How to Keep Your Wood Floors From Scratching

Scratches on wood floors are common, but they can be unsightly or even dangerous. Thankfully, there are easy ways to help protect your wood floors from scratches. Here is a guide to preventing and fixing scratched wood floors.

Does real wood flooring scratch easily?

Yes, real wood flooring can be prone to scratching, depending on the type of wood and finish. To prevent scratches, try to avoid dragging furniture, abrasive cleaners, and high heels across the surface. Clean it regularly with a soft cloth and gentle cleaner to keep dirt from becoming embedded in the grooves of the wood

Preventative Measures

The best way to avoid scratching wood floors is through preventative measures. Here are some tips for keeping your floor safe:

Use Door Mats

Place door mats at entryways and other transition points in the house. Mats help trap debris that can cause scratching when walked on.

Floor Protectors

Install flooring store Hilton Head Island protectors underneath furniture like tables and chairs, as well as heavy appliances such as refrigerators. These will create a protective barrier between sharp edges and the flooring, minimizing wear-and-tear that causes scratches.

Use Area Rugs

Use rugs in areas where there tends to be more foot traffic or furniture movement, such as hallways or living rooms. The extra padding these provide will absorb much of the impact from moving items across the surface, reducing the potential for damage to occur.

Use Soft Cleaning Material

When possible, only use soft cleaning material (like microfiber cloths) for wiping up spills or dusting off the flooring surface. Avoid using any kind of abrasive substances like steel wool or scouring pads which could cause minor scratches over time if used regularly on hardwood surfaces.

Lift Furniture, Don’t Drag It 

Lifting furniture instead of dragging it can be an effortless way to avoid damaging your floors. Not only does this help protect your wood from scratches and gouges, but it also facilitates longer floor life by preventing the buildup of dirt in the corners and crevices caused by dragging. Not only that, lifting furniture can actually reduce stress on your back and joints since you are not having to drag heavy pieces across the floor.

Repair Solutions

If you already have some scratches on your wood floors, don't fret! There are repair solutions available that don't require extensive sanding or refinishing of the entire surface:

Use a Stain Marker

For small superficial scratches, apply a matching stain marker into them until they become less visible; this should also help reduce further damage by sealing it off from dirt accumulation which can make it worse over time if left untreated.

Add Beeswax

If you want an even better finish and protection against future scratches, try using beeswax on top of the stain marker once it’s dry. This adds an extra layer of protection without drastically changing how your floor looks.

Sawdust Mixture

For more serious gouges or splits in wooden planks causing deep cuts into the planks themselves, use a mixture of sawdust from similar woods mixed with glue or putty filler to fill out these gaps. Don't forget about sanding it down smooth with fine grit paper afterward, then you’ll have an even finish across all surfaces after all has been said and done!

What can I put on my floor to prevent scratches?

If you want to protect your floor from scratches, the best thing to do is use area rugs and runners. These come in a variety of sizes, styles, shapes, and materials, meaning you can easily find something that fits your decor. Make sure the rug lies flat on the floor and does not move around. You may also want to consider adding felt pads underneath furniture legs to help prevent future scratches.

What is the safest thing to use for cleaning hardwood floors?

The safest thing to use on hardwood floors is a mop and cleaning solution specifically designed for wood floors. Make sure the cleaner is free of wax, oil, or soap that could build up over time and cause damage. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface, then dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth.

The bottom line is this: real wood flooring can be beautiful and long-lasting if given proper care. With a little bit of work and attention to cleaning your floors, you'll be able to enjoy them for many years to come! If you do accidentally scratch your wood floors, there are ways to redeem them, they won’t be scratched forever!