WWe love our Pets! However, sometimes, our lovable furballs can cause serious damage to our floors. So what can homeowners like you do to make sure the whole family has flooring that works for them?
Pets can be hard on floors!
It’s not all their fault either. Dogs can’t help having hard nails and accidents will happen. Fortunately, you don’t have to let your floors get ruined by your pets. Protect one from the other by keeping the right products at hand:
Rugs and Runners
Decorative runners and rugs are perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways and entrances where any flooring generally begins to show wear and tear first. Be strategic in where you place floor covers and make sure to use rug pads under any rough or scratchy rug options to prevent other accidental damage.
Canine Nail Trimmers
Dog nails grow fast and they can do a surprising amount of damage to your floors over time. Keeping those nails trimmed makes a big difference. While pet groomers offer this service you can easily do it yourself with some simple tools on a weekly or monthly basis.
Hardwood Floor Wax
While a glossy hardwood floor is a great look for any homeowner, a fresh coat of wax is especially useful for those with pets. The wax works to give the hardwood a bit more stick, which means more traction for dogs and cats, which means they are less likely to dig their nails in when scampering around.
Dog Socks and Nail Clips
While not a workable solution for every dog, nail covers are the ultimate way to keep your pets from scratching your floors. Dog socks go over the paw and generally feature a rubberized bottom for traction, keep paws secure, clean, warm, and soft.
Plastic nail clips are lower profile and go on over the nails themselves after a good clipping to eliminate scratching.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you notice your pet had an accident you’ll want to take care of it as quick as possible to deal with the moisture, stink, and the stain before it sets in. Towels and newspapers work well for blotting, and you can use clean water to loosen and dilute the spot. You should also keep baking soda and vinegar handy for the second stage of cleanup.
You will want to mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a clean spray bottle. Shake it up to mix the ingredients, spray on the stain, and then blot with towels (and flush with more water and more towels) until clean and dry. IMPORTANT: Vinegar can damage hardwood, and possibly other finishes as well. Be cautious and feel free to test your mix on an inconspicuous corner first.
To remove any lingering smell, spread baking soda thinly and evenly across the damp spot, let the baking soda sit overnight, and then vacuum. Repeat as necessary.
Expert Grand Rapids Floor Care
Grand Rapids Flooring of Grand Rapids Michigan offers expert flooring service including flooring repair and replacement, so you can keep your home looking great even if a family pet has an especially bad day. Contact our team today for more info, we’re always happy to serve!
