Hardwood floors are a great asset to any home. Not only are they beautiful, but wood floors usually increase the value of a home. If you keep up proper wood floor care habits, these types of floors will last for a lifetime.

Wood floors come with a hefty price tag, however. Budget-conscious owners are often attracted to laminate floors, which come in a variety of patterns and styles that closely resemble real hardwood floors. Although laminate flooring isn’t quite as durable as hardwood, it’s much less expensive and still has a strong visual appeal.

Both wood and laminate flooring need proper floor care in order to look their best and prolong their life.

Wood Floor Care

Day-to-day wood floor cleaning is simple. Just sweep with a broom and eliminate dust and dirt between the floor’s planks with a vacuum cleaner. You can also use a treated dust mop to clean the floor. Treat scuff marks and stains with a special wood floor cleaning solution.

Never use water or a wet mop on a wood floor. Wood naturally expands when it’s wet, and moisture can cause the floor planks to swell or crack. Likewise, do not use ammonia or oil-based cleansers on wood floors. They can dull the surface of the floor and cause problems with refinishing projects.

Protect your wood floor against scratches by using furniture protectors and lifting furniture instead of dragging it. Sharp objects like stiletto heels or pets’ nails can cause damage to the floor. Since exposure to sunlight can prematurely age a wood floor, use window treatments or rearrange rugs and furniture often to minimize the sunlight’s effect.

Use rugs and mats effectively on a wood floor. Place a mat by the front entrance to trap tracked-in dirt that would otherwise scratch the floor. Area rugs add visual interest and also act as another level of protection for the floor.

Laminate Floor Care

Like wood floors, laminate floors are easily scratched by dirt and dust. Laminate floor care begins with cleaning using a broom and vacuum cleaner. Laminate floors can also stand up to a light cleaning with a damp sponge, but be careful to not get the floor too wet. After mopping, dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, soap-based products or floor wax on your laminate floor. And never sand or refinish your laminate floor like you would with a wood floor–laminate isn’t made to tolerate that kind of treatment. Most laminate floors come with a protective finish that guards the floor against the fading and aging caused by the sun, so there’s no need to take extra measures to protect your laminate floor from sunlight.