If you have hardwood floors, you know how beautiful they can be – but you also know that the risk of them being scratched or damaged is worth your attention. Pets and children are often the culprits when it comes to floor damage, so what can you do to protect your floors?

In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for protecting your hardwood floors from your children and your four-legged friends!

Wipe Up Messes ASAP

If you’re a parent with pets in the home, you know that messes are inevitable. Whether it’s food crumbs, spills, or muddy paw prints, there’s always something that needs to be cleaned up. And while it may be tempting to leave the cleanup for later, wiping up messes as soon as they happen is actually the best way to protect your hardwood floors.

By quickly dealing with messes, you can prevent stains from setting or dirt from grinding into the surface. In addition, regular cleaning will also help to extend the life of your floors. So next time you’re faced with a mess, don’t delay–wipe it up right away!

Trim Your Pets’ Nails & Keep Paw Pads Smooth

Trimming your pets’ nails on a regular basis is not only good for their health, but it can also protect your hardwood floors from scratches. In addition, keeping the paw pads smooth will help to prevent slipping and sliding on the floor, which can be a hazard for both pets and children.

By taking these simple steps, you can help to preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come.

Put Rugs Over Heavy Use Areas

[Image source: Unsplash]

To protect your hardwood floors from spills, scratches, and dirt, consider placing rugs in high-traffic areas. Rugs can help to absorb impact, prevent slipping, and trap dirt and debris before it has a chance to damage your floors.

Plus, they add a touch of style to your home. So whether you’re covering up stains or just want to add a pop of color to your space, rugs are a great way to protect your hardwood floors while also adding a bit of personality to your home.

Put Protective Pads on Furniture Legs

Any pet owner knows that fido or fluffy can do some serious damage to your floors. And if you’ve ever had a puppy, you’ve probably also had to replace a few couch cushions. Pets can be hard on furniture, and children aren’t always the gentlest either.

But there is a simple solution that can protect your floors and furniture – put protective pads on the legs! These inexpensive pads create a barrier between your floor and the leg of the furniture, preventing scratches, scuffs, and dents.

And they’re not just for hardwood floors – they work on carpet and tile too. Whether you’re trying to protect your investment or just keep your sanity, put some pads on your furniture legs.

Vacuum & Mop on a Consistent Basis

[Image source: Unsplash]

Between muddy paws and sticky fingers, it can seem like your floors are never really clean. Vacuuming regularly and mopping with a mild soap can help to remove dirt and grime before it has a chance to damage the finish on your floors.

Place Mats at Entryways

Pets and children can be especially hard on floors, tracked in mud and dirt from outside, or spilling food and drinks. Placing mats at entryways can help to protect your floors and keep them looking their best.

Doormats are an easy way to remove dirt and debris before it has a chance to be tracked into your home. In addition, placing mats in high-traffic areas such as the living room or kitchen can help to protect your floors from scratches or spills. With a little care, you can keep your hardwood floors looking beautiful for years to come.

Don’t Overclean

It’s only natural to want to keep your hardwood floors clean and free of messes. However, overcleaning your floors with harsh chemicals can actually do more harm than good. These cleaners can strip away the protective finish on your floors, leaving them susceptible to scratches, stains, and moisture damage.

In addition, these chemicals can be harmful to your family members (the fluffy ones too), triggering allergies and respiratory problems. So the next time your little ones make a mess on the floor, go with a natural solution.

We recommend purchasing the MacWoods Easy Hardwood Floor Cleaner and the MacMop™ as the best natural alternative. You can call to place us to place an order.

Refinish Instead of Replace

[Image source: Unsplash]

If you’re like most people, your hardwood floors have seen better days. They’re scratched, scuffed, and maybe even starting to show their age a bit. But instead of scrapping them altogether and starting from scratch, why not refinish them?

It’s a much cheaper way to save money, and it can be done in just a weekend. Plus, it’s a great way to make your floors look like new again. Just be sure to use a child-friendly finish if you have kids or pets who are susceptible.

Have Your Kids Play in an Area That Doesn’t Have Hardwood Floors

[Image source: Unsplash]

There are many benefits to having your kids play in an area that doesn’t have hardwood floors. For one, it can help protect the floors from wear and tear. Hardwood floors are susceptible to scratches and scuffs, and children can be particularly hard on them.

By confining playtime to a separate area, you can help keep your floors looking new for longer. In addition, playing on soft surfaces helps to cushion falls and prevents injuries.

So if you want to keep your floors in good condition, it’s best to create a designated play space for your children.

Final Thoughts

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can be a challenge to keep in good condition. Thankfully, hardwood floors are easy to clean up messes caused by pets and children. With this guide, you can learn how to protect your hardwood floors so that they’ll look like new for years to come.

Are you interested in installing hardwood floors in your home? MacDonald Hardwoods has a wide variety of hardwood flooring options to choose from. Contact us today to learn more!