood, vinyl, and tile flooring.
Bob Vila has partnered with Empire Today to help you easily get beautiful new floors at a great price. Free In-Home Estimates7. You use oil-based cleaners on them.
Just because a cleaning product claims to be safe for floors, doesn’t mean it’s right for yours. Oil-based cleaners, polishes, or wax can dull the finish on your hardwood floors, aging them before their time. Check with your floor’s manufacturer for a cleaner that is safe to use or make your own DIY hardwood floor cleaner, which you spray on, rather than wet mop.