How to Care for a Hard Wood Floor

Hard wood floors require little maintenance to stay attractive and durable. There are a few ways to maintain the look easily without damaging the wood, and there are a few things to avoid. The primary way to care for hard wood is simply to clean them gently.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep large amounts of water away from hard wood floors. Water can warp the boards and cause cracks and other damage. Small amounts of water can be used to clean dirty areas, but any water used should be dried quickly afterward. If you mop hard wood, go over it afterward with a dry mop or cloth.

2. Clean up dirt regularly. Leaving dirt and small particles of grit on the floor can result in scratches and gouges in the wood. Take care of the floor by sweeping it with a broom or a static cloth cleaner.

3. Vacuum the areas that get a lot of traffic. Even if you can't see the dirt in these areas, there may still be enough small particles present to scratch the floor. Some vacuums have attachments specifically for hard wood floor care.

4. Take care when moving furniture or other heavy objects across a hard wood floor. It is very easy to scratch the floor with a piece of furniture, particularly if it is too heavy to lift easily. Use furniture-moving discs under any furniture to be moved, and lift it completely off the floor whenever possible.

5. Wear shoes that are not made with sharp points. Heels with metal parts can cause dents in the wood.