If you have chosen to add hardwood floors to your home renovations you have made a great decision if you are planning to maintain the hardwood floors. Flooring that is hardwood is made using mature trees, it is then treated and finished. Maintaing hardwood floors can be difficult because they scratch easy and also absorb moisture.
Leaving a puddle of water in your hardwood floors would not be a great idea. The cracks in between the hardwood will absorb the moisture and swell. If water happens to be spilt in even a small spot and sits it can still be seen. If there happens to be any liquid at all spilt on the hardwood floor you need to clean it up immediately. When you clean your hardwood floor you can use a damp mop but only damp. You may want to use a floor cleaner for hardwood, like old furniture usually. Whatever you choose you must use only a damp mop.
Another thing that can happen to hardwood floors are dents and scratches. Women wearing high heels are one of the worse things that your hardwood floors can endure. Over time any furniture legs can dent or scratch the floors. It might be an idea to add some area rugs under your furniture or there are also felts available that go directly under the furniture legs. This can be the same as old furniture to many people. You may also choose to add area rugs to any areas that are highly traveled in your house.
There are some people that feel that the scratches and the dents give their hardwood floors character. But when you feel that you are in fact sick of them you can get your hardwood flooring refinished. If you have your hardwood floors refinished every decade or so and keep on top of protecting your hardwood floors, they will look the best, just like old furniture usually. Everything you do from moving furniture to allowing your dog to roam in the house will affect your hardwood floors.