Hardwood floors are a lifelong investment, and as a homeowner, you want to be sure that you're doing everything possible to protect that investment. Granted most flooring brands, like Bruce Hardwood floors and BR111 Exotic Hardwood Flooring, offer lifetime warranties on products, but most of those warranties only encompass protection on flooring finishes. So what steps can you, as a homeowner, take to ensure your beautiful new floor always looks its best?

1) You should vacuum or dust and mop your floor once a week or even more frequently if you have children, pets, or simply track lots of dirt and sand into your home. If you are going to vacuum, make sure it's a wand head. Do not use beater bars or hard heads.

2) If you spill something or track in dirt, dry mop it up right away. Sand and dirty act as buffers and will gradually wear away the sealant on your floor.

3) Some brands, like Bruce Hardwoods, have actually cleaning products designed specifically to work with the finishes of their floors, such as Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner, or BR111 PolyCare Spray Cleaner along with a swivel-head mop with a microfiber or terry cloth cover. The cleaning solution in the product is designed to remove spills, dirt, and oil, without harming the finish of the floor.

4) Never clean or mop your floor with wet water. Excess water will damage your floor. Instead, use either a swivel-head mop or a swiffer.

5) Stay away from ammonia, vinegar, oil, water, or wax-based cleaners and soaps, bleach, or any other acidic or abrasive cleaning solution. Use only products that are recommended for not just hardwood floors, but your specific floor.

6) For pet stains or liquid spills, use a specialized spray solution and wipe with a soft cloth. Again, only use a solution, such as Bruce's cleaner for this. Rub gently to remove.

7) For oil spills, grease, cosmetic spills (lipstick), ink spills, or rubber marks from sneakers, you may need to use something a little stronger, such as Bruce Clean 'n' Strip, or BR111 PolyCare Scuff Remover.

8) Use rugs at all entrance ways and near faucets to eliminate the potential for excess dirt and water.

9) Avoid walking around your home in stiletto or high heels, and keep your pets' nails trimmed to avoid scratching.

10) Slide protective rubber furniture rollers underneath furniture to prevent scuffing when moving.

While these are just some general tips recommended for hardwood floors, talk to a hardwood flooring specialist, or the technician who installed your floor to learn about proper maintenance. All flooring manufacturers have different cleaning products designed to work with their flooring finishes, and it's best to follow the recommended guidelines.