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Hardwood floors are a lifetime investment so it makes sense to take a little time to keep that investment clean and shiny. You should not neglect to do the small things to insure that your floors, whether solid wood or laminate are scratch and stain-free.

A new floor doesn't require a great deal of maintenance but you should check your floors periodically, especially in well-worn traffic areas such as the kitchen, dining and living areas.

-Dirt and sand can scratch. Prevent those scratches by placing a mat or area rugs at all entrance ways. Use a broom with fine bristles to pick up dust and dirt. Never use ammonia to clean floors.
-Vacuum regularly. Use the special bare floor attachment that comes with the vacuum.
-Dust or damp mop your floors. Use a neutral PH wood cleaner. Mop up any water or chemical liquids that are spilled on the floor. They can damage the finish and warp a hardwood floor.
Never use harsh, abrasive cleaners or oil based soaps.
-Add felt pads to the bottom of your furniture that can scratch your floor.
-The areas near your living room picture window can get discolored by the UV rays of the sun. To prevent this, close your curtains and blinds. Add some sheer drapes.
-High heeled shoes can gouge and scratch. Keep them in good repair or change your shoes on coming into the house.
-Your pets can scratch your floor. Keep their nails trimmed or train them to avoid scratching.

Of course if your floors have become worn and old-looking, you'll need to take more drastic measures to restore the luster of a new floor. Unless you are experienced in flooring, do-it-yourself is generally not a good idea. It takes a professional eye to determine if your finish is worn down but the wood is intact. You may not see the gouges, stains, cracks and warping that may require replacement and repair before any finish can be applied. Before you can apply any polyurethane, polish or wax coating, you need to know what type of finish your floor has. Consult a contractor or Realtor to best determine what repairs are necessary.

With proper care your floors will look as good as when you bought or built your home, increase its value and add to the enjoyment of carefree living.

Learn more about this author, Mario Carini.
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