Living in Southern California means enjoying sun-filled days, open doors, and a mix of indoor and outdoor living. But with that lifestyle comes extra wear and tear on your floors. Whether you have engineered wood, vinyl plank, laminate, or tile, a few small habits can go a long way in keeping your floors looking great for years.

At Dura Flooring in Commerce, CA, we help customers across the region choose floors built for real life. But even the most resilient surfaces still benefit from a little extra care. Here are simple, effective habits that protect your investment and keep your floors looking their best.

Use the Right Furniture Pads

One of the fastest ways to scratch your floors is by dragging or shifting furniture without proper protection. Chair legs, table feet, and even rolling office chairs can leave behind damage if not padded.

• Choose felt pads for wood, vinyl, and laminate floors. Replace them as they wear down or collect grit.
• For heavier furniture, use rubber or non-slip pads that prevent shifting.
• Avoid plastic glides that can trap debris or scratch more delicate surfaces.

Be sure to check pads regularly and clean underneath them. Dirt buildup is a common mistake that leads to unexpected scratches.

Place Rugs and Runners in Key Areas

Strategic rug placement makes a big difference in reducing daily wear. Focus on high-traffic areas and spaces where movement happens often.

• Use runners in hallways and entries where shoes and pet paws pass through.
• Place area rugs under dining tables to protect against chair movement and food spills.
• Add padding underneath rugs to prevent slipping and bunching. Just make sure it is safe for your flooring type.

In sunny rooms, rugs also help prevent uneven fading on wood and vinyl planks.

Stick to a Smart Cleaning Routine

Keeping your floors clean is important, but how you clean them matters just as much. Too much moisture or the wrong tools can cause damage over time.

• Dry dust or sweep daily with a microfiber mop to pick up grit and prevent scratching.
• Use a neutral pH cleaner approved for your floor type once or twice a week.
• Skip steam mops on engineered wood and vinyl. Excess heat and moisture can loosen adhesives and warp boards.

Less is more when it comes to water and cleaning products. Stick to gentle methods and spot clean when needed.

Rethink Indoor Footwear

Shoes track in more than just dirt. High heels, sports cleats, and work boots can dent, scratch, or grind debris into your floors.

• Set a no-shoes policy or offer indoor slippers near entryways.
• Keep pet nails trimmed to prevent tiny scratches from repeated movement.
• Use shoe trays near doors to catch grit before it spreads.

Many flooring issues we see come from tiny particles that get stepped on again and again.

Build an Entryway System That Works

A clean entry leads to clean floors. Setting up a smart entryway system makes it easier to keep the mess contained.

• Use coarse outdoor mats to scrape shoes before entering.
• Add a water-absorbent mat just inside the door.
• Consider a bench, hooks, or cubbies to encourage shoe and bag storage.

These simple layers help prevent everything from rainwater to playground sand from spreading into your home.

Clean Up Spills Quickly

No matter what kind of floor you have, moisture is the enemy. Prompt cleanup prevents stains, warping, and discoloration.

• Keep a soft cloth or paper towel handy in the kitchen and dining areas.
• For stickier messes, use a slightly damp mop followed by a dry towel.
• Avoid letting water pool or sit on seams or joints.

With fast action and the right approach, small spills do not have to turn into permanent problems.

Let Your Floors Shine for Years to Come

Taking care of your floors does not require fancy equipment or hours of effort. A few consistent habits can prevent damage, reduce maintenance costs, and help your floors stay beautiful through every season.

At Dura Flooring in Commerce, CA, we offer hard-surface flooring that fits real-life needs, plus expert guidance on how to care for it. Contact us today or stop by our showroom to explore flooring options built to last in Southern California homes.