How to Prevent Scratches on Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a great investment in the value of your home. They are both classic and classy. They can be adapted to many different styles of decor, from sleek contemporary to rustic. If you are fortunate enough to have older hardwoods or if you made that investment after the fact, it’s important to know how to maintain them, especially in regard to scratching.

Keep Things Clean

The single best way to avoid scratches on hardwood flooring is by keeping things clean. Make sure to sweep, vacuum or dust mop loose dirt from your floors on a regular basis. If you find any gritty messes, gently sweep those up immediately, because any foot traffic can grind the grit into the finish and damage your floors. Removing the mess when it happens will not only keep your floors looking clean, but it will also prevent the dirt from causing scratches.

Cap Furniture Legs

Regardless of whether you have classic wooden or sleek metal furniture, it’s important to protect your floors from the wear and tear caused by contact with furniture legs. You can purchase silicon or rubber caps that fit over the bottom of each leg and provide a barrier, protecting the floor from scratching.

Use Throw Rugs

In areas where high traffic, dry and wet messes are likely, consider protecting your floors with area rugs or throw rugs. You can choose something that covers nearly the entire floor of the room, or protects just a small area like a foyer or hallway. Larger rugs can be vacuumed like carpet; smaller rugs can be vacuumed or, alternatively, shaken outside to get rid of the perky dirt. In some cases, these types of rugs can even be machine washed, but check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.

When to Refinish Hardwood Floors

If you have purchased a home with older hardwood floors, the damage may already be done, in which case mitigating further damage may seem like a lost cause. If you find yourself with floors that are in poor shape, before you cover them with another flooring product, consider having them refinished. A professional can come, sand and refinish your floors in a style that suits your decor. That way you will have floors you love, plus the opportunity to give them the proper care and keep them looking nice for a long time.

If you are ready to take the plunge into the world of all types of flooring, visit our helpful professionals at Thornton Flooring. We can help you review all your options and make a great flooring choice for your home and lifestyle.