How to Protect Your Floors

From dirt and debris to scratches and stains, keeping your floors clean and protected is a daily task. But it doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s how to help protect your floors from outdoor elements, furniture, wear and tear.

1. Shoes off. Think of where you walked throughout the day. Keeping your shoes on in your home can track dirt, debris, bacteria, and anything else that came in contact with your footwear. Place a shoe rack near the door to organize your pairs and encourage guests to do the same.
2. Regular cleaning. A quick vacuum or sweep can help keep dirt under control. Any leftover particles can lead to scratches and stains. For best results, use a tool made for your type of flooring.
3. Deep cleaning. Even if you vacuum or sweep regularly, you’ll still want to use a cleaner formulated for your floor type to remove stains and refresh the finish. Double check the corners and edges of the flooring where brooms and vacuums may miss.
4. Adjust humidity. Some flooring is affected by extreme dryness, causing it to shrink, gap, creak, and crack. A humidifier can help maintain proper levels during cool, dry seasons. Plus, it also helps wood furniture and leather goods from splitting.
5. Accessorize. Floor mats at the door, runners in high-traffic areas, and padded furniture feet can all help keep your floors fresh. Use furniture coasters to help move larger pieces you can pick up to relocate.
6. Refinish. After all the cleaning, walking, and furniture moving, any floor is going to start to show signs of age. You can help bring back the luster and continue to protect your floor by refinishing wood floors, resealing tile grout, and removing imperfections like scratches, stains, and dull spots.

Keep an eye on your floor to spot signs of age early. There are a variety of finishing products, so be sure the one you choose is right for your type of flooring. A professional can recommend the best cleaning and restoring option to help maintain it for years to come.