How to Protect Your Hard Floors from Scratches and Wear
- Flooring: Cleaning & Maintenance

Guests might not notice your floor when it’s flawless. But when they walk into their room and spot a giant gouge in front of the minibar, you can bet it’s all they’ll see—and all they’ll talk about in that biting Yelp review.
Whether it’s from dropped luggage, dragged furniture, or unwieldy cleaning carts, your floors take a hit. The good news? You can prevent this damage. Even better news? You don’t even have to think about how to do it because we already did.
Why Prevention Beats Repair Every Time
Think of your hard flooring like a new car. Sure, you can skip maintenance and drive it until the oil runs out and the engine seizes. But you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars on a new engine instead of $75-100 on a full-service oil change.
The same logic applies to hard floor maintenance. Preventative care costs a little on the front end, but it’ll save you thousands in the long run. Here’s what to do.
Hard Floor Maintenance Musts
You don’t need to bubble-wrap every surface, but you do need to implement smarter hard floor maintenance habits.
Use Protective Pads
If it touches the floor, it needs a felt pad. We’re talking about chair legs, luggage racks, desk legs, and end tables. While cheap peel-and-stick products are available, you’ll get more long-term value out of heavy-duty pads. Whether it’s cup-style furniture coasters or nail- and screw-on pads, the upgrade is well worth it.
Invest in Rugs & Floor Runners
High-traffic zones like entryways and bathrooms are scratch central. Invest in low-profile rugs and runners now, and you’ll never have to Google “how to get scratches out of hardwood floors” again.
Add Casters to Furniture
That stylish bench at the end of the bed? Odds are, guests will slide it out of the way to make more room. And when they do, you’re going to be asking your maintenance team how to fix scratches on hardwood floors. Install furniture glides or casters on any piece of furniture that guests tend to move.
Train Your Staff
What is the best way to fix scratches on hardwood floors? Training.
Many hard floor maintenance issues aren’t caused by guests—they’re caused by staff. Whether it’s a gritty vacuum wheel or a cleaning cart dragged instead of rolled, most damage is preventable. Give your team clear guidelines, proper tools, and regular training on how to clean and move equipment without damaging your floors.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Don’t wait until the floors look dull or scratched. A proactive hard floor maintenance plan—like periodic buffing, sealing, or recoating—keeps damage from piling up.
Not sure where to start? With over 30 years of experience, our hard floor maintenance team doesn’t just know how to get scratches out of hardwood floors—we know how to stop them from happening in the first place.
Common Causes of Hard Floor Damage
Chances are you can already guess common causes of hard floor damage, but here’s a refresher:
- Heavy furniture: Especially pieces that tend to get dragged instead of lifted.
- Foot traffic: Thousands of small impacts add up fast.
- Dirt and debris: Grit acts like sandpaper underfoot.
- Improper cleaning methods: Too much water, harsh chemicals, abrasive tools.
- Pet claws: Small paws, surprisingly sharp consequences.
The good news? Every one of these is manageable with the right tools and the right hard floor maintenance plan.
No Scratches, No Scuffs, No Excuses
In hospitality, your floors set the tone. Whether it’s wood, stone, or VCT, we specialize in keeping hard surfaces looking spotless, luxurious, and guest-ready.
With over 30 years of experience, expertly trained staff, and professional tools, we don’t just clean floors—we preserve the impression they make. From deep cleaning to polishing to full restoration, we’ve got every surface covered. Contact us today!
Let’s Become Partners
From short-term help to long-term staff members for your hotel, restaurant, or other establishments, we can get you the staffing you need. Contact us today!