- 1). Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to remove any sand or grit that could scratch the finish. Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum, or choose a soft broom.
- 2). Clean your floors occasionally using a commercial cleaner intended for wood floors, or a homemade solution of ½ cup white vinegar to 1 gallon of water. Be sure to dry your floors thoroughly after cleaning; standing water should never be left on a wood floor.
- 3). Place rugs in the entryway and in front of any sinks in rooms with hardwood flooring. Doormats will reduce the outside dirt that ends up on your floor, and rugs near the sink will prevent splashes and spills from forming water marks.
- 4). Wipe up any spills immediately after they happen. Liquids will damage your floors if they are left to sit, so use a soft cloth to quickly wipe up puddles.
- 5). Prevent your furniture from scratching or denting the floor. Put small rubber cushions under the sharp feet of sideboards or entertainment centers, and add felt pads to the bottom of chair or table legs. Furniture pads are available at most hardware or home goods stores. Lift furniture off the ground to move it, rather than sliding it across the floor.
- 6). Keep a humidifier running during the dry winter months to prevent the boards from warping. Lack of moisture can cause wood floors to shift, split or separate, which can be difficult to correct.
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