Summer Hardwood Floor Care Tips for Missouri Homes: Keep Your Floors Looking Like New

Summer in Missouri brings sunshine, cookouts, and more foot traffic in and out of your home. All of that activity—plus a few seasonal habits—can wear down your hardwood floors if you’re not careful. At Mid America Flooring Solutions, we know that keeping hardwood and engineered wood floors looking their best doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart summer maintenance moves, you can protect your investment and enjoy beautiful floors for years to come.

Here are our top tips for protecting your hardwood floors this summer:

Place Entry Rugs Where They Matter Most

Dirt, sand, and tiny pebbles can act like sandpaper on your floor’s finish. Lay down mats at all entryways—especially the front door, garage, and patio—so family and guests can wipe their shoes or go barefoot indoors. Choose rugs with a non-slip backing that won’t trap moisture underneath.

Sweep Often to Prevent Surface Scratches

Dry debris like dust, pet hair, and crumbs may not seem harmful, but they can scratch hardwood when walked on. Use a soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop to quickly sweep high-traffic areas several times a week. It’s a simple habit that keeps your floors smooth and scratch-free.

Opt for a Damp Mop

Harsh summer messes might tempt you to deep clean with lots of water, but hardwood and moisture don’t mix well. Instead of a soaking mop, use a lightly damp microfiber mop and a cleaner approved for wood floors. Wring out the mop well before use and dry the area quickly after cleaning.

Use Floor Protectors on Indoor Furniture

Summertime often means rearranging furniture to make space for guests or an indoor-outdoor flow. Before sliding chairs, stools, or tables around, stick felt pads or gliders under their legs. This small step can prevent deep gouges or scrapes in your wood flooring.

Don’t Forget Pet Nails and Paws

Dogs love running in and out during the summer months, but those sharp nails and muddy paws can leave scratches and smudges behind. Keep pet nails trimmed and have a towel by the door to wipe paws before they track debris across your floors.

Maintain a Consistent Indoor Environment

Rapid changes in indoor conditions can cause hardwood to expand or contract. While we won’t dive into humidity levels, it’s still important to avoid extreme temperature swings. Set your thermostat to a comfortable, steady range and avoid leaving windows open during particularly hot or cool nights.

Bonus Tip: Spot Clean Spills Immediately

Whether it’s spilled iced tea or water from a flower vase, clean up any liquid quickly with a soft, dry cloth. Letting it sit—even for a few minutes—can damage the finish or seep into the seams between planks.

Your Floors Deserve the Best

Following these summer maintenance tips will help extend the life of your hardwood or engineered wood floors, keeping them looking beautiful no matter how busy your home gets.

If you’re ready to upgrade your flooring this season, we’re here to help. Explore our hardwood and engineered wood flooring options or book an appointment with Mid America Flooring Solutions today. Our team in St. Peters, MO, is ready to help you find the perfect fit for your home.