Hardwood floors bring warmth, charm, and timeless beauty to any home—but they also need a little care to stay that way. Between daily foot traffic, pets, spills, and furniture movement, your floors take a beating. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect your investment and keep your hardwood floors looking great for years to come.

At Gramer Flooring, we install and refinish hardwood floors across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, so we’ve seen the common causes of damage—and how to prevent them.

Here’s what every homeowner should know about safeguarding hardwood floors from scratches and water damage.

Use Rugs and Mats in High-Traffic Areas

One of the easiest ways to prevent wear and tear is by placing rugs or mats in key spots:

• Entryways: Capture dirt, salt, and moisture from shoes before they hit the floor.

• Kitchens: Protect against spills and dropped utensils in front of the sink and stove.

• Hallways and stairs: These areas see a lot of movement and benefit from runners.

Look for mats with a non-slip rubber backing that’s safe for hardwood floors. Some rubber or latex backings can discolor the finish, so choose felt or vinyl instead.

Add Felt Pads to Furniture Legs

Dragging chairs or furniture can leave deep scratches in your floor’s surface. Prevent this with:

• Felt pads on all table and chair legs

• Furniture coasters for heavy items like sofas or bookcases

• Furniture sliders for easy moving when cleaning or redecorating

Make it a habit to check the condition of felt pads and replace them if they fall off or wear down.

Clean Your Floors the Right Way

Routine cleaning helps preserve your hardwood’s finish and prevents dirt from becoming abrasive.

Do:

• Sweep or dust mop daily using a microfiber mop

• Vacuum weekly with a hardwood-safe vacuum (one without a beater bar)

• Damp mop occasionally with a hardwood floor cleaner approved by the manufacturer

Do Not:

• Use steam mops—the heat and moisture can damage the finish and cause warping

• Use vinegar or ammonia—these can dull or strip the finish over time

• Use wax or oil soaps on polyurethane-finished floors—they create buildup and make recoating difficult

For deep cleaning or stubborn marks, consult a hardwood professional like Gramer Flooring before using strong products.

Wipe Up Water Spills Immediately

Hardwood is not waterproof. While today’s finishes offer some protection, standing water can still cause damage.

Take these steps to minimize water exposure:

• Wipe spills up as soon as they happen

• Use a dry towel or microfiber mop to soak up water

• Avoid wet mops or over-saturating the floor during cleaning

• Use mats near pet bowls and plant pots to catch drips

If your floor is near bathrooms, laundry areas, or entryways, consider sealing the seams between planks or using a more water-resistant finish.

Keep Pets’ Nails Trimmed

Pets can be tough on hardwood. Long nails act like sandpaper and leave scratches behind. Here’s how to reduce the impact:

• Trim your pet’s nails regularly

• Use area rugs or runners in your pet’s favorite hangout spots

• Clean up water spills from bowls immediately

If your dog loves to sprint on hardwood, consider applying a satin or matte finish which hides small scratches better than glossy finishes.

Schedule Maintenance as Needed

Even with the best care, hardwood floors may need occasional refinishing or recoating—especially in high-use areas. Professional maintenance helps restore the finish, seal out moisture, and extend the life of your flooring.

Gramer Flooring offers dustless sanding, custom staining, and durable sealants to keep your hardwood floors looking their best.

Protect Your Floors with Gramer Flooring

Whether you’re installing new hardwood floors or trying to protect the ones you already have, our team is here to help. With decades of experience and a strong reputation across Cincinnati, Gramer Flooring is your trusted partner for floor care and refinishing.

• Expert refinishing that brings worn floors back to life

• Hardwood-friendly products and maintenance guidance

• Honest recommendations and beautiful results

Call 859-663-7678 today to schedule your free consultation or visit gramerflooring.com to learn more about our hardwood floor services in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Thinking about refinishing or installing hardwood floors? Stop by our showroom or view our Google Maps location to plan your visit.