There is nothing like having pets as part of your family. But let’s admit it, having pets in your home can also damage your floors over time. That is why a big part of being a pet-friendly home is knowing how to maintain your floors.

One common issue is wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic areas where your pets frequently walk or play. Their claws can scratch or scuff your hardwood floors, laminate, or vinyl, leaving visible marks that may be there permanently. Additionally, accidents such as spills and urine can occur, especially with younger or untrained pets. These accidents potentially cause stains, discolouration, or damage to certain flooring materials. What’s more, pets shed fur, dirt, and dander, which can accumulate on floors and become very difficult to remove if not done right away.

Over time, these factors can contribute to the deterioration of your flooring’s surfaces. Which would necessitate more frequent cleaning and, eventually, repairs or replacements to restore your floor’s appearance.

Let’s not forget that the type of flooring you choose matters when it comes to preventing (and correcting) damage to your floors from pets. For example, carpeting may trap dog or cat hair and odors more easily, which would require regular vacuuming and deep cleaning to maintain its freshness. Scratches are also more prominent on hardwood floors, although these can be sanded and refinished to restore their original appearance. Meanwhile, tile or luxury vinyl flooring may be more durable and more suitable for pet-friendly homes as they are more resistant to moisture, are easier to clean and maintain, and are not as prone to scratches. So if you have pets or are planning to get one, it is wise to factor this in when deciding on flooring material.

Tips for Maintaining a Pet-Friendly Floors

Here are a few tips on how you can maintain the appearance and integrity of your floors if you have pets:

Preventative Measures

• Place absorbent doormats at entryways to trap dirt and debris from your pet’s paws before they walk around inside.
• Wipe your pet’s paws after you take them out for walks. You can use a damp towel to wipe the paws to remove mud, dirt, and even allergens from outdoors.
• Brush your pet’s fur regularly. This removes loose hair, which would otherwise shed and end up on your floors and settle in tiny crevices or, in the case of carpets, deep into the fiber tufts.
• Trim your dog’s or cat’s nails or claws on a regular basis. Doing this keeps their claws from getting too sharp and prevents scratches on floor surfaces.
• Place washable rugs strategically in high-traffic areas. These area rugs can act as fur catchers and can simplify your cleaning.

Cleaning Routines

• Vacuum regularly. Frequent vacuuming – which is ideally daily – especially in high-traffic areas, helps remove pet hair and embedded dirt. Consider getting a vacuum cleaner that is specifically designed to pick up the tiniest pet hair.
• Mop or steam clean. Depending on your floor type, make sure to regularly mop your floor using pet-safe cleaning solutions or to steam-clean to remove stubborn dirt, dander, and paw prints.

Additional Tips

• Address accidents and spills with quick cleanups. Wipe spilled water, pee, and even vomit immediately; do not wait until they cause stubborn stains on your floors or until odor seeps into your flooring material.
• Consider your flooring material carefully. Choose pet-friendly flooring materials like tile or high-quality laminate as they are easier to clean and are more resistant to moisture, scratches from claws, and even wear and tear.
• Use an air purifier. An air purifier can help reduce pet dander and allergens circulating in the air.

By following these tips and tailoring them to your specific floor type and the kind of pet you have, you can make sure that your floors are clean and new-looking. You don’t have to choose between a clean, nice-looking floor and keeping a pet to complete your family.

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Not sure which type of flooring is perfect for your home and your pet? We’ve got you covered! Check out our online showroom and try our Room Visualizer app to see what new flooring will look like in your home.