Hardwood flooring is a timeless classic — durable, elegant, and capable of adding warmth to any home. But just like anything worth having, it needs a little love to stay looking its best. At Nations Best Flooring & Carpet, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners enjoy their hardwood for the long haul, and now we’re giving you the inside scoop on how to keep yours in tip-top shape.
Keep the dirt at bay
1. Sweep Like You Mean It (But Gently)
Dust and dirt may seem harmless, but they act like fine sandpaper underfoot. Over time, they can dull the finish and scratch the surface. Use a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber dust mop to sweep your floors regularly — we’re talking at least a few times a week, more if you’ve got pets or kids who think the floor is a racetrack.
2. Vacuum Without the Vicious Beater Bar
Yes, vacuuming is great for hardwood — but only if you ditch the rotating brush. Use a vacuum designed for hard surfaces or one with a hardwood floor setting. That spinning bar might be great for carpets, but on hardwood, it’s the enemy.
Moisture and Mopping
Hardwood and water don’t mix. Spills? Clean them up immediately. Mopping? Use a slightly damp microfiber mop with a PH neutral cleaner, not a soggy one. Think of it like giving your floor a light facial mist, not a bath. And while we’re here — skip the steam mop. It sounds fancy, but it’s hardwood’s nightmare.
Wood swells when it’s humid and shrinks when it’s dry. Keeping your home’s humidity between 35% and 55% can prevent gaps, cupping, and warping. A humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier in summer can help you strike that balance.
Protect Your Investment
High Traffic Zones
Entryways, hallways, and kitchen work zones take a beating. Area rugs and runners can save your floor from wear and tear — just make sure they’re backed with a breathable, non-slip pad that won’t discolor the wood - Bonus points if the rug has a pattern busy enough to hide the crumbs your toddler sneakily drops when no one’s looking.
Use Furniture Pads (Seriously, Do It)
Dragging furniture across hardwood without pads is basically vandalism. Slap some felt pads under the feet of chairs, tables, and anything else that moves. And check them occasionally — they wear down or fall off and leave your floor vulnerable.
Occasional Maintenance Needs
Maintaining the Finish
Your hardwood flooring’s finish is its first line of defense. Depending on the type of finish (polyurethane, oil, wax, etc.), it may need periodic re-coating. Call us if you’re unsure what finish your floor has — we’ll help you figure it out and give you the right game plan.
Refinishing: When Elbow Grease Isn’t Enough
Even the best-cared-for floors can start to look tired after years of foot traffic. The good news? Hardwood can often be refinished instead of replaced. If your floors are looking rough, give us a call and we’ll let you know if a refinish can bring them back to life.
Hardwood flooring is an investment — and with the right care, it can last for generations. A little routine maintenance goes a long way in keeping your floors gorgeous and your wallet happy.
Got questions or need professional help with refinishing or repairs? Nations Best Flooring & Carpet is just a call away at (734) 494-0405 — and remember, we bring the showroom to you.
Credits:
Created with images by thanksforbuying - "Wood table texture" • miss irine - "Close-up of blue mop on wooden floor during apartment cleaning. Pro cleaner worker washes hardwood parquet, keeping home hygiene. Man doing housework job, domestic service." • SHOTPRIME STUDIO - "Woman mopping hardwood floor with bucket of water nearby" • Thawanrat - "A luxurious two-story foyer showcases a grand staircase hardwood floors a stylish area rug and a sleek black piano adding elegance and sophistication to a modern home interior" • TransPicHub - "Floor polishing machine on wooden surface, clean and shiny finish"