Homeowner’s Guide To Safeguarding Floors From Pets: Tips & Tricks

Pets provide their families with years of laughter and companionship, and are part of what makes a house truly feel like home. As much as we love our pets, it's easy to admit they can be a tad destructive at times. Whether you’re a cat person, a dog lover, or a multi-animal household, it can be a struggle to keep your floors looking pristine when you have pets. Fortunately, your trusted Gainesville flooring company is here with a few helpful tips for safeguarding your floors from pet-related damages like scratches, stains, and more.

Straight Edge Tile & Flooring is your source for professional flooring installations, refinishing, and remodeling in Gainesville, FL. Contact us today to request a free estimate on any of our flooring services!

What Are The Best Flooring Options For Pet Owners? 

When it comes to finding the right flooring for a pet-friendly home, you’ll want to go with a material that’s durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain while, of course, still looking stylish. The following are a couple of flooring materials that meet all of those criteria.

• Tile Flooring: Scratch-resistant, moisture-proof, and easy to clean — tile flooring is one of the best choices for pet owners, offering durability and timeless elegance.
• Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: A popular option among pet-friendly households, luxury vinyl planks are durable, waterproof, and mimic the appearance of real wood and stone.
• Engineered Hardwood Flooring: If you love the warmth of hardwood floors, engineered hardwood is a good alternative for pet owners, thanks to its improved moisture resistance and durable core.

Whether you’re remodeling one room or your whole home, we can help transform your space with professional flooring installation services! Our experienced contractors can help you choose the flooring material that best fits your budget and lifestyle.

4 Tips For Safeguarding Your Floors From Pets

Keep Your Pets’ Nails Trimmed

If you’ve got pets, one of the biggest threats to your flooring’s surface will be their untrimmed and overgrown nails. Regularly trimming your pets’ nails to keep them short and smooth doesn’t just keep your pets more comfortable; it's also one of the best ways to prevent them from leaving marks on surfaces like hardwood, standard laminate, and soft or glossy flooring. As a general rule of thumb, once you start hearing your pet's nails tapping on your floors, it’s likely time for a trim.

Place Rugs, Runners, & Mats Strategically

Another effective way to prevent your pets from damaging your flooring is to place a soft, cushiony surface on the ground to protect it. Items like area rugs, runners, and mats are perfect for protecting your floors from heavy “paw traffic” while also adding warmth and texture to your space. Place rugs in living rooms, hallways, entryways, and other areas your pets frequent to minimize daily wear and tear. Also, placing washable mats under food and water bowls can help prevent stains.

Clean Up Accidents As Quickly As Possible

Whether it's a spill, hairball, or Fido couldn’t make it outside in time — even the most well-behaved pets make messes on occasion. When accidents happen, the key to protecting your floors is to act quickly, as leaving moisture on them can lead to stains, odors, or warping. As soon as your pets make a mess, grab a soft cloth or paper towel, then use it to absorb any moisture right away. Then clean the area with a pet-safe cleaner that’s recommended for your flooring material. If you have a puppy or elderly dog that's prone to accidents, disposable dog training pads can be an excellent option for safeguarding your floors.

Clean & Vacuum Your Floors Regularly

Finally, a bit of cleaning can go a long way toward protecting your floor's beauty. Pet hair, dander, and dirt dragged inside by your furry friends can dull your floor’s finish over time. Sweep or vacuum your floor as often as possible, especially in rooms where your pets spend most of their time. Sticking to a regular cleaning routine can help keep your space fresh and prevent scratches from dirt and debris. Also, always use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products to avoid damaging your floor's finish.

Get A Flooring Installation Quote!

With the right habits and tricks, you can safeguard your floors and preserve their beauty for years to come. Thinking about installing new flooring? Straight Edge Tile & Flooring is your trusted source for flooring installations in Gainesville, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Browse our photo gallery for a look at our past projects, then give our local flooring company a call to request a free estimate on our services!