Taking care of your hardwood floors doesn't have to be intimidating, even if you've never done it before. With some simple tips and tools, you'll be maintaining your floors like a pro in no time. Here are three ways you can help take care of your hardwood floor.

1. Gathering the Right Supplies

You'll want to head to your local flooring store to pick up a few must-have items for keeping your floors looking fresh. A good-quality hardwood floor cleaner is essential. Stay away from soap-based cleaners and instead opt for a gentle, wood-safe formula. You'll also need microfiber mop pads and cloths. A swivel dust mop with an extendable handle is great for quick daily sweeping. Lastly, have on hand a cleaner formulated specifically for spot treatment, like grease marks or dried spills that need a little extra attention. With these supplies in your arsenal, you'll tackle any hardwood floor cleaning chore with ease.

2. Developing Good Maintenance Habits

Consistent, gentle care is the key to keeping your hardwood floors in tip-top shape. Get into the habit of sweeping with your dust mop every day or two to grab dust bunnies, debris that could scratch your floor, and pet hair before it gets matted down. Then, for a deeper clean, fill a spray bottle with your wood floor cleaner and damp mop using long pulls with your microfiber pad. Only damp mop when needed, rather than over-wetting the boards. Be extra careful with moisture around raw wood or unsealed planks. High-quality hardwood floors from a reputable store should make maintenance easy.

3. Protecting Your Floors

A huge factor in maintaining the integrity of your hardwood is to protect it from excessive wear, dents, stains, and UV damage from the sun. Always have felt floor protectors under furniture legs to prevent scratches from dragging or impacting over time. Place mats under rolling chairs and at high-traffic entryways. Use broad-spectrum shades in sunny rooms to reduce color fading. And when it comes to spills, immediately clean and dry the area so moisture does not seep below the finish. Stop by your local flooring store for protective products or waterproofing options to further shield your floors.

According to a study recently completed by the National Association of Realtors, 90% of homeowners who upgraded to hardwood floors have a greater desire to be at home. Properly maintaining your floor can also help increase your desire to stay home. With this starter guide under your belt, you can tackle hardwood floor care with confidence. Protect your beautiful investment, and your floors will stay in beautiful condition for years to come. If you're looking to install new hardwood floors, visit us at All About Floors NW, your local flooring store, to see the hardwood flooring options available.