Wondering how to keep your hybrid floor looking shiny and new? Whether you have pets or children, it’s important to make sure that your floors stay in good condition. Hybrid flooring has been on the rise in recent years because of its beautiful appearance and high-quality construction; however, this type of flooring also requires more care than other flooring types, such as carpets. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to avoid wear and tear from kids and pets. In this article, we will go over 8 tips for keeping your floors in top shape without spending too much time or money.

1) Learn about different floor types

Learn about different floor types. Some are sturdy enough to withstand anything kids (or pets) can throw at them, while others may not last as long. It’s also important to consider things like traffic patterns when selecting a floor—and whether it will be a permanent fixture or portable option. 

The type of floor you choose will have an impact on its cost of maintenance, durability, comfort level, sound absorption and aesthetics. The easiest floor to care for is laminate; all you need is a mop and bucket of warm water once a week. The most durable? Stone floors that are sealed properly. Acoustic levels vary by product—some can muffle sounds considerably while others don’t absorb much noise at all.

2) Protect your hybrid floors

The best way to protect your hybrid floors is to learn about different floor types and find one that’s right for you. But that only gets you so far. Even then, it can be difficult to make sure you’re taking proper care of your wood floors—and avoiding dangerous wear-and-tear—when there are little hands running around making a mess of things. 

3) Use protective pads under furniture legs

When buying furniture, make sure to use protective pads under each leg to prevent scratches on hybrid floors. These pads cost less than $10 for a pack of 12. Pads are also helpful under legs when moving heavy items. Be careful with glass coffee tables, though; they can scratch floors easily if placed on an area rug that leaves fibers behind when it’s vacuumed. Adding protective pads will ensure your floor is as safe as possible from potential scrapes caused by these types of surfaces.

4) Keep area rugs clean

Rugs can be an eye-sore, but they’re also a haven for bacteria and allergens. The best way to keep rugs clean is to thoroughly vacuum them regularly – at least once every three months. It’s important to use a machine with good suction, as well as a high-quality attachment or brush that will get into all of those nooks and crannies on your rugs. Keeping pets off of your area rugs is also important because pet hair becomes mixed in with dust particles during vacuuming, which means it then becomes distributed back onto your rug each time you clean it.

5) Cover hybrid floors with area rugs when possible

This one is a no-brainer. Anything from spilled drinks to pet accidents are easier to clean up when there’s area rugs on your hybrid floors. Be sure to use ones that match your floor’s finish and style, or select carpeted area rugs with similar colors so they blend in seamlessly. It may seem like an extra expense initially, but having area rugs will reduce wear and tear on hybrid floors over time while giving you a place for your little ones to play without worrying about messes. Pet owners should always keep dogs off of uncarpeted floors when possible. Even small pets can be destructive when they get excited or move quickly, which means you’ll want them kept off of uncovered wood as much as possible.

6) Protect Stone Floors

To protect your stone floors from traffic wear and tear, which can lead to cracks, we recommend cleaning up after kids with a mop and using felt floor mats in high-traffic areas. And don’t forget that rugs are great for protecting floors! Try piling one or two on top of each other for extra insulation against cold floors in winter months. Add a few scatter rugs to brighten up bare spots or walkways that always seem to need a good sweeping.

7) Pick up after your kids

The best way to prevent dog or kids’ wear and tear on your floors is to train them to use a bathroom outside. Even if you know your kid isn’t going to heed your advice (or never was potty trained), do your best to make sure they’re taking their business outside—it will save your floor. 

If you have a puppy, try not allowing it inside except when fully potty trained. Pick up after him/her!