Preventing scratches is one of the most important aspects of hardwood floor maintenance, and it’s even more challenging when you have pets. You can make it easier to guard your flooring from cat and dog nails by using harder woods such as Brazilian walnut, rock maple, and hickory, or by using woods with lighter colors, but there are many ways to protect your current flooring. Here are five tips that will help you keep your hardwood floor safe and sound.

5 Tips for Maintaining Hardwood Floors When You Have Pets

1. Use Satin & Matte Finishes

Ask your hardwood floor specialists to apply a satin or matte finish on your flooring during periodic refinishing work to minimize the appearance of scratches. Glossy finishes enhance scratches, dents, and other blemishes.

2. Trim Your Pets’ Nails

Keep your pets’ nails trimmed so they make less contact with your hardwood floors. Follow correct dog and cat nail trimming procedures to avoid hurting the animals, and add nail caps for additional scratch protection. Apply them yourself or have your vet do it during routine exams.

3. Clean Up Messes With a Vinegar Solution

Address urine accidents immediately using a water and white vinegar solution since liquid waste causes the emulsifier in your flooring finish to deteriorate. Add one tablespoon of white vinegar to one cup of water and apply the solution with a clean rag or paper towel to neutralize the odor and kill bacteria. One cup of water in one-eighth of a cup of liquid dish detergent also makes an effective cleaner.

4. Vacuum Using the “Hard Floor” Setting

Switch to the hardwood floor setting on your vacuum or use the hard floor attachment to eliminate cat fur and dog hair. Vacuuming is better than sweeping because it prevents the spread of hair and fur. Clean under your furniture and in all corners where fur accumulates using the attachment, or buy a robotic vacuum since it easily cleans inconspicuous places.

5. Add Texture

Think about texturing your hardwood floors so pet claw scratches blend in. Use a wire brush or hand scraper to distress your floors and create a rustic look. Hardwoods with pronounced, open grains such as oak and ash also create texture to hide imperfections. 

Keep your hardwood floors in outstanding condition with services from American Floors in Riverside, RI. Serving all of Rhode Island as well as Southern Massachusetts, these licensed and insured specialists install, repair, and refinish wood flooring to rid homes of toxic dust. Call the company with over 40 years of industry experience at (401) 433-0530 today to schedule service or visit the online gallery for previous work. Follow their Facebook page for additional flooring maintenance tips.