# 5 Hardwood Floor Care Mistakes to Avoid | Mago Flooring

Source: https://www.magoflooring.com/magoflooring-blog/5-hardwood-floor-mistakes-that-are-slowly-destroying-your-floors

Learn about common hardwood floor care mistakes, cleaning choices and habits that affect the finish. Get practical guidance from Mago Flooring.

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# 5 Hardwood Floor Mistakes That Are Slowly Destroying Your Floors

By Mago Flooring TeamMarch 19, 20261 min read

In this article[1. Cleaning with Vinegar or Ammonia](https://www.magoflooring.com/magoflooring-blog/5-hardwood-floor-mistakes-that-are-slowly-destroying-your-floors/#section-1)[2. Wet Mopping](https://www.magoflooring.com/magoflooring-blog/5-hardwood-floor-mistakes-that-are-slowly-destroying-your-floors/#section-2)[3. Using a Steam Mop](https://www.magoflooring.com/magoflooring-blog/5-hardwood-floor-mistakes-that-are-slowly-destroying-your-floors/#section-3)[4. Skipping Felt Pads on Furniture](https://www.magoflooring.com/magoflooring-blog/5-hardwood-floor-mistakes-that-are-slowly-destroying-your-floors/#section-4)[5. Letting Pet Nails Go Long](https://www.magoflooring.com/magoflooring-blog/5-hardwood-floor-mistakes-that-are-slowly-destroying-your-floors/#section-5)Copy article link ↗

After years of refinishing floors, we see the same five mistakes over and over.

## 1. Cleaning with Vinegar or Ammonia

Both dissolve modern polyurethane finishes over time. Use a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner — Bona is the standard.

## 2. Wet Mopping

Standing water seeps between boards. A barely-damp microfiber mop is plenty.

## 3. Using a Steam Mop

The number one floor-killer we encounter. Steam forces moisture and heat into the seams, causing cupping.

## 4. Skipping Felt Pads on Furniture

Every chair, couch leg, barstool. Replace them annually.

## 5. Letting Pet Nails Go Long

Keep pet nails trimmed and consider a harder species if you have big dogs.
Walk-off mats at every entrance — 70% of damage comes from grit and salt tracked in from outside.

If floors look tired despite proper care, a buff-and-recoat might be all you need. [Call us](tel:617-297-7696).

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HardwoodApril 22, 2026

## [How to Choose the Right Hardwood for Your New England Home](https://www.magoflooring.com/magoflooring-blog/how-to-choose-the-right-hardwood-for-your-new-england-home)

New England weather is hard on floors. Here's how to pick a species, finish, and grade that will hold up to humidity swings, snowy boots, and decades of family life.
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## [Refinishing vs. Replacing Hardwood: How to Know Which You Actually Need](https://www.magoflooring.com/magoflooring-blog/refinishing-vs-replacing-hardwood-how-to-know-which-you-actually-need)

Tired-looking floors don't always need replacement. In most cases, sand-and-refinish gets you a brand-new floor at a fraction of the cost — but there are limits.
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