Wood flooring can really warm up a room, but without proper care, it can quickly lose its luster

Now that you have had beautiful new hardwood floors installed, or even if you have just had the original floors refinished and renewed, there are some essential steps that you need to take to ensure your floors continue to look great.David Mangan, owner of Wood Perfect Custom Flooring in Westerleigh, said prevention is the cornerstone of maintenance. By following a few basic tips and suggestions, you can enjoy the beauty and warmth of your hardwood floors for years to come, he said.First off, have a good quality, firm-bristled mats outside all exterior doors leading into your home, Mangan said."Grit or small stones can wreak havoc on your floors," he said.

Also, use stick-on felt pads or cups beneath your furniture to prevent scratching. Felt pads may need to be changed every six to twelve months."Regular vacuuming of wood floors is probably the single best way to ensure good maintenance," Mangan said. "In particular, pre-finished floors with their V-groove edges can harbor grit. A brush attachment works great. Do not use the beater bar because it can damage the finish."He also said to wipe up spills immediately using paper towels."Sticky spills can be wiped with cloth cleaners but then should be towel dried," Mangan said. "In kitchens, use area rugs at high spill locations and at work stations – stove, sink, and refrigerator. Cotton works well since it is easily washed. Rug backing should be of a natural material, such as cotton or jute, not petroleum-based, as these will stain the finish."

Older furniture with wooden or metal wheels can severely damage wood floors when moved.Swift Group launch the all new contemporary design Auvergne range.So too can refrigerators and furniture with castor wheels."To avoid damage, place a felt-bottomed coaster under each wheel, allowing the piece to slide, rather than roll, when moved," said Mangan."Do not damp-mop wood floors. It dulls the finish and damages the floor over time. So, too, can vinegar, furniture and wax-based products," he said. "Use only approved hardwood flooring cleaning products and follow the instructions carefully.The nails of large pets may need to be trimmed to prevent scratches.