Caring for wood floors protects your investment and ensures decades – if not generations – of worry-free use. Like all good things, a little time every day and every week can reap tremendous rewards long-term. Follow these hardwood floor care tips to enjoy shining, beautiful floors for years to come.

Consistency Is the Key to Hardwood Floor Upkeep in Cleveland, OH, & Beyond

Benjamin Franklin’s famous line holds true across the board, and especially for your floorboards: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Daily, weekly, and monthly hardwood flooring care in Cleveland and the surrounding communities will delay the need for major projects, like refinishing, and add decades to your flooring’s lifespan.

Whether you've just had your hardwood floors installed or want your current floors to last, follow this handy hardwood floor cleaning regimen for wood floor maintenance in Cleveland, Stow, Akron, and the wider region.

Always

Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches
Use area rugs near entryways to keep dirt and dust from spreading throughout your Ohio home
Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid scratches
Keep indoor humidity between 35% and 50% (using a dehumidifier or humidifier, if needed)

Daily Wood Floor Care for Cleveland Floors to Keep Them Shining

Sweep or vacuum daily with a soft broom. Only use a vacuum specially designed for wood floors
Use a microfiber mop to trap dust

Weekly Wood Floor Care That Makes Wood Floors Last

Use a wood floor-safe cleaner and a microfiber mop to pick up dust and dirt
Inspect high-traffic areas for signs of cupping, scratches, or other issues

Monthly/Seasonal Wood Floor Maintenance in Stow, OH, and the Greater Cleveland Region

Use blinds or curtains to reduce sunlight that can fade hardwood flooring in Cleveland's summers
Use humidifiers to combat dry Midwest indoor winter air from heating systems and reduce gapping between planks
Clean your floor vents and maintain HVAC systems to help regulate indoor humidity
Recoat your hardwood floors without sanding to address minor scuffs and wear

What to Avoid When Taking Care of Wood Floors in Cleveland

Wood floors are easy to maintain; the hard part is protecting them from moisture and contamination.

Don’t use wet or steam mops on hardwood flooring
Never use vinegar, ammonia, or oil-based cleaners
Avoid dragging furniture over wood floors
Keep all sources of water away from the floor; address spills or leaks immediately

How to Remove Pet Urine from Wood Floors in the Midwest

Pets can be hard on wood floors, and the occasional accident can have a lasting, negative effect on your home. When it comes to hardwood floor care and maintenance in Cleveland and throughout Northeast Ohio, it's important to address pet urine immediately if you can, and be smart about using safe cleaning products to remove lingering odors from wood floors. Snowmelt and wet paws can spread pet contaminants beyond the original accident area, making for a much bigger mess.

Here's how to remove pet urine from wood floors in and around Cleveland, OH:

Clean up pee immediately with a damp (not wet) towel, then wipe dry.
Address dry pet urine with a wood floor-safe enzymatic cleaner to break down uric acid crystals and eliminate smells. Always test your chosen cleaner in an inconspicuous spot to observe its effect on your floor’s finish.
Deep urine stains may require sanding and refinishing the area or replacing the damaged boards.

How Do You Disinfect Akron Area Wood Floors?

After tackling pet urine or other big issues, disinfect your wood floors in Akron and the surrounding communities safely with the right materials. Always remember to sweep or vacuum your wood floors to remove dust and debris, then use a microfiber mop to disinfect the surface.

Use a pH-neutral disinfectant or a specialized wood cleaner and a damp microfiber mop.
Use as little moisture as possible and only allow the cleaner to stay damp (not wet!) for the required amount of time before letting it air dry or using a fan to accelerate the drying process.

Always follow the cleaning product instructions and your flooring manufacturer's recommendations to avoid damaging your floors. When in doubt, give us a call at (330) 594-9078, and we’ll answer any questions you might have!

Is It Cheaper to Refinish Hardwood or Replace Wood Floors in Cleveland?

It's always cheaper to care for your Cleveland hardwood floors than replacing them, and when possible, refinishing breathes new life into the home at a much lower cost. With refinishing, you’re only paying for labor and minimal material expenses, whereas replacing floors incurs substantial material costs.

Refinish wood floors if they are still thick enough to sand and if you still enjoy the look, color, and ambiance of your existing floors.
Replace your wood floors if they are too thin to sand, or a significant number of planks are damaged, cupped, or warped.
We’ll help you decide on the most cost-effective approach during your free in-home consultation.

Work With Local Wood Floor Professionals Cleveland Trusts

Floor Coverings International® of Cleveland South is the area’s trusted wood floor care specialists. We offer a wide range of quality products, professional installation, and a truly customer-focused process that makes every step easy. Discover more wood floor maintenance tips and an honest assessment of your refinishing needs today. Call (330) 594-9078 or schedule a free, in-home consultation to get started!