How to Care for Hardwood Floors in 5 Simple Ways
Choosing solid white oak hardwood floors for our home is one of the biggest investments we made. I really wanted something classic and timeless. But, with pets, kids, and living out in the country, our wood floors can take a beating! I partnered up with Bona wood floors experts and am sharing how to care for hardwood floors with 5 easy tips.
Bona sponsored this post through gifted product. All opinions, however, are my own. Also, part of my design journey includes sourcing products and sharing them with you! This includes some affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click and purchase. This commission supports my coffee and plant addiction and allows me to write more content and support our family, so thank you!
How to Care for Hardwood Floors
Putting in these white oak hardwood floors was one of the best, yet difficult decisions. Because I really wanted preserve the natural white oak look, we went with Bona water sealer. Now, it’s just about maintaining and learning how to care for hardwood floors. So, here’s what I do!
1. Rugs Prevent Damage
I use rugs to up cozy factor around here but they also help protect our floors in the busiest areas. In addition to obvious placement like doorways, I’ve added rugs under our family room furniture, a kitchen runner, and at the sink – basically all the places where spills and accidents happen. Check out my Favorite Neutral Area Rugs to see them in my space.
2. Use Rug Pads to Prevent Even More
Yep, if you have a rug, you need a mat. I was skeptical initially but after seeing how debris trapped under a rug can scratch away at the wood, I’m convinced. (I use these super thin felt rug pads in various sizes for all of our rugs).
3. Use Special Cleaners
I’m an all purpose cleaner kind of gal. But some things need a special bottle. When I talked with floor experts last year, Bona cleaners kept coming up as their recommended product. I totally see why. I use the regular Hardwood Floor cleaner all around the house and the PowerPlus formula for the kitchen.
4. Clean With Soft Materials
After having a lot of carpet at our previous house the only thing I really miss about them is the satisfaction of vaccuming. It felt like I was doing something very specific to pick up dust and cat hair.
Wood floors are so much easier to clean but it can be hard to see all the dust and regular brooms can actually scratch. I use this Bona Microfiber Dusting Mop for everyday sweeping.
5. Felt Furniture Pads
Ok, so I admit, I totally thought little felt furniture pads were the product of an overly worried generation (plastic couch covers anyone?). But after our house mover dramatically demonstrated how necessary these are, I’m a convert. I use these soft felt pads on every piece of furniture to prevent any scratching or scuffs.
Ok, so that’s how to care for hardwood floors with simple every day tips! If you find this post helpful, please save and pin for later and check out out my other post on our hardwood floors:
I’ve shared a lot about our oak floors, including 5 Things I Wish I Knew About Solid Wood Floors. Also, if you’re curious about comparing floor alternatives, check out my Wood Flooring Options Guide to help make a decision.