Hardwood floors are a beautiful, long-lasting investment—but keeping them that way takes smart care. This guide will show you how to prevent damage, maintain cleanliness, and tackle tough stains so your floors stay looking their best for years to come.
Preventive Care: Stop Damage Before It Starts
Protecting your hardwood floors starts with simple, proactive steps:
Use Mats & Rugs Wisely
- Place mats at all exterior doors to trap dirt and moisture.
- Use breathable, non-rubber-backed rugs to avoid trapping moisture and discoloring finishes.
- Rotate rugs regularly to prevent uneven fading from UV light.
Control Indoor Climate
- Keep your home between 60–80°F and 30–50% humidity to prevent wood movement like cupping, gapping, or cracking.
Add Floor Protectors
- Install felt pads under all furniture legs.
- Avoid dragging heavy furniture—use sliders or lift with care.
- Don’t use ball-type or metal casters.
Footwear and Pet Care
- Keep heels in good repair; avoid cleats or spiked shoes.
- Trim pet nails regularly to prevent scratches.

Routine Care: Keep Your Floors Beautiful Every Day
Consistency is key to extending the life of your floors:
Sweep or Vacuum Frequently
- Use hardwood-safe vacuum settings (no beater bars).
- Sweep or dry mop several times a week to remove grit that can dull the finish.
Use the Right Cleaner
- Clean using a wood floor cleaner recommended by your flooring manufacturer—never use vinegar, oil soaps, steam mops, or general-purpose cleaners, as they can dull or damage the finish.
- Avoid steam mops and soaking wet applicators.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
- Blot spills with a dry or damp towel—don’t let water sit.
- Use mats in spill-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Don’t Let Dirt Spread
- One of the biggest cleaning mistakes is using a dirty mop head—replace or wash it often.

Hardwood Stain Solver: How to Treat Common Issues
Hardwood floors are durable, but accidents happen. Here’s how to safely remove the most common stains and surface issues using manufacturer-approved methods:
Water spots: Lightly rub with a clean, soft cloth and a wood floor cleaner approved by your flooring manufacturer.
Food or sticky stains:Wipe with a damp cloth, then clean the area using a hardwood-safe cleaning solution.
Grease or oil marks:Clean gently with a cloth dampened with wood floor cleaner. Avoid scrubbing aggressively.
Nail polish / scuff marks: Apply a small amount of acetone (nail polish remover) to a cloth and gently wipe the area.
Minor scratches: Use a color-matched touch-up kit compatible with your floor’s finish to fill and conceal scratches.
Candle wax / Chewing gum: Place a bag of ice over the area until the wax or gum hardens. Carefully scrape with a dull knife, then wipe with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
Cigarette burns: For shallow burns, gently rub with fine steel wool and a small amount of mineral spirits. For deeper burns, carefully remove charred areas with a dull knife before finishing with fine steel wool and touch-up treatment.
Tip: Always test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area before applying to your entire floor. Never use vinegar, ammonia, or steam.
Need help choosing cleaning products or refinishing services?
Visit Tile Center in Gaithersburg or call us today—we’ll guide you to the best solutions for your flooring.