Are you tired of looking at (and often in the process discovering additional) unsightly scratches on your otherwise beautiful hardwood floors? Do you want to protect your investment and keep your floors looking pristine for years to come? Are you frequently kept awake at night by such thoughts!? -Of course, you respectively are, do, and (probably?) aren’t. Well, look no further, trusty reader/diligent floor-tender, for compiled below is a list of simple tips and tricks to protect your hardwood from all manner of scratches.
Quick-‘n’-Dirtfree
First things first, remove dirt and debris regularly. We recommend using a microfiber dust mop or broom to pick up dirt. Vacuums can also be used, but be cautious of using metal or hard plastic attachments and wheels as they could cause scratches. Prevention is key, and taking small steps like regularly cleaning your floors can go a long way in preventing scratches.
Dodge a Major Drag
Always be sure to lift furniture and appliances rather than dragging or sliding them across your hardwoods. Heavy objects with small feet or wheels can cause deep gouges in your floors that may require deeper sanding and refinishing to remove. So, make sure to grab a friend or a dolly to help you lift those heavy objects. Stock up on slider discs; these can be slipped under the legs (or whatever equivalent component) of your bigger pieces—upward-facing side coated with rubber or plastic for traction, floor-adjacent side with soft fabric for smooth-gliding action.
If you’re looking for a stylish way to protect your floors, consider using area rugs. Stylish ones! Conventional wisdom dictates that their placement should be in high-traffic areas: kitchens, living rooms, and hallways are usually most susceptible to excess wear. Area rugs not only protect your floors—but they can also add a bit of color and personality to your home’s layout.
The Pitter-Patter of Little (…Clawed) Feet
If you’ve got furry friends, you likely know about the “zoomies.” -Suffice it to say, your hardwood floors don’t at all appreciate this phenomenon we all seem to find so adorable. Trim your pets’ nails regularly to prevent scratches (with the bonus benefit of regular nail clippings being good for your pet pal’s comfort.) Consider placing area rugs wherever your pets do the bulk of their frolicking to keep those splendid slats nice and unscratched.
Finishing Strong
The right finish really can make a world of difference. Some hardwood finishes help protect your floors better than others, and some are even specifically designed to help mask the appearance of wear over time. Engineered and pre-finished hardwoods come with a more durable layer of coating than those finished on-site. To help hide scratches and dings, choose a lighter stain color with a satin or matte finish, as scratches show up more easily on both glossy and dark surfaces.
Remember, keeping your hardwood floors free of scratches doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Nay! Just follow our simple tips, and you’ll be in for an exceedingly smooth experience…
Commercial Cleaning Services from A 360 Cleaning
A 360 Cleaning has provided Maryland with top-notch professional cleaning and janitorial services for over 12 years. We don’t cut corners and ensure that every customer is satisfied with their cleaning. Whether you need a glitter spill cleaned up or an entire office building, we are happy to help! We currently serve the following areas: Baltimore, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park. To explore how we can help keep your windows clean all year long, give us a call at 410-852-5800 or visit us online. For more cleaning tips, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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