Blog > A Complete Guide to Maintaining Beautiful Hardwood Floors

A Complete Guide to Maintaining Beautiful Hardwood Floors

Friday, October 31, 2025

Hardwood floors never go out of style. They add warmth, character, and lasting value to your home — and with the right care, they can look stunning for decades. At Floors USA, we’ve helped families and professionals choose and maintain hardwood since 1976. Here’s everything you need to know to take care of and keep your wood floors as beautiful as the day they were installed.

Why Hardwood Care Matters

Hardwood is a natural material, and like all natural products, it reacts to its environment. Seasonal changes in humidity, sunlight, and daily wear can impact how your floors look and perform. The instructions and steps within a thoughtful care routine protect your investment, keep your home comfortable, and reduce the need for refinishing down the road.

Hardwood Floor Maintenance Tips

1. Manage Humidity Year-Round

• Keep your home’s relative humidity between 30–50%. This level is best for both your health and your floors.
  
  
• In dry winter months, use a humidifier to prevent gaps between boards.
  
  
• In humid summers, run an air conditioner or dehumidifier to minimize swelling and cupping.
  
  
• Pro Tip: Hardwood expands and contracts — build in small seasonal movement as normal, not a sign of damage.
  
  

2. Stop Dirt at the Door

• Use mats at every entrance to trap dirt, grit, and moisture.
  
  
• Choose rugs with breathable backings (avoid rubber or foam that can discolor wood).
  
  
• Clean mats and rugs often, especially if you have dogs — a dirty rug can grind grit into the finish.
  
  

3. Protect Against Sunlight

• Prolonged direct shine can fade or darken wood unevenly.
  
  
• Use blinds, sheers, or UV-resistant window films to filter light.
  
  
• Rotate rugs and furniture occasionally to allow your floors to age evenly.
  
  

4. Use Furniture Pads

• Place felt pads under chairs, tables, and heavy furniture to prevent dents and scratches.
  
  
• For rolling chairs or appliances, use wide non-marking casters or protective mats.
  
  

5. Think Before You Step

• High heels, especially when the caps are worn, can dent wood.
  
  
• Sports cleats or spiked shoes can cause instant damage — keep them off hardwood.
  
  
• Keep pets’ nails trimmed to reduce scratching.
  
  

6. Keep Floors Dry

• Wipe spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth.
  
  
• Avoid wet mopping or letting water pool — it can cause warping and swelling.
  
  
• For sticky messes like gum or wax, chill with ice and gently scrape with a plastic card before wiping clean.
  
  

7. Clean the Right Way

• Sweep or dust mop regularly to remove grit.
  
  
• Vacuum with a hard-floor attachment (never a beater bar).
  
  
• For deeper cleaning, use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop and a hardwood-safe cleaner.
  
  
• Avoid waxes, oil soaps, ammonia, or abrasive products that can dull or damage the finish.
  
  

Long-Term Care & Restoration

One of hardwood’s greatest strengths is its ability to be refinished. If your old floors show deep scratches or wear after many years, you can sand or refinish to make the original wood look brand new. With proper care, refinishing and restoring are needed far less often — usually every 10–15 years, depending on traffic.

Quick Care Checklist

• Maintain humidity between 30–50%.
  
  
• Use entryway mats and keep them clean.
  
  
• Rotate rugs and furniture to balance sunlight exposure.
  
  
• Add felt pads to furniture legs.
  
  
• Sweep, vacuum, or dry mop regularly.
  
  
• Clean spills immediately.
  
  
• Use only hardwood-safe cleaning products.
  
  

Final Word

Hardwood flooring is one of the most durable, timeless choices you can make for your home — and a little routine care goes a long way. At Floors USA, we offer a wide range of hardwood styles, and our experts are here to guide you through both the selection and care process.

For more inspiration, visit our Hardwood Flooring Collection page or stop by our 40,000 sq. ft. showroom in King of Prussia to see and feel the difference in person.