If you’ve had hardwood floors or wall-to-wall carpets installed in your home, you might be tempted to admire them from a distance. After all, heavy foot traffic will eventually dirty up and wear down those nice looking surfaces. Fortunately, there are steps you can take and products you can use to limit the damage. Here are some tips to preserve your flooring.
Hardwood Floors
Although they’re known for their durability, even hardwood surfaces can’t stand up to years of heavy foot traffic. One smart line of defense is the use of rubber-backed rugs. Use them to line frequently traveled paths around the home, so you, your family, and any guests can use them rather than step on the exposed floor. Remember to keep the rugs clean with regular washings.
Shoes with high heels and cleats can be especially damaging to flooring, but in general, you’ll want to be cautious of any hard-bottomed footwear. Keep a shoe rack in your entryway, so guests can slip out of their shoes immediately. This does more than just protect your floors; it allows your guests to settle in, relax their feet, and get comfy.
Foot traffic isn’t the only thing you need to keep in mind when protecting your flooring. If you’re not careful, some vacuums can actually scratch your hardwood floors. For example, if debris is stuck in a wheel, dragging it across the wood will result in damage. Scratches can also occur if you forget to adjust the vacuum’s floor setting when transitioning from cleaning your carpet to cleaning the hardwood. To avoid this, look for a vacuum model like the ZeroG Vac. This lightweight cleaner glides over floors, and because it lacks wheels, your hardwood floors are safe from damage as you clean.
Carpeting
One of the best ways to keep your carpeting looking great is to simply clean it often. Vacuum it regularly to remove dirt and other debris that would otherwise damage the fibers over time. Also, keep in mind that some carpet materials are more durable than others. For example, nylon is one of most resilient types of carpeting material, so use it in living rooms and other high-traffic areas.
Occasionally rearranging your furniture is another habit that will help you protect your carpeting from foot traffic. Yes, it’ll give your room a new and refreshing look, but it’ll also encourage the room’s occupants to take different paths around the room. Move the couch from one side of the room to the other. Change the position of the table, chairs, and lamps. The goal is to give different sections of the carpet an opportunity to breathe and endure less traffic.