6 Daily Habits That Cause Damage to Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors add great value to your home décor. They have a smooth finish and provide a natural look to the floors. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades.

However, if you mistreat them, then they won’t last nearly as long.

There are a few daily habits that cause substantial and permanent damage to your expensive floors. You might not be aware of these threats that can result into ruined hardwood floors.

Here is a list of 6 habits that can damage your hardwood floors.

• Using Floor Cleaners with Harmful Chemicals

If you’re mopping your hardwood floors with a chemical or oil based floor cleaner, then you’re ruining its shine. Some floor cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that damage the floor’s finish. As a result, your floors start aging before their time. Be careful before choosing floor cleaners and rely on the products that are safe for hardwood floors.

• Washing the Floors Daily

Water is a plank’s greatest enemy. If you wash your hardwood floors daily with water, it can lead to penetration of moisture into the wood fibres causing the boards to swell. Wash your floors once in a week by using a damp mop or cloth instead. After washing, dry the floor immediately with a towel.

• Walking on the Floor with High Heels

Hardwood floors and high heels don’t get along well. Your beloved high heels act as a tiny hammer for your wooden floors. The sharp edges of your footwear can easily cause scratches on the floor. To avoid this, remove your high heels before stepping into a room where hardwood is installed.

• Irregular Sweeping

Forgetting to sweep or vacuum your floors can reduce its life. Dust and dirt act as sandpaper for your floors causing the finish to become scratched and dulled. Use a good quality soft bristle broom and sweep the floors regularly to maintain the hardwood.

• Too Much Sun Exposure

If your room’s window allows excess sunlight to enter, then cover it with shades or blinds during the day. Too much exposure to sun rays can cause discolouration of hardwood floors. Keeping the hardwood floors shaded will help in maintaining the natural wooden texture and colour.

• Dragging Furniture across the Floor

If you want to move your furniture from one place to another in a room, then lift it carefully rather than sliding it. Dragging the furniture or any other heavy appliances can cause scratches and damage the finish of the wood over time. Put protective pads under your furniture legs for maximum protection.

Maintaining the original beauty and appeal of the hardwood floors is important. Some of your daily habits can possibly damage your floors permanently. Avoid these practices and increase the life of your beautiful wooden floors.