Children are any parent’s pride and joy; however, they are clumsy and often leave a mess wherever they eat and play. We all do our best to make our homes safe and child-proof, putting their safety before our desires. Hardwood floor installation is a great way to combat children’s playtime and accidental mess. If you already have hardwood floors and your kids have made quite an impact on them, here are some ways to protect your hardwood floors.
5 Ways to Protect Your Hardwood Floors
When you have hardwood floors and small children, you may need to take a few extra precautions, as listed below.
1. Take off Your Shoes in the House
One of the best protection methods for your hardwood floors is to enforce a rule of removing your shoes when entering the house. Shoes are made to protect your feet when outside, and therefore they bring dirt and grit inside your home, which over time will damage your floors. Dedicate an area at your front door for shoes and perhaps leave comfortable indoor shoes, slippers, or socks there for an easy exchange. This will protect your hardwood floors in the long run.
2. Make use of Floor Mats and Rugs
Even if you have enforced the no shoes in the house rule, visitors may not be so willing to comply. Floor mats or rugs at the front door will ensure that visitors can wipe their shoes off before entering your home. Rugs are helpful when you have small children so that they can have playtime on the rug, preventing scratches, scuffing, and accidental mess on your beautiful hardwood flooring.
3. Cleanup Spills and Dirt Immediately
Spillage and dirt should be cleaned immediately when it occurs to prevent penetration of moisture into the hardwood grain leading to permanent damage. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb the liquid, and your hardwood will retain its beauty for many more years.
4. Cover Furniture Underneath
During children’s playtime, furniture and other heavy items can be shifted and cause scratches and dents to your hardwood floors. Place padding or cloth under all furniture legs, and feet to prevent damage. There are various chair pads available made from materials such as silicone, felt, or plastic. If you have any scratches that need repair, hardwood floor refinishing will restore your hardwood floors to their former beauty. Hardwood flooring contractors have specialized skills and tools to repair and restore your hardwood floors.
5. Do Regular Maintenance on Your Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring contractors will tell you that regular maintenance will ensure that your hardwood is protected for many years to come. Weekly cleaning with a dust mop will remove dirt and grime building up and also get rid of pet hair. You should never use a damp mop on your hardwood floors as the moisture will soak into the hardwood, which weakens the wood and takes away the shine.
Balancing Your Small Children and your Hardwood Floors
Peterson Flooring is a hardwood floor refinishing professional, and they are waiting to assist you whether it’s a new hardwood floor installation or hardwood floor refinishing you want. You can use these methods mentioned above to protect your hardwood floors, thereby extending their lifespan. Contact Peterson Flooring today.