Hardwood floors: How to protect against scratches & spills

by Ryan Christensen 03/13/2024

How to protect your hardwood floors from scratches & spills featured image

Hardwood floors are a highly desired feature in a house and for many, are a sought after detail when in the home buying market. 

In theory, hardwood floors are easier to maintain in comparison to carpet because they are way less absorbent and can be cleaned with a simple towel or sweeping. However, with time, it’s easy for hardwood floors to become scuffed and for patches of color to fade away. This is why it's imperative to maintain proper treatment to keep your hardwood floors gorgeous for years. 

Try not to clean your floors with water 

Bear in mind, wood is an organic product, so the use of water can affect its cellular structure. Over time, this may include swelling of the wood and possible decay. If you need some sort of intense clean, you can use a lightly damp mop, rung out for excess water; however it’s best to abstain from using water on your hardwood floors altogether. 

Instead, opt for sweeping and periodically vacuuming your hardwood floors to remove dirt and dust. 

Make your floors pet friendly 

Even though beloved pets such as cats and dogs can be a joy to have in the home, their claws and dirt tracked in from the outside can put wear and tear on your hardwood floors. To prevent floors from being scratched up by your pet's claws, consider using the following tips and tricks: 

  • Lay rugs or mats in areas your pet tends to rest and play. 
  • Trim claws on a consistent basis. 
  • If you’re installing a hardwood floor, consider purchasing wood highly ranked on the Janka Hardness Scale. 

Use scuff protectors on the legs of your furniture

Every time you sit on or rearrange furniture, pieces that have legs can cause scuff marks and scratches on your hardwood floors. To protect your floor from this stress, consider adding protectors to the legs of your furniture. 

Some of these protectors are stickers that go unnoticed at the bottom of the furniture leg, while others almost appear sock like. 

By using the aforementioned tips, you can keep your hardwood floors beautiful and clean for years to come.



About the Author
Author

Ryan Christensen

Responsive, Responsible and Resourceful - How Real Estate Should Be. This is the foundation of our continued success: responsive service, providing accurate and timely information, and demystifying the process. 100% of my business is referral based because I listen to my clients' needs and exceed their expectations. As a full-time real estate broker, I am the best advocate for both my buyers and sellers. I am always available, regardless of the time of day.

 Being a native Southern Californian is a tremendous advantage. I know the area. Time is more valuable than money, but neither can be wasted. And, I'm a fan of hard work. My clients can enjoy their home buying and/or selling experience because I provide a trusting, focused, straightforward approach. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and find joy in homeownership.

 I am both a licensed Real Estate and Mortgage Broker. Others choose to concentrate on one or the other. I provide a higher level of service and expertise than those who do not obtain this dual skill set, which differentiates me from other service providers. My decisions and advice are based solely on what is in the best interest of my clients. I use Real Estate Sales as a tool to make sure my clients get the home that meets or exceeds their needs. As a Mortgage Broker, I search for the best loans so I can offer lower rates and pricing than my financing competition. This certainly IS in the client's best interest.