High-quality hardwood floors should last for many years before needing to be sanded and refinished. To lengthen this timeframe, maintain your floors with these tips:
Sweep or vacuum at least weekly. If you vacuum, make sure the appliance has a soft bristle brush, not a beater brush.
Wash the floor with hardwood flooring spray cleaner as needed, wiping or dry mopping in the direction of the grain.
Install felt chair glides on all furniture to prevent scratching the floor.
Take off your shoes when you enter the house to keep dirt, grit, and moisture out.
Place rugs in high-traffic, twist-and-turn areas, such as in front of the sink, refrigerator, and patio door. This tactic helps prevent the finish from wearing out prematurely.
Maintain an indoor relative humidity level of 40 to 60 percent to limit the expansion and contraction of hardwood floorboards.