How To Maintain Your Upholstery After It’s Cleaned

Maintaining your upholstery after it is cleaned is a simple, quick project that keeps your furniture looking great. At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, our professional carpet cleaners serving Denver have some thoughts on the best approach.

Pick the Right Fabric

Picking the right fabric for the right piece of furniture makes it easy to maintain your upholstery, and can actually help extend the piece’s lifetime. For example, upholstered furniture that sees heavy usage derives far more benefit from synthetic fibers than, say, vinyl. Also, if you have pets, you’ll want to pick fabrics that don’t have loose weaves or too much texture.

Protect Your Fabric

Before it ships from the manufacturer, upholstery fabric is usually treated with water and soil repellents, and an anti-mildew coating is applied. You can purchase additional fabric protectors from a store, but the best form of fabric protection is in fact prompt attention to spills. Even though the upholstery protectants will delay spills from being absorbed into the fabric right away, an immediate cleaning of the soiled area is essential. Spills should be blotted immediately and gently with a clean folded towel. If the upholstery fabric was pre-treated with a fabric protector blotting might be enough to completely remove the spill.

Before you blot, check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if you need a water-based or solvent-based cleaner. Also, it’s a good idea to test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before you apply it to the upholstery. In most cases, the best choice is to use a mild cleaning product applied with a soft brush. Move the brush in a circular motion to work the solvent into the fibers, and then vacuum the spill area when it’s dry.

If you’re unsure how a certain fabric should be cleaned, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions or contact our local carpet cleaners in Littleton.

Turn the Cushions

Periodically turning over your furniture’s loose cushions is a simple way to extend your upholstered furniture’s life. Akin to a tire rotation for a car, turning the cushions promotes an even distribution of wear and tear, and helps keep your cushions from developing indentations. And while you’re turning the cushions, give them a good fluffing to help maintain their shape.

Also, swap the position of your cushions so the cushion in a popular sitting place doesn’t get overused.

Vacuum

Another easy way to maintain your upholstery is by committing to a weekly vacuuming. This is an effective way to keep your furniture free of dust and pet hair, while also removing surface soil and preventing dirt from embedding in the fibers. Another option is to use a brush to whisk the dirt away. If you go this route, make sure you use a soft bristled brush so you don’t damage the upholstery.

Trust Our Experts

Along with frequent upholstery maintenance, it’s a good idea to contact our nearby carpet repair company for a professional upholstery cleaning every year or two. Don’t wait for your furniture to show visible signs of dirt and wear. The dirtier a sofa or chair gets, the harder it is to clean. Call us today at (720) 344-2870 for your free quote and consultation. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”

The post How To Maintain Your Upholstery After It’s Cleaned appeared first on A Personal Touch.

You can see what happened in your new home before you were there!  You walk in the living room and see where they walked toward the sofa and went around something; a coffee table or an ottoman, perhaps.  They were carrying something, maybe something sharp, and the red stain has already dried into the cream-colored carpet.  The Carpet Guys can fix that!  Read on to learn how to get new home floor ideas.

We all want a piece of the American Dream.  A good job, a dog, maybe a family and our own home.  That home is beautiful because it’s ours.  Maybe it has a big porch, or a finished basement or a large dining room so we can start a tradition of hosting family dinners for the Holidays.

When you buy the house and the old residents have vacated,
that’s when you see it.  The previous
owners’ entire lives in the shapes and stains on the floors and walls.  That red stain in the living room was when
their daughter decided to throw something at her annoying big brother.  Unfortunately, it was a cup full of Kool-Aid.

Walking into what’s supposed to be your bedroom now, you can
see where they had their bed in the outline in the bedroom carpet.  We call that a traffic pattern.  It’s the wear pattern left after thousands of
steps in a certain path. The Carpet Guys can help you make the house YOUR home.

Want some new home floor ideas?

We will bring the showroom to your door.  No need to leave your new house or waste time
trying to figure out which flooring is best. 
Our talented Design Consultants can guide you to the best flooring for
your new space that will best serve your lifestyle.

Most of our in-stock flooring can be installed next-day.  So, if you just moved in, you don’t have to bother emptying the boxes until your flooring is installed.

We also have zero-percent financing available where you don’t have to put any money down!  You CAN afford new floors.

And imagine how nice it will be when you all settle down to
pizza on paper plates, that first week in your new home with your beautiful new
floors!

We recommend that you have your walls painted after you install flooring.  Read our blog Should I Paint Before Installing New Flooring? to find out why.  Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form.

The post What Happened in Your New Home Before You Were There? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

When you decide to upgrade your flooring, there’s a lot to consider. If you already have carpet installed, it’s easy just to replace it with new carpeting. You know how it wears. You’re used to the maintenance. Why change it up?

Yet sometimes you’re ready for a change. Maybe you’ve been living with your current flooring for years, and it’s time for something new.

Do a little research and you’ll find many new products that could make a great addition to your home decor. Why not cork floors?

Why choose cork floors for your home

What do you think of when someone mentions cork? Wine bottles? Bulletin boards? Flimsy panels that chip away easily?

Put all of that aside. Cork flooring is becoming more popular than ever before because they’re durable, beautiful, and eco-friendly.

If you’ve always wanted a wood floor, consider cork instead. Cork technically is a wood flooring product. In order to produce cork flooring, manufacturers harvest cork tree bark. But unlike hardwood that requires the entire tree to be chopped down, cork bark is removed from the tree, with it growing back after several years of time. That means manufacturers can continue using the same trees again and again, for decades at a time. In fact, some cork trees can live as long as 800 years!

For homeowners trying to go green, this is the perfect product to consider for your flooring. It’s eco-friendly and sustainable, making it a great choice for your home.

What are the benefits of using cork for flooring?

In addition to being a sustainable, eco-friendly product, cork flooring has a wide array of benefits that make it an ideal choice for many homeowners.

Durable – people install hardwood because it stands up to the abuse your family dishes out each day. It’s no different with cork flooring. It resists scratches and cracks, and is water-resistant too. Of course, it won’t withstand flooding, or large puddles of water that go unnoticed. But if you care for it and wipe up spills immediately, you’ll love the way it looks.

Comfortable – homeowners love cork because it’s soft underfoot. If you stand for long periods at the kitchen counter, the softness can help alleviate back pain. That’s because cork has a natural cushion when compressed, it bounces back. That also makes it a great choice for aging in place. It looks just as beautiful as hardwood, but if someone falls, it has a bit more give. That cushion also provides a natural acoustic insulator, meaning you won’t have the noise factor associated with some laminates and engineered hardwoods.

Fire-resistance – in Colorado, fire-resistance can be a big deal. Cork only ignites at very high temperatures. And if it burns, it releases fewer toxins into the air than other types of synthetic flooring. Better for the environment; better for your health.

Health – speaking of health, cork is also a natural product, meaning it won’t have the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with other types of flooring. Cork is naturally resistant to mildew and mold, and has an anti-microbial product as well. Because it’s natural, it doesn’t off-gas when installed into your home. Just be conscious about the installation process, avoiding glues and adhesives that may negate the natural qualities.

Aesthetics – if you’re looking for a product that can go with all of your decor, last for years, and look great too, look no further than cork flooring.

Another plus … processing

One of the reasons cork is growing in popularity is because of its sustainability. Because the cork tree can live hundreds of years, it won’t impact the environment like other flooring choices.

But the sustainability of cork flooring stretches beyond growth and harvesting. The manufacturing process for cork also generates very little waste. That’s because the cork used for flooring is actually a byproduct of the cork harvested for wine bottles. The cork left over is ground finely and bound together to create cork flooring panels.

The manufacturing process is where textures, patterns, and colors all come to fruition. If you want the most natural, eco-friendly product available, talk with one of our sales team who can point you in the right direction.

Is cork a good choice for kitchen flooring?

Are you sold on cork? Ready to install it?

Still nervous about installing cork in your kitchen?

Don’t be. We find that cork flooring holds up well in most households. Of course, only you know your lifestyle, and what a typical routine looks like in your home. But we find most novice chefs really aren’t as messy as they imagine.

If you spill, wipe it up. Sweep your floors regularly to keep particles from grinding into the finish. Mop with a damp cloth regularly to avoid stains from penetrating into the flooring. And that’s it.

Just a little common sense goes a long way.

Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of having one of the softest flooring choices you can put into your kitchen decor. If you like to spend the weekends baking away, or love cooking dinner for the family, you’ll notice the difference on how well your body enjoys standing on cork flooring.

What are the disadvantages of cork flooring?

An article on cork flooring wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t tell you about the disadvantages. There are just a few.

Cork is susceptible to damage. Like every flooring, the rougher you are to the surface, the more it will show damage. If you don’t wipe it up, it has the possibility to stain. If you drop something hard, it might dent or knick the surface. If you wear high heels, you might puncture the finish. If you scrape something heavy across the floor, you might damage the surface. In other words, think about your actions before you do it.

Cork is soft, which means it can be dented. If you drop something sharp, you will be able to see it. If you place a piece of furniture on it with pointy legs, it may leave a mark. If you’re worried about indentions, consider placing support underneath the legs first.

Cork may not work with pets. Especially if your dogs love to run around the house playing chase. Every time they dig in for traction, they risk scratching the surface and leaving permanent marks.

Cork isn’t waterproof. While it can withstand the occasional spill providing you wipe it up quickly, it isn’t entirely watertight, especially with standing liquid. Cork can have optional sealants, which will increase water-resistance. But keep in mind that it can warp, curl, and discolor if water is a continuous problem.

Cork can fade. If your floors get consistent sunlight spilling across, discoloration may occur. Consider blocking sunlight with curtains or blinds. And if you have multiple hours of direct sunlight every day, it may be wise to consider a different flooring option.

Is cork flooring the best choice for your home? Only you can decide. But if you’re ready to see the latest options for cork floors, stop by our showroom today.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Joe Zago of The Carpet Guys prides himself on being a local businessman.  He believes in giving back to his customer’s supportive communities.  It means so much to him when there are national or global spotlights shining upon his home state of Michigan and any of its beautiful cities.  Sterling Heights is having one of those glorious moments now because Sonic came to visit The Golden Ring.

The Ring is known for other names

In January 2019, the City of Sterling Heights installed a giant golden ring as a landscape improvement project. Mayor Michael Taylor’s goal is to bring notoriety and new business to the City of Sterling Heights.  A lofty goal when it’s own residents dub the art installation “The Golden B***hole of Macomb County”.  It received its official name “The Halo” by requesting the general public to submit recommendations.  That was the first interaction The Carpet Guys had with this now iconic shape.

Mayor Taylor is getting exactly the fame he was hoping for with their recent visit from the celebrity Sonic The Hedgehog.  Sonic came to have his picture taken at The Halo with the city’s Census 2020 mascot “Sterling B. Counted”.  Both are promoting their respective fields.  Sonic has a new movie that premiers February 14th, 2020. Sterling wants all Sterling Heights residents to remember to fill out their census information.

Joe Zago has a personal investment

Zago feels invested in both.  His son loves Sonic but more importantly, he grew up in Sterling Heights, Michigan.  Joe’s father was a teacher at the local school for most of Joe’s life. His mother worked with and taught visually impaired children in Sterling Heights.  He has a childhood of memories filled with special Sterling Heights moments. Zago hopes this helps elevate the city’s status and plans to take his son to see The Halo after they see the movie.  In their recent ring endeavors, Mayor Taylor personally thanked Joe Zago for promoting the voting for The Halo’s naming process.

The post Sonic Visits The Golden Ring of Sterling Heights appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Moving Your Furniture

This is Step 6 – Moving Your Furniture in our series of 10 Easy Steps to New Flooring blogs.  We are breaking down the details of each step so you can know what the process is for flooring installation.  All home improvements have their challenges.  The Carpet Guys aim to alleviate those challenges and make your flooring installation as seamless as possible.

Our Installers Move Furniture

Once your installers have arrived, they will gauge the furniture situation.  They will figure out where is the best place to move the furniture to and come with a crew of helpers to get the job done. Don’t be alarmed if only one installer arrives.  The Design Consultant (see Step One in our blog series) will put in the notes of your installation what it entails.  Because our installers are professionals, they know what they need to get that job done!

Make sure you have moved all your valuables or art on the walls.  Like any major home improvement, this is a large undertaking.  Hammers and equipment will be used to protecting your special items should be a top priority.  Here is a quick chart to help you make the process smoother before they arrive:

Carpet Installers Move It ALL Out of the Room

The reason The Carpet Guys installers move ALL your furniture out of the room is so they can power stretch the carpet.  Power stretching alleviates the possibility of the carpet wrinkling right away.  This is how we can offer a Lifetime Installation Warranty.  We know the carpet will last longer if its power stretched rather than knee kicked. See our other steps in this blog series to find out what power stretching is and the importance of it.

There are some items that The Carpet Guys WON’T move.  We will not move aquariums, waterbeds, or
large, heavy safes.  All other items are
a possibility.  We would need to send
someone to your home to determine what will be needed for the installation.

So, if you have a piano or a pool table and want new flooring, The Carpet Guys can help!  If you have something questionable, let us send a Design Consultant to your home and they will assess your needs.  Call us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form.

The post Step 6 What to Expect from The Carpet Guys appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Take a look around your home right now. It’s probably a place you’ve loved for years.

Yet if you look even closer, you’ll hone in on the problem spots, the areas you would change if you could.

Studies show the kitchen is always at the top of that list. According to a Houzz survey, 43 percent of respondents remodeled the kitchen because they no longer could stand the old. An additional 40 percent said they would if they could, it’s on the top of their wish lists, and they’ll do it as soon as budget allows.

But to get the kitchen just right, it takes a pretty significant investment. Remodeling Magazine stated the average person budgets between $5,000 and $50,000 for a kitchen remodel, whereas the actual costs average somewhere around $64,000. Of course, what you spend is entirely up to you and where your desires lie. Some people dream of a complete remodel, from flooring to countertops to cabinets and updated decor.

No matter what your idea of a kitchen remodel is, one way to get the biggest bang for your buck is to start at the bottom – replace your kitchen floors, and you’ll see a marked improvement in the way your kitchen looks.

What should you buy? Is hardwood or tile the best choice for kitchen flooring?

Let’s look at both to help you determine the best choice for your home.

Why choose hardwood kitchen floors

It’s hard to argue that hardwood offers a timeless classic look you’ll love for years to come. Here in Colorado, there’s something rustic about hardwood flooring. We use it everywhere, from residential to commercial applications, from small houses to ski chalets deep in the Rocky Mountains.

And even when you decide to install hardwood floors in your kitchen, your decision making doesn’t stop there. Colorado has relatively dry weather year round. That makes it important to choose a hardwood that handles well in dry conditions. Choices can include:

• Bamboo
• Red oak
• White oak
• Hickory
• Walnut
• Brazilian cherry
• Maple
• Ash

They’re all beautiful. They all make great choices throughout your home. They all can be versatile additions to your overall decor. It depends on how dark or light you wish to go, and how much maintenance work is acceptable for your lifestyle.

https://pro-flooring.com/does-hardwood-plank-width-matter/

If you’re thinking about selling your home at some point in the future, you can never go wrong installing hardwood in the kitchen. Not only will it look great and handle well for you, but it’ll also be a welcome sight for potential buyers who come through your doors. Statistics show hardwood flooring has a 70 to 80 percent return on investment. People love them, you can’t go wrong with that.

Some people design a kitchen for its looks, while others concern themselves more with functionality. If you fall in the latter category, you’ll love the durability of hardwood. It stands up well under pressure, it cleans up easily when you stay on top of messes as they happen. But more than anything, they handle well when you stand in your kitchen cooking up a storm. That’s because hardwood is actually a softer flooring choice. It’s a more resilient surface, and gives way under pressure. You’ll notice it more – or should we say less – on the pressure of your legs and back.

Let’s back up for a moment and think big picture. What flooring choices have you made throughout the rest of your home? Do you have hardwood stretching from the front door to the back? Do you use hardwood on the stairs? Does it extend into your living spaces, the family room, the home office, and the den? Then, by all means, extend hardwood into one of the most popular rooms in your home – your kitchen. Having the same surface running throughout will give you the perfect blend for your decor. Rather than having it look a bit choppy, stopping abruptly at the threshold of your kitchen, continue it on for a seamless transition.

Remember, your kitchen flooring choice is all about you, your personality, your lifestyle, and what you truly desire.

Why choose tile kitchen floors

Let’s consider tile for your kitchen floors for a moment. There’s something timeless and classic about the look, isn’t there? Tile is perfect for all climates, all spaces, and can create any kind of mood in your kitchen space.

People select tile for a number of reasons. We’ll start with durability. Kitchens can be messy places. They are most likely to have a lot of spills and accidents. Because tile floors are water-resistant, they make cleaning a snap. Which would you rather have when you drop a jar of pickles – tile or hardwood? With hardwood, you might be smelling remnants of pickles for weeks to come.

Even though you’ll have a variety of choices, if you select hardwood, you’re still limited by color and width of the planks. But with tile, when designers tell you there’s unlimited possibility, they truly aren’t kidding. If you can think it, you can design it with tile. Colors, patterns, sizes, textures, possibilities – it really is an endless supply of options. You don’t have to select one size, shape, or color, and go with that. Instead, you can add your own personality into it, add borders of different colors, and mix it with patterns and even shapes. Your kitchen tile floors can truly be an expression of your personality, they can be artwork in their own way.

Maybe you want the look of hardwood, with the ease of cleanup that goes with tile. No worries; there’s a tile for that. Yes, today’s tile floors can even mimic the look of hardwood. It gives you the ability to go with an exotic look that wouldn’t handle well under the pressure of being in a kitchen.

There’s also another reason we like tile for kitchen floors: radiant heating. One of the biggest reasons Coloradoans doubt tile is because it’s often thought to be a cold flooring choice. But if you add radiant heating underneath, it can actually be a smart way to heat your home. It can keep your feet warm while you make pancakes for the family on the weekends. It can help warm up the most popular room in your home while you’re sharing a glass of wine in the evenings.

And tile floors are a lot easier to replace. They don’t need acclimation to your home the way hardwood does. They can be replaced individually if you have a problem without needing extensive repair.

Is it better to have hardwood or tile in the kitchen?

So what’s it going to be? They both have advantages, and both have their weaknesses. Ultimately, it’s about what you prefer. Do you want hardwood for your kitchen floors? Or is tile the better solution for your kitchen remodel? Either way, stop by and let us help you select the right flooring choice for your home.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Many people, especially first-time home buyers, contact A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning and ask, “What is carpet stretching?” We always reply with a concise definition, and explain the many benefits associated with restretching a carpet.

Budget-Friendly

By utilizing the carpet stretching techniques perfected by our carpet cleaning professionals in Littleton, you’ll see how cost-effective it is to rectify any number of problems. Minor stains, loose strips/corners, burn marks, buckling, holes – you name it, and we have a remedy. Instead of resigning yourself to buying new carpet, take advantage of our competitively priced local carpet restretching service. In short order we can easily refurbish an entire room full of carpet.

Longer Life

It’s no secret that the better you are about caring for your carpets, the better they’ll look and the longer they’ll last. Along with more well-known cleaning approaches like vacuuming and stain removal, it’s necessary to take prompt action when your carpet begins showing signs of buckling or wrinkling. Contact our nearby carpet repair company and our leading-edge carpet restretching services will restore your carpet to its original flat, wrinkle-free state, thereby helping it last longer.

Healthier Environment

Your carpet accumulates more dust, dirt, pollen, and other detritus than any other place in your house. The older a carpet gets, and the longer it goes without cleaning, the more potentially harmful particulates it hosts. This leads to unclean air that’s bad for everyone – especially the elderly, people with allergies, and toddlers. Plus, the longer you wait to restretch your carpet, the higher the chance of mold and mildew gaining a foothold. Everyone desires a healthy home environment, and restretching the carpet goes a long way towards achieving this.

Prevent Injuries

Old, unstretched carpeting develops folds, bubbles, and gaps that create a serious risk of trips and falls. Instead of rolling the dice and risking injury, your carpet should be professionally restretched so that the chances of a mishap are nil. It’s a small price to pay compared to the worst-case scenario.

How Can Our Local Carpet Company Help?

The general idea of restretching a carpet might seem simple: just pull the carpet taut to remove the wrinkles and tighten any loose ends. However, as with most home repair projects, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Our certified experts use state-of-the-art tools and techniques that help trim away excess carpet and padding. With more than 30 years of experience, we possess as much or more carpet restretching expertise than most companies in the Denver metro area. We deliver excellent results that wouldn’t be attainable by a homeowner trying to restretch carpet himself. We provide our services at a very competitive price, done on your schedule and with the utmost professionalism.

Have Your Carpet Restretched Today

It costs a good deal of money to replace carpet. That’s why it pays to have your carpet repaired and restretched by professionals. Contact A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning today for answers to the question, “What does it cost to stretch carpet?” and to make an appointment with our veteran team. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”

The post The Benefits Of Restretching Carpet appeared first on A Personal Touch.

When you are looking for new flooring for your hallway, there are a few things you may want to think about.  The hallway is the first area that you, your family or visitors will see.  It is important to get the look and feel right for the type of home that you have.  Flooring for a hallway can really help with creating a stylish, yet practical atmosphere. Read More

Let’s address the flooring needs for all those moms out there with child and teen athletes!  I’ll never forget my own mother getting upset with me as I would strip off my clothing from cross country practice every day and throw it on the floor.  Fast forward 20 years and now my own son does the same thing after football practice.  Yuck!

When I was a child it was fashionable to have wall-to-wall carpeting in every room of the house.  I, myself, had a plush rose-colored floor.  Imagine all the smells that permeated the pad beneath throughout my formidable (and smelly) teen years.  Now, we have so many different options to choose from for our child’s bedrooms.

Carpet for Youth Athletes

While your children are still young, in their toddler and elementary school ages, it makes the most sense to go with something comfortable and easy to clean.  Enter the amazing, stain-resistant carpets (please hold your applause till the end).  Check out Mohawk’s SmartStrand for superior stain-resistance.  You get the luxury of softness beneath your feet, with the durability of easy clean-up.  A necessity as your little princess is learning how to kick the ball for the first time!

• 

• 

Best Flooring for Teen Athletes

As Johnny or Sally grow up and become a serious athlete in middle school and high school, they start transitioning into young men and women.  They need something sturdy and fashionable.  They have outgrown the dinosaurs and mermaids and are ready for their room to reflect who they are.  You know as their parent, cleaning is not their priority, so it must also be practical.  We have all the best new looks in laminate and vinyl flooring.  These types of floors are scratch- and dent-resistant (for all those cleats and helmets), water-resistant or waterproof (for all the spilled water bottles) and mold- and mildew-resistant (keeping out those smells).  It comes in so many trendy and unique colors and designs to accommodate every teen’s unique tastes.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Are you on a tight schedule because you still need to pick up Sara from school and take her to field hockey?  That’s ok!  The Carpet Guys will send a Design Consultant to your home, for a Free In-Home Estimate on your schedule. We have so many convenient time slots (mornings, evenings and weekends) that it will never affect your pickup and drop off times.  Just fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form and we will do the rest for you.  Or, Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897).

The post The Best Flooring for Young Athletes appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

We as Americans love our pets. According to a recent study by the American Pet Products Association, 67 percent of all Americans own a pet. And if you take a quick look around the Rocky Mountain region, you’ll find that Coloradoans take that to heart.

Walk anywhere in LoDo, and you’ll see dogs visit the street cafes as often as their humans. Hit the slopes, and you’ll find dogs often tag along. Even seeing cats out for a walk with their owners is now more commonplace than ever before.

Head indoors, and you’ll find even more pets, not just dogs and cats. Birds, rabbits, and other small animals often share living space with their human friends.

If you’re one of the 67 percent that has invited a pet to share your space, you already know you have to make certain adjustments to have a beautiful home and care for a pet at the same time.

Most interior designers will tell you pets and hardwood flooring don’t often go together. Pets impact hardwood floors in two ways – urine and scratches from toenails. Are they always a deal breaker with your hardwood floors?

Will dog claws scratch hardwood floors?

Dogs can be especially brutal to hardwood floors. Those sharp toenails dig in as they go around and around with a game of tag. Or maybe they can spend hours playing fetch with their favorite toys or a ball.

Dogs also weigh a lot more than cats or other small furry animals. When they jump, pounce, dance, and charge, they use all of the power in their front feet to gain traction. That means they dig those claws into your flooring just a little bit, looking for any way possible to go a bit faster.

But no matter how big your dog is, or how many games of chase they like to play, there are ways to counter the damage they can do to your hardwood floors.

Your first job is to realize your hardwood floors will need a little more protection than the average home. You’ll need to apply protective coatings to the finish, and perform maintenance more frequently to keep your floors looking their best. Does it take a little more bite out of your budget, and more time to ensure your flooring looks its best? Of course. But if you want a stylish home and a furry BFF too, it’s important to know what you’re in for before you have hardwood installed.

How to keep hardwood floor maintenance to a minimum

Before you head in and select the hardwood flooring perfect for your home, it’s important to have a better idea of the maintenance required to keep them looking their best no matter what your pet dishes out.

Use more protective coatings – Whenever you purchase hardwood flooring, it’s important to realize that each manufacturer and product is created with “average” in mind. Our goal is to point you to the material that will perform well under pressure, and hold up no matter what you and your family can dish out. But in the end, every product still can have a few boosters to give it even more strength.

Each layer of protective coating adds another layer to the surface. When pets nails hit the floor and scratch it, they are scratching the protective coating first, the hardwood next. With more protective layers, it takes longer for pet’s nails to penetrate into the flooring. That’s why adding several layers of protective coating in the beginning, may be your best solution.

Use a tougher coating – Of course, you can only apply so many protective layers to the hardwood before it becomes counterintuitive. Do a little research, and you’ll find that there are different brands and manufacturers that create top coats for various purposes. Find one that bonds better and creates a tougher shell for more protection.

Handling scratches as they appear – As surface scratches start to appear, you can use a stain-filler marker that matches the stain finish of your hardwood. This can keep your flooring looking as new as possible until the scratches start moving below the surface level, and actually into the hardwood itself.

Then it’s time to sand the surface, restain it to match the coloring of your floors, and reseal it with a polyurethane finish. Be sure to talk with one of our flooring consultants as you purchase your hardwood floors. We can provide you with tips on what colors to choose for your markers and stains, as well as provide you with top coat finishes to ensure they match your existing product as you refinish or replace small sections of your flooring.

Keep pet nails well groomed – It might be overstating the obvious, but pay attention to the condition of your pets’ paws. Wipe off their paws when they enter from outside to ensure sand and grit aren’t tracked onto your hardwood. Keep toenails clipped and short, building grooming sessions into your schedule every week.

Rugs are your best friends too – Hardwood and rugs just go together. Place rugs by every entrance to ensure your pets have a chance to wipe their paws before they step onto the hardwood. Use them in places your BFF might need a little more traction to help stay safe, like hallways or stairs. You can also place them in family rooms where your pets spend more time hanging out and playing with you.

Pet urine … the biggest problem

When you have pets, at some point in time, you will have accidents on your floor. And those small puddles of urine are the biggest potential problem that can impact hardwood flooring.

If you see your pet making a mess, and notice the puddle immediately, clean it up as fast as you can. Unfortunately, pets are notorious for sneaking and hiding their  problems in far-off places. That means that puddle can sit for hours, possibly even days before it’s discovered.

As urine sits, it decomposes. It becomes more alkaline and more corrosive as it sits. If you’ve ever found old puddles to smell a bit like ammonia, there’s a reason for that. And ammonia and hardwood flooring don’t mix.

This happens even more frequently when the puddle is covered up. Has your pet found a favorite place to mark its territory, in the corner of a room, or on the side of a rug? It can keep the liquid from drying, making the corrosive properties even stronger.

If you suspect a puddle to have been there longer than a few hours, spot with a mild acid – vinegar should do the trick. Let the area dry completely, which could take several days to a week or more. You’ll also have to work on the pet’s behavior, because pets are notorious for returning to a spot once it’s marked.

If the stain is too deep, the only way to repair it is to sand it down, or to replace the boards altogether if they’ve warped.

Do pets and hardwood floors go together? 

They aren’t always a deal breaker.

If you love your pets but are considering hardwood floors too, stop by today. We have a wealth of information we can share with you on how to bring the two together, and create a home you’ll love for years to come.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com