How to care for your hardwood floors
- Oldfield Flooring
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
At Oldfield Flooring, we know that hardwood floors are more than just a design choice – they’re an investment in the comfort, style, and value of your home. We’re here to help you protect your investment! We’re proud to be Bona Certified Craftsmen, which means we use top-of-the-line products and industry-best practices. We want your hardwood floors to last for generations – and look good doing it! That’s why we’ve put together this simple, no-stress guide covering our most frequently asked questions about care and cleaning. Let’s break it down…
1. FAQ: How often should I clean my hardwood floors?
We recommend sweeping or dusting daily to prevent scratches. Mopping should be done as needed (generally once a month). High-traffic zones might need a quick refresh more often – especially during sandy Long Island summers.
Dirt, sand, and grit from shoes (and pets!) can scratch your floor’s finish over time. That’s why daily dusting is essential, especially in busy areas like kitchens and entryways.
Use a microfiber mop or soft-bristle broom (we love this one from Bona).
Avoid vacuums with beater bars that can scuff the surface.
2. FAQ: What cleaner is safe for hardwood floors?
Mop safely! Less Water = Better Results. Always choose a product labeled for hardwood. Bona’s line is a safe, effective option that protects your finish without leaving a residue. Avoid vinegar, ammonia, or steam mops – these can dull or damage the wood.
Moisture is hardwood’s enemy if not handled correctly. Follow these tips to safely clean your floors:
Use a damp,(not soaking wet) microfiber mop.
Choose a pH-neutral cleaner made for hardwood. We always recommend the Bona Floor Care Kit – it’s what we use in our own homes and at the Oldfield Flooring office.
If you use hardwood cleaner concentrate, read the instructions carefully and dilute as instructed! Never use undiluted!
For pet messes (Otis the Office Dog knows a thing or two about those!), use a specially formulated pet cleaner. Bona makes great ones tailored to dogs or cats.
For LVP we like THIS Bona product. Same convenience as the hardwood cleaner.
3. FAQ: Can pet nails ruin hardwood floors?
Yes – especially nails on larger dogs. Scratches from nails can wear down the finish over time. To protect against wear and tear, keep nails trimmed and consider area rugs in play zones or by the door. If you have a home with pets (or kids!) ask us about special products to harden your hardwood finish.
4. FAQ: Why is humidity control important for hardwood floors?
It’s important to control humidity year-round. Wood naturally expands with moisture and shrinks when dry. Long Island weather swings from humid summers to dry winters. These shifts can cause hardwood to expand or contract, leading to gaps or warping.
Stable humidity and temperature helps prevent gapping, buckling, or cupping – extending the life of your floors.
Keep indoor humidity between 35 – 50%.
Use a humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier (or A/C) in summer.
Watch for early signs of damage like cupping or cracking.
5. FAQ: What should I do if I spill liquid on hardwood?
Clean spills fast! Blot it up right away, then dry the area thoroughly. Even clean water can cause staining or swelling if left too long. Whether it’s juice, water, or muddy pawprints, timing is everything. The quicker you act, the less likely the liquid is to seep into the wood or damage the finish.
Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth.
For sticky or smelly messes, use a damp cloth with hardwood-safe cleaner.
Never let liquids pool on the floor.
6. FAQ: How often should I refinish my hardwood floors?
Plan for professional maintenance. A properly finished floor can last a long time, but factors such as foot traffic, pets, kids and maintenance choices are all factors on wear and tear rate. If your floors look dull, scratched, or faded, it might be time to refinish.
Even the best-kept floors need TLC from time to time. That’s where we come in. At Oldfield
Flooring, we offer:
Hardwood floor refinishing
Professional deep cleaning and recoating
Repairs for scratches, gaps, or water damage
New hardwood floor installation
7. FAQ: Any other tips to preserve the life of my hardwood floors?
Life happens – especially with kids, pets, and guests coming and going. But a few smart habits can preserve your floors:
Add mats at all entryways to catch dirt and moisture.
Use felt pads under furniture legs.
Lay down rugs in high-traffic areas.
Consider screen and fresh coat every 5 years
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your hardwood floors doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart habits and the support of a trusted local expert, your floors can stay beautiful for generations.
Whether you need quick advice or full-service refinishing, Oldfield Flooring is here for you. Proudly serving Long Island, NYC and upstate homeowners, we bring craftsmanship, care, and the Bona-Certified difference to every job.
If you’ve worked with us before and loved the results, your referral or review is the best compliment you can give! Thank you for trusting us with your home!
631-606-6260
IG: oldfieldflooring_ny
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