How to Protect Your New Wooden Flooring (and Keep It Looking Beautiful for Years)

• Kieran McGrath

You've just had beautiful new wooden flooring fitted, congratulations! Now comes the part nobody really tells you about: keeping it that way. The good news is that protecting wooden floors doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple habits and the right products can make a huge difference, whether you've got a houseful of kids, a much-loved pet, or just the usual wear and tear of daily life.

Here's everything you need to know.

Use the Right Floor Protectors on Furniture

This is one of the easiest wins. Chairs, sofas, and table legs are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to scratches and scuffs, especially when they're dragged across the floor without you realising.

Stick self-adhesive felt pads to the bottom of every piece of furniture that touches the floor. It takes about ten minutes and can save years of wear. Check them every few months too, as they can fall off or wear down over time.

For heavier items like dining chairs that move around a lot, consider rubber or felt caps that slip over the legs for a more secure fit.

Put Rugs and Doormats in the Right Places

Beagle dog peacefully sleeping on striped mat on laminate floor. Pets in cozy home top view image.

A good doormat is your floor's best friend. Grit and dirt brought in on shoes acts like sandpaper underfoot, gradually dulling your floor's finish over time. A mat at every entrance, inside and out, these catches the worst of it before it reaches your boards.

Inside the home, rugs work brilliantly in high-traffic areas like hallways and in front of sofas. Just make sure any rug you use has a non-slip, breathable backing. Some rubber-backed rugs can trap moisture and discolour your floor if left down too long.

Deal with Spills Straight Away

The golden rule: wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Use a dry or lightly damp cloth, and never let liquid sit on the surface. For day-to-day cleaning, a dry or barely damp mop is all you need. Avoid steam mops and overly wet mops, they push moisture into the joints between boards, which can cause swelling and warping over time. This goes for all types of wooden flooring, water-proof or not, a spill left too long can seep into joins if given enough time.

Look After It With the Right Products

Not all floor cleaners are created equal. Avoid anything too harsh or heavily diluted, and steer clear of wax-based products on floors with a lacquered finish, they can create a slippery, streaky build-up.

Stick to a cleaner recommended for your specific floor type (your installer or our team can point you in the right direction). A light, regular clean is far better than occasional deep scrubbing.

A Quick Summary

  • Felt pads under all furniture legs - check them regularly
  • Doormats at every entrance to catch dirt and grit
  • Wipe spills immediately - never let moisture sit
  • Clean with the right products for your floor's finish

Wooden floors are an investment, and a little bit of care goes a long way. Follow these simple steps and your floors will stay looking stunning for years, maybe even decades to come.

Got questions about caring for your specific floor type? Get in touch with our team, info@thewoodenfloorstore.com we're always happy to help.

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