8 Things That Will Destroy Hardwood Floors – Avoid Them❌
As hardwood flooring experts, we have witnessed the pain of damage to these stunning surfaces. Through extensive research and personal experience, we have discovered the things that damage your floors and uncovered the secrets to safeguarding them.
Excessive water, high heels, pet claws, harsh chemicals, wrong rug pad, moving appliances or furniture, direct sunlight, and too much vacuuming can damage your hardwood floors.
Let’s have a look at the things that will destroy hardwood floors at home to preserve the elegance of your flooring.
8 Things That Will Destroy Hardwood Floors
Moisture Damage
Excessive moisture is public enemy number one for hardwood floors. On absorbing hardwood floors, Hardwood floors expand and lead to warping, cupping, and even rotting of the wood.
To avoid water damage to wood floors, Maintain optimal indoor humidity levels (ideally between 35% and 55%) using a dehumidifier or humidifier as needed. Always wipe up spills promptly, and use rugs or mats in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
High Heels Or Pet Nails
Objects with damaged or sharp edges like high heels and pet nails usually leave unsightly dents and scratches on your beautiful hardwood floors.
To avoid this damage, do not use high-heels indoors, or at least ask guests to remove their shoes. Place protective felt pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs to prevent scratches.
Regularly trim your pets’ nails to prevent them from causing damage. Consider placing rugs or mats in high-traffic pet areas.
Moving Furniture
Dragging heavy furniture across hardwood floors can result in deep gouges and scuffs. Lift furniture instead of dragging it. If moving large pieces, use furniture sliders or blankets underneath to minimize friction.
Do not keep heavy furniture on one spot for so long. It may discolor the floor from that area. If you want to do so, keep cushion pads under wheels of furniture.
Direct Sunlight
UV Rays from sunlight are not only harmful for your skin but also for your furniture. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause your hardwood floors to fade and lose their luster and shine.
To reduce the loss, Use curtains, blinds, or UV-resistant window films to block out harsh sunlight. Rotate rugs and furniture periodically to ensure even exposure.
Wrong Area Rugs
Rugs on hardwood floors can be a double side sword. While one side offers protection to the wooden floor so the other side can be harmful if not taken care of properly. Wrong Rug pads can absorb excessive moisture, do not lose dirt and dust and cause scratches on the floors.
People usually ask us, “Is It Ok To Put Rubber Backed Rugs On Hardwood Floors?” The answer to this question is very clear. No, “It is not Ok”. Do not use rubber or vinyl backed rugs on wood floors because they cause hardwood floor discoloration under rug. Underlayment is necessary for hardwood floors.
Harsh Cleaning Chemicals
Wrong cleaning supplies or chemicals damage hardwood floors. Too much concentrated chemicals may discolor your floors, lose their shine and look dull. It also destroys the top solid layer that contains chemical preservatives which is used to offer resistance to termites.
Whereas, diluted chemicals have more water content which make your floors prone to moisture damage.
While purchasing, select a cleaner specially designed for hardwood floors. It will be mild on your floors and will not cause any damage.
A pro tip: Do not put chemicals directly on wooden floors. Add a small quantity of cleaner on microfiber cloth or towel and rub it on the floor.
Vacuuming Without Wood Floor Attachment
Most of the vacuums come with special wood floor cleaning attachments. Be sure to install that while vacuuming hardwood floors. If you do not have this attachment, turn off the brush or beater of the vacuum to avoid scratches on the floor.
Over Steam Cleaning
Over steaming may cause moisture damage to your wooden floors and result in buckling or warping. To clean your floors regularly, dust them off and use the damp mop for the finished look.
Here comes another question, “Is Mopping Wood Floors Bad?”. It depends on the amount of water used on the wood. Do not use wet mops with water. Damp mops are preferred.
FAQs
What Should You Not Use On Hardwood Floors?
You should not use ammonia, acetone, vinegar, water, alcohol, and other concentrated acidic or alkaline products on hardwood floors. They destroy the shine and luster of your flooring.
Will Vinegar Destroy Hardwood Floors?
Vinegar slowly damages the floor by breaking down its upper finished layer. With this degradation, water finds its way to penetrate deeper into the layers of wood. This will cause permanent damage to hardwood floors.
Do Rugs Ruin Hardwood Floors?
Rug on hardwood floors only damage the floor when it does not have a padding beneath it. The pad prevents the rug from moving and reduces scratches. Without cushioning, rugs may produce oil, offer resistance, and may cause scratches.
Does Bleach Destroy Wood Floors?
Mopping wooden floors with bleach is another name of disaster to hardwood floors. Bleach contains chlorine that reacts with the sunlight and causes yellow staining on wood. Over time, bleach penetrates into the porous layer of wood and causes irreversible loss to hardwood floors.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Damage Hardwood Floors?
Hydrogen peroxide is the safest cleaner to use on wooden floors. It has effective bleaching properties that are suitable for cleaning. It does not damage hardwood floors when used in proper concentration.
Does Baking Soda Damage Wood Floors?
Baking soda is not safe for your hardwood floors. They damage the top polyurethane layer of hardwood floors. It reduces the wood finish and sometimes causes stain as well. It causes damaging effects similar to vinegar and lemon juice.
Conclusion
We hope you must be aware of the things that will destroy hardwood floors. Make sure not to use them at your home to maintain the elegance and beauty of your floor. If you still have any questions, feel free to comment below. We will be happy to assist you.
