These could lead to scratches, warping, and even costly repairs.
years / Getty Images
Hardwood floors are popular for their durability and timeless look.
But while your homes hardwoods may withstand a lot, theyre not invincible.
Photo:years / Getty Images
Certaincleaning solutions, furniture, and care mistakes can leave your floors dented, scuffed, and stripped.
With some simple strategies, you could preserve your wood floors and ensure a flawless finish underfoot.
However,cleaning wood floorsfrequently with vinegar or a vinegar solution can cause serious damage.
Soaking Floors
Soaking hardwood floors is a common mistake that causes problems like warping and swelling.
Instead ofsoaking your mop, dampen it so its slightly moist.
Water seeps into the planks, causing swelling, warping, or even mold growth."
If youre using a spray mop, less is more.
A light mist is all you need.
Even if you wear relatively soft shoes, the debris from your shoes can pose problems for wood floors.
Trust me, spending a couple of bucks on felt pads now can save you hundreds in floorrefinishing costslater.
However, these can damage the finish on your wood floors if they have oil-based finishes.
These will degrade the finish and damage the wood as well, causing it to discolor.
I have done this."
Rotating or even slightly moving furniture can help prevent dents in your wood floors.
“Im not saying you need torearrange your whole houseevery week,” she adds.
Dragging Furniture
Another common way to damage wood floors is by dragging heavy furniture.
This can cause scuffing, scratching, and denting in your floors.
Place padding or rugs underneath large furniture and instead of dragging, lift furniture or use furniture sliders.
If you loveto rearrangeand get large, heavy furniture, invest in furniture sliders, Piper says.
