How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are magnificent, and if you've just had yours installed (or maybe you've had old floors refinished), you're probably concerned about protection. How do you keep them looking good? Cleaning is one of the best forms of protection, but there are other things to worry about too. Here are some tips:

Sweep or vacuum regularly to keep sand, dirt, and grime from accumulating (this can scratch the finish).
Use doormats outside every exterior door, and use rugs in heavily trafficked parts of the house.
If you wear high-heel shoes, keep them in good condition. Worn or damaged heels can expose a metal tip that can mess up your floors.
Keep the relative humidity in your home between %40-%50 year around (wood reacts to changes in humidity, and can shrink and warp). You can maintain your humidity at a fixed level by using a humidifier.
If possible, use rugs in front of windows where direct sunlight comes in. Prolonged exposure to intense light discolors wood (this is completely natural). It is most noticeable with light colored woods.
Use wood floor protector pads under furniture, especially chair and table legs, so they won't scratch the floor when they're moved.
If your floors have a wax finish, buffing will restore the shine. (When buffing doesn't make it gleam again, it's time to reapply the wax finish.)
If your floors have a urethane or polyurethane finish, use the manufacturer's recommended no-wax cleaner.

Keep in mind, these protection tips are for prevention. If you already have problems (scratches, stains, gouges, etc.), you may want to check out these articles:

Home Improvement | Flooring Articles