- High heel shoe damage: A 125-pound person in high heels exerts pressure of approximately 2000 pound of pressure per square inch. If the protective cap on a pair of high heels has worn down the steel support rod can become exposed. This rod will dent and pit wood, fracture tiles or stone and puncture vinyl.
- Protective pads: Always use felt style protective pads on furniture legs. Felt pads allow the furniture to be moved easily without scratching or denting the finish on your floor. Felt pads also reduce noise by acting as a sound deadening barrier. Routinely check your felt pads for dirt and grit that has become imbedded in them. A dirty or worn felt pad can damage a floor.
- Walk off mats: Using walk off mats at all exterior doors will trap dirt and sand. Remember that grit like soil is as abrasive as sandpaper and will damage most types of floor covering including wood, ceramic, laminate, sheet vinyl, linoleum, carpet and others. All rugs should allow wood floors to breathe. Avoid rubber-backed or non-ventilated rugs. Move area rugs occasionally as certain chemicals in wood oxidize in strong light causing the wood to change color. Moving rugs will help to avoid an uneven appearance.
- Use Area rugs in high traffic and pivotal traffic areas, e.g. at the ends of steps and near doorways.
- Wood floors should never be wet mopped. Excessive moisture can damage wood by causing it to swell and cup. If moisture is used the mop should only be slightly damp.
- Potted plants: Never place a potted plant directly on the surface of a hardwood floor. Even plants that are placed in waterproof saucers can damage the wood by condensation under the saucer. Plants need to be elevated so the air will circulate below. Place the plant on a stand or trivets.
- Vacuum or sweep regularly: This needs to be done on a routine basis to remove dirt and grit prior to cleaning you wood floor. Dirt is a major cause of damage to all types of floor covering.
- Dust treatment and furniture polish should never be used on a hardwood floor. These treatments may cause a floor to become slick and can dull the finish.
- Immediate cleanup of spills: It is essential that food or spills be cleaned up immediately using a soft cloth and the manufacturers recommended cleaner. Dry spills and abrasives are best cleaned up with a vacuum or broom.
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