HARDWOOD FLOORS

• Dirt, grit and sand can cause a lot of wear and tear on hardwood floors because it acts like sandpaper. Use floor mats at entrances to catch dirt, and remove shoes when entering the house.
• Offer guests slippers to wear when they enter the house to eliminate tracked-in dirt.

• When moving furniture around, make sure to lift the piece off the floor, rather than drag it, which can cause deep scratches on the floor. Attach small pieces of self-adhesive felt, which is available at most hardware stores, to the feet of furniture to guard against scuffs and scratches.
• Never pick up the dust mop while mopping. That will release the dirt back into the air, and it will again settle on the floor. Take the mop outside when finished and shake it out to release the dust.
• Be careful with the vacuum cleaner. When vacuuming a wooden floor, use a brush attachment. Never use one with beater bars on the floor.
• Use a large wet mop with a terrycloth cover that is especially designed for hardwood floors. Wet the mop with a little dish soap for routine cleanings.
• Use throw rug or area rugs at entrances to help mask the dirt.