We all want our homes to look their best – and nothing pulls a room together quite like pristine flooring. But while many of us invest time and money into finding the perfect wood, laminate or vinyl floor, it turns out we could be damaging it without even realising.
According to Yarl Christie, CEO of Stories Flooring, some of our most common day-to-day habits are wreaking havoc on our floors, and the long-term cost can be eye-watering.
“People are often shocked to find out that it’s not just accidents or wear and tear that ruin flooring,” says Yarl. “It’s the little things – the everyday choices we don’t think twice about – that gradually cause damage.”
Here are seven everyday habits that could be silently destroying your floors:
1. Dragging furniture instead of lifting it
It might seem like a harmless shortcut, but dragging furniture – even slightly – can leave deep gouges, scuffs or scratches in your flooring, especially on delicate surfaces like hardwood, vinyl, or laminate. “We see this one a lot, particularly after house moves or when people are refreshing a room,” says Yarl. “Protective felt pads are a small but mighty investment. And if you’re moving anything heavy, always lift or use sliders designed for hard floors.”
2. Steam mopping your wood or laminate
Steam mops have become trendy for their quick-clean appeal, but they’re a hidden danger to many floors. “They can force moisture into seams and cause irreversible damage like swelling, warping, or delamination,” Yarl warns. “Even floors labelled as ‘water-resistant’ aren’t immune: they’re water-resistant, not waterproof. Always opt for a lightly damp mop and a pH-neutral floor cleaner that won’t strip away protective finishes.”
3. Letting dirt and grit build up
What looks like harmless dust can actually be the start of serious wear and tear. Grit, sand, and fine dirt particles act like tiny abrasives underfoot, and with time, they scratch through protective layers, dulling the finish of your floor. “Prevention is easy,” says Yarl. “Use doormats inside and out, vacuum regularly with a soft brush head, and keep pet paws wiped down after walks.”
4. Wearing high heels or cleats indoors
Spiky heels and studded sports shoes can wreak havoc on flooring by creating concentrated pressure points that lead to dents, punctures or cracking. “This kind of damage is surprisingly common,” Yarl notes. “We always advise a no-shoes policy, especially if you’ve invested in softer flooring like engineered wood or LVT. A nice rug at the entrance with some comfy house slippers helps keep things stylish and practical.”
5. Ignoring small spills
It’s easy to overlook a splash of juice or a knocked-over water bowl, but it’s exactly these little accidents that lead to big problems. “Liquids seep into joints and edges, where they start to cause swelling or mould,” says Yarl. “Even a few minutes can make a difference, especially with laminate. Wipe up spills immediately, and always keep a microfibre cloth to hand in kitchens and play areas.”
6. Using the wrong cleaning products
Generic cleaning sprays and bleach-based products can strip sealants, stain floors, and degrade the materials over time. “It’s one of the most avoidable mistakes we see,” he says. “People assume all hard floors are the same, but each one requires specific care. At Stories Flooring, we recommend Styccoclean C140: it’s an alkaline detergent that’s tough on grease and grime, but gentle enough to preserve your floor’s finish.”
7. Forgetting to trim pet nails
Pets are part of the family, but their claws can be a flooring nightmare. “Those fine scratches build up quickly, especially on gloss or lacquered finishes,” explains Yarl. “The good news is, a simple routine nail trim and the use of a few strategically placed rugs in high-traffic areas – like hallways or near pet beds – can make a huge difference to your floor’s longevity.”
“The good news is that once you know what to avoid, it’s easy to prevent long-term damage,” says Yarl. “With the right habits and a bit of care, your floors can look beautiful for years to come.”
