At Barefoot Floors, we know that new flooring can be expensive, and we want to help protect that investment by sharing some simple, yet effective, solutions to keep your hardwood floors looking like new. Whether your existing flooring needs transformed or you're interested in maintaining the gleam of new hardwood, follow these guidelines and your floor will thank you!

What Touches Your Flooring Matters 
You may not need to enforce a strict no-shoes policy but, whenever possible, it can be a good idea to avoid walking on wood floors with your shoes on. High heels can easily dent the surface of some wood species and the particles on the soles of your shoes, like sand, salt and dirt can scratch and damage the finish of your hardwood floors. Furniture can scratch wood, too. You may want to pad the bottoms of chairs and table legs and use caution when moving or rearranging furniture.  

Temperature Control 

To maximize the look and feel of your hardwood flooring, keep the thermostat between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for wood floors. This will help prevent movement of the planks that could result from drastic changes in heat and or moisture. Slight heat variations should be nothing to worry about, as the room temperature would have to change drastically and maintain the change for a long period of time to affect hardwood flooring.

Dust, Dust, Dust

Don't underestimate the importance of keeping your hardwood floors dusted. If you're up for it, sweep or vacuum daily, if not, aim for twice a week. This will prevent scratching and help prolong the beauty of your floor. Daily dusting may reduce the amount of allergens in the home as well, for a win-win home improvement effect. Once a week, use a microfiber mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid products that contain additives like acrylic wax, these solutions could create build up over time. Remove the dust debris and maintain your floor's sheen.

Follow a Schedule

If you can dust daily and clean weekly, try to polish quarterly. Use a water-based polish to restore luster and shine every few months. These polishes won't leave a residue or emit harmful toxins and will help add a protective wear layer to fill in tiny scratches and even the appearance of your wood floor. 

Tips to Consider:

• Use rubber, waffle patterned floor protectors under your rugs in areas of high traffic.
• Use the proper tools to clean your floor, we suggest micro-fiber, machine washable pads for dusting and cleaning. Avoid string mops which put excessive amounts of water on the floor. 
• Wipe up spills immediately and thoroughly dry the area to avoid permanent stains. 
• Keep pet nails trimmed.
• Pick up and move furniture, never drag pieces across the floor. 
• Avoid steam cleaners. They can put heat and excessive water on your floor which could lead to long-term damage.

Properly maintained floors may never need replacement and routine cleaning is an important aspect of protecting them. For more information about purchasing or replacing the flooring in your home or business, visit Barefoot Floors. We offer exceptional hardwood flooring options at affordable prices. For all things flooring, Barefoot Floors is your one stop shop!