9 Things You Should Absolutely Never Do to Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are great, but boy, do they need some TLC to stay that way. As the go-to handyman in my family, I’ve learned the hard way that these beautiful floors can be pretty high maintenance.

They’re expensive to install and even pricier to fix. So, to save you some of that headache—and a hit to your wallet—I’ve put together some essential dos and don’ts.

Here are 9 things you should never do to your hardwood floors.

Don’t Let Pet Messes Sit

Accidents happen, especially with pets. If your furry friend leaves a surprise on your hardwood, tackle it right away. Letting it sit can stain the wood and lead to warping, so it’s really about acting fast to avoid a bigger headache later.

Don’t forget to check under any rugs too—those sneaky stains can hide and cause just as much damage underneath.

Don’t Let Your Floors Bake in the Sun

Sunshine can be great, but not so much for your hardwood floors. Over time, too much direct sunlight can bleach and weaken them, leaving you with faded, brittle boards.

Throwing up some curtains or blinds to shield your floors from those UV rays isn’t just smart; it’s a must if you want to keep your floors looking fresh and vibrant.

Don’t Use Steam Mops

Keep steam mops away from your hardwood floors. While they might work wonders on tile, the heat and moisture from steam mops can seriously damage wood floors.

The high temperature can break down the protective finish, and the moisture can seep in, causing warping or discoloration over time. Stick to methods that keep water use to a minimum to keep your floors in top shape.

Don’t Pour Cleaner Directly on Floors

Resist the urge to dump cleaning products straight onto your hardwood floors. It might seem like a quick way to get the job done, but just like too much water, too much cleaner can be a bad thing. When it seeps into the wood, it can cause swelling and create a patchy, uneven appearance.

Instead, apply your cleaner to a cleaning cloth or mop to control the amount and spread it evenly.

Use Furniture Pads to Protect Your Floors

Furnishing your home is essential, but so is protecting your hardwood floors from scratches and dents. Slap some furniture pads on the bottoms of your tables and chairs. It’s an easy and cheap way to prevent those annoying scuff marks and deep gouges that happen when furniture moves, even just a little. Trust me, your floors will thank you for this small but mighty gesture of care.

Avoid Wheel Damage on Hardwood

Rolling furniture like office chairs or mobile cabinets may seem convenient, but their hard wheels can do a number on your beautiful wood floors. If swapping out those wheels isn’t in the cards, throwing down a rug or a protective rubber mat can be a floor-saving move. It’s a quick fix that’ll keep your floors scratch-free and looking good.

Ditch the Shoes Indoors

Keeping your shoes on while walking across your hardwood floors is a surefire way to invite scratches and scuffs, especially with high heels in the mix. Not to mention, shoes can track in moisture and dirt, which seep into the wood, potentially causing long-term damage.

Take up a no-shoe policy indoors to preserve the beauty of your floors and keep them looking pristine for years.

Regularly Trim Pet Nails

While it’s not feasible to keep your furry friends off the hardwood completely, managing their nail length can minimize the damage. Long nails can gouge and scratch your flooring, detracting from its aesthetic.

Regular nail trims help keep your floors smooth and scratch-free, making both your pets and your floors happier and healthier.

Avoid Harsh Cleaners

When it comes to keeping your hardwood floors looking new, steer clear of harsh cleaners. Chemicals like ammonia or vinegar, and products like dishwashing detergent or oil soaps can actually damage the finish on your floors rather than clean them.

Instead, use cleaners specifically designed for hardwood. This will help maintain their sheen without compromising the wood’s integrity.