The basics of their preservation
Hardwood floors are an investment that will increase the value of your home. Fortunately, it is not at all a burden to maintain them – you can help your hardwood floors last forever with regular light maintenance. They are already among the most durable of floors. They are also a lifelong asset that will maintain its luster. With proper care, generations to come will enjoy them. All you need to do is include them in your regular cleaning routine and they will look as good as they did the day they were installed.
Even though hardwood is well known for its durability, you should establish a weekly routine of sweeping, vacuuming or dry mopping that will remove any and all dust, pet hair or dirt. Neglecting to do so can result in a buildup of harmful particles. For kitchen hardwood floors you may want to increase the frequency of cleaning as needed. After all, you’re more likely to play host to crumbs and spills in the kitchen. With warm water, damp clean your floors with a mop. Wring the excess h2o from it and mop again to absorb any puddles.
If there is heavy foot traffic on your floors, such as in the entry way or kitchen, the protective finish can become worn, making it vulnerable to becoming warped by spills or 
moisture. For extra protection that will prevent traffic wear and really make a difference, apply a durable finish to the planks. Specifically a clear layer of sealant that is scratch and ding resistant, regardless of foot traffic or superficial damage. Potential flaws never reach the surface of the wood.
Whether you’re installing a new floor or restoring your old one, establishing a maintenance routine is important. Avoid using an excessive amount of water when mopping up. Liquid spills need immediate attention. Blot the fluid with a dry cloth. Moisture is not compatible with hardwood. That’s why it’s important to use water sparingly during the mopping process. Turning a ceiling or oscillating fan on will help expedite the drying process as well.
There are other practical measures you can take to protect the surface of your floors. Underneath the legs of your furniture (or under the entire piece itself if it is level with the ground) you need to insert felt pads or rug material to prevent floor scraping. This is 
particularly necessary for pieces that get moved or shifted around often. You may also want to place runners or area rugs strategically in the middle of high traffic areas. Other preventative measures to consider include keeping your pet’s claws trimmed (don’t declaw them), avoid walking on the wood in shoes with pointed heels, and don’t drag things like furniture across the floor (a dolly will do the job of moving heavy objects with a tenth of the effort). All exterior entrances should be accompanied by rugs so guests can wipe their feet (or remove their shoes) before entering. This will prevent the unintentional tracking of extra dirt or water into your home.
Another advantage to working with hardwood floors is the wide variety you have to choose from. There’s a type to match nearly any lifestyle. If your home has an intentionally rustic or country flavor, you may welcome the number of scratches or blemishes that are sure to emerge, but most often they only serve to distract from the floors natural beauty. You want it all to appear as flawless as possible. In the case that the number of blemishes is undeniably noticeable, there are measures to be taken. For the most part, all solid hardwood planks can be sanded down. In fact you can repeat sanding them over the years for up to approximately ten times. It’s a refinishing process that can restore the luxury and sense of value your hardwood floor is meant to possess. Especially for older floors the refinishing process can do absolute wonders. The results can absolutely negate the necessity of undertaking a complete re-flooring project. Save yourself the stress of a massive project and use the opportunity to simply re-stain your hardwood floors and make them appear new and contemporarily stylish!
