Do not wet mop - A lightly dampened mop can be used but remember, water and wood don’t mix. It is best to use a good manufacturer’s cleaning product on your hardwood floor.
Vacuum regularly - Small stones, mud and gritty dirt can scratch a floor’s finish. It helps to have long bristle welcome mats at outside entrances. Vacuum the floor using a soft bristle brush attachment.
Use the proper protection pads on chair legs - Narrow wheels, sharp wooden legs, or metal furniture legs can scratch hardwood floors. Felt protectors on furniture legs are essential, and it helps to give the felt pads an occasional brushing. Wide, non-staining rubber cups are best for heavier pieces.
Keep pet claws trimmed - No matter their size, pets can scratch floor finishes. It is important to keep claws regularly trimmed.
Door mats - Using non-stainable door mats can help stop dirt and debris from being tracked in onto your hardwood floors.
Do not use oil soaps - There are many over the counter oil-based soaps and wax based cleaning products that can damage or dull the finish on your hardwood floors.
Never wax a urethane finish - A paste wax can form a sticky film that will allow dirt to stick to your wood finish. When it is time to put a new maintenance coat on your floor, a waxed floor will reject the new finish.
Never slide heavy objects over your floor - Use at least a 1/4" solid pad to prevent marks from heavy objects sliding over your floor finish. Even the wheels of a heavy piece can leave noticeable indents in the finish of your floor.
