A beautiful hardwood floor can transform a room, add value to your property and when properly cared for – can be enjoyed for decades.

But here’s the thing, everyday wear and tear is inevitable. Whether it’s installed in your home, office or commercial space – hardwood floors are susceptible to a number of threats. Moisture, dirt and heavy furniture are just a few things that can damage your floors.

The good news is, there’s plenty of measures you can take to ensure your hardwood floors remain in perfect condition…

Outside dirt and debris tracked in by shoes can lead to scratches. If you can’t commit to a completely shoe-free zone, place doormats at entrances to encourage guests to wipe their feet thus preventing debris from causing any damage.

Not only are rugs a stylish accessory to any room, they’re great for protecting your floors from heavy foot traffic and furniture scuffs and scratches. To prevent slips, keep your rugs in place using an underlay made with natural fabrics. Avoid the use of double-sided tape which can leave a sticky residue or materials such as latex or synthetic rubber which can cause discoloration.

Water absorption can result in stained floors and weak planks, so using a steam cleaner is a definite no-no. Instead, sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom or electrostatic mop. For any troublesome stains use a lightly damp mop with water. Never use any floor cleaning products that are not designed for hardwood flooring.

To avoid any potential water damage, clean up spills as quickly as possible using paper towels or cloths. For areas like the kitchen that are likely to incur spills and drips, use soft rubber mats where possible to protect the floor from any water.

Protect your floors from scratches by clipping your pets’ claws regularly. Additionally, place area mats where your pets lie – as that’s where they’re most likely to take off running at a moment’s notice!

When it comes to the lifespan of your hardwood floors, prevention is the key!