Hardwood flooring is timeless. However, its rich and radiant looks can fade over time if not properly maintained. Here are seven reasons your hardwood floors look dull:

First, sliding furniture around can reduce the shine of your floors. To avoid nicks and scratches from your furniture, place fabric pads on the legs of your tables, chairs, and couches.

Next, excess water can lead to hardwood-flooring damage. If you let water sit, it can rot your wood, which diminishes its shine. If you do encounter a spill, clean it up immediately. If you have a leak in your home, call a professional as soon as possible to reduce the damage caused by this problem.

The third reason your floors may be dull is that you're using the wrong cleaning products. Improper products can actually do more harm than good. Check to make sure your cleaning products are designed with your specific type of hardwood flooring in mind. If not, the abrasive chemicals of these products can strip your wood and scratch away its shine.

Pet urine is another reason your hardwood flooring may be dull. Urine is high in uric acid and ammonia, which eats away at your floor's gloss. If your pet has an accident, clean it as soon as you can. Consider putting down water-resistant pads if you're potty-training a pet.

The fifth reason you may have dull hardwood floors is that your pet's nails are scratching the surface. Be sure to clip your pet's nails whenever they grow long enough to damage the flooring.

Similar to nails, high heels can damage hardwood. The stiletto point of a high-heel shoe can scratch up your floors and dull their appearance.

The final reason your hardwood may look dull is that it is exposed to too much sun. The UV rays of the sun can bleach or discolor your floors. To stop this problem, close your curtains, blinds, or shutters during the daytime. You can also install a UV-resistant tint to your windows or plant trees in front of your windows to keep out the sun.

Follow these tips to maintain the vivid and eye-catching appearance of your hardwood flooring for years to come. Shop with us at Tongue and Groove for the most ideal hardwood for your home.