Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any home, but when you share that home with pets, maintaining those beautiful floors can be a bit more challenging. Pets, especially dogs and cats, can unintentionally scratch or stain your hardwood floors. However, with a few preventative measures and maintenance tips, you can keep your floors looking as pristine as the day they were installed.
The Claw Problem
One of the main concerns for hardwood floors is scratching, particularly from dogs’ nails. To minimize this:
- Keep Nails Trimmed: Regularly trimming your pet’s nails will reduce the chances of scratches.
- Rugs and Runners: Strategically placed rugs can protect the areas where your pet spends the most time. Make sure these rugs have non-slip pads underneath to prevent additional scratching from rug movement.
Accidents Happen
Accidents are inevitable, but the way you handle them can make all the difference:
- Immediate Clean-Up: Always clean up any accidents as soon as they happen to prevent stains and odors from setting in. Use a cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood floors. We recommend Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
- Moisture Barriers: For pet feeding areas, place a mat under water bowls to protect the wood from prolonged exposure to water.
Playtime Protocol
Pets, especially dogs, can be active and may unknowingly cause damage during play:
- Designate a Play Area: Set aside a space with durable rugs for your pet to play, keeping the high-energy activities off the hardwood.
- Toys That Stay Put: Use toys that are less likely to cause them to skid across the floor in excitement.
The Fur Dilemma
Pets shed, and that fur can accumulate on your floors:
- Regular Grooming: The more you manage your pet’s fur, the less ends up on your floors. Regular grooming helps to minimize shedding.
- Frequent Sweeping: Use a microfiber dust mop to collect pet hair without scratching the floor’s surface.
Maintenance for Long-Term Care
Even with all of your care, your floor may worn out a bit:
- Screen and Re-coat: Consider a professional screening and re-coat after a few year of having your floors done. We recommend 3 – 5 years If Water-based, and 5 – 8 years if Oil-based (it will always depend on how much traffic you have).
- Refinishing Options: If scratches do occur, remember that hardwood floors can be refinished to look brand new again.
Pets are part of the family, and with a little planning, they can coexist with your beautiful hardwood floors. By implementing these tips, you’ll ensure that your floors stay in top shape, and your pets can roam happily and freely in the comfort of your home. Remember, it’s not just about protecting your floors; it’s about creating a pet-friendly home where every member of the family, furry ones included, can enjoy every corner.
Love your pets but adore your hardwood floors too? Contact us for more advice on keeping your floors in perfect condition, no matter how paws-itive your life is!