How to Prevent Scratches on Hardwood Floors

Keep your hardwood floors scratch-free with these simple tips:

• Use furniture pads: Protect floors from furniture feet by attaching felt or rubber pads. Check and replace regularly.
• Clean daily: Sweep or dust-mop to remove grit that can cause micro-scratches.
• Add rugs: Place low-pile rugs in high-traffic areas and use non-slip rug pads to prevent movement.
• Control humidity: Maintain indoor humidity between 35%-55% to prevent wood shifting and warping.
• Trim pet nails: Keep your pet's nails short to avoid scratches and protect against spills by designating play or feeding zones.

With these steps, you can keep your floors looking great and minimize repair costs.

Easy Steps to Prevent Scratches on Your Refinished ...

Furniture Protection Basics

Furniture feet can concentrate weight on small areas, leading to dents in the finish and trapped grit. This can cause micro-scratches over time. The solution? Use proper furniture pads and keep them clean. These pads help spread the weight evenly and protect your floors. Make sure to pick pads suited to your furniture's weight and how often it's moved.

Types of Furniture Pads

• Felt pads: Great for low-traffic areas. Check them monthly to remove any grit that may have built up.
• Rubber or plastic glides: Strong enough for heavy furniture. If the edges start lifting, trim them to keep everything flush.
• Metal or nylon glides: Work well for couches and chairs on rugs. Avoid using them directly on hardwood floors to prevent damage.

Pad Installation and Maintenance

1. Clean both the furniture feet and the floor before attaching pads.
2. Remove the adhesive liner and press the pad firmly onto the furniture foot.
3. Check the pads every few months. Replace them if the furniture begins to show through.

Daily Cleaning Methods

Start by adding protective pads to your furniture. Then, make it a habit to sweep or dust-mop every day. This helps get rid of particles that could scratch your floor's surface.

Dust and Dirt Removal

Use tools like a soft-bristle broom, a microfiber dust mop, or a vacuum equipped with a hardwood floor attachment. These options effectively pick up dirt and grit without causing damage.

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Rug Placement Tips

Daily cleaning helps, but placing rugs thoughtfully adds an extra layer of protection against scratches.

Protecting High-Traffic Areas

Identify the busiest areas in your home and place runners in those spots. Opt for low-pile, tightly woven rugs to reduce abrasion - especially in entryways and hallways. In living spaces, use low-pile rugs under chairs and tables, paired with furniture pads, for added protection. Rotate rugs every month to ensure even wear.

Choosing the Right Rug Pad

Pick non-slip pads to keep rugs securely in place and avoid scratches:

• Use 1/8″-thick felt or memory-foam pads for cushioning.
• Make sure the pad matches the rug's size perfectly.
• Trim any pad edges that stick out beyond the rug.
• Replace pads if they start to deteriorate or curl.

Once your rugs are in place, maintaining proper humidity levels can help prevent edges from warping.

Surface Protection and Humidity Control

Rugs can help protect your floors, but maintaining consistent humidity levels is just as important to prevent boards from shifting and damaging the finish.

Floor Finish Options

For better scratch resistance, consider finishes like polyurethane or aluminum oxide.

Managing Humidity Levels

Keeping indoor humidity between 35% and 55% can help reduce wood movement and stress on the surface. Here are some tips to keep humidity in check:

• Use humidifiers in the winter and dehumidifiers or air conditioning in the summer.
• Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer to ensure they stay within range.
• Address leaks and spills immediately to prevent moisture damage.
• If you have exotic wood floors, they may require stricter humidity control - adjust accordingly.

Pet Owner Guidelines

Pets can be tough on hardwood floors, especially with their claws and occasional accidents. Here's how to keep your floors in good shape.

Pet Nail Care

Keep your pet's nails in check to reduce scratches. Trim them every 2–3 weeks using pet clippers or a grinder. After trimming, smooth out any rough edges with a pet nail file.

Take a closer look at your floors near areas where your pet spends the most time. If you notice scratches, it might be time to trim their nails more often.

Protect Against Spills

Set up specific areas to handle pet-related spills and accidents to keep your floors safe from damage.

Conclusion: Floor Care Summary

To keep your hardwood floors in great shape, try these tips: use furniture pads to avoid scratches, clean floors regularly, add rugs in high-traffic areas, maintain indoor humidity between 35%–55%, trim your pets' nails, and create specific zones for feeding or playtime.

If you’re looking for expert advice or need new flooring, stop by Elephant Floors at 950 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. They’re open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM, and offer free consultations along with protective solutions from brands like Gaia Flooring, Vellichor, and Medieval Floors.

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