If you have thought about changing your flooring and have decided on hardwood flooring
then you have made a great choice, but your hardwood floors will need to be maintained. Hardwood flooring is made from mature trees, and is treated when it is 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 this happens in even a little spot it will still be noticeable. If there happens to be any liquid at all spilt on the hardwood floor you need to clean it up immediately. Use a damp mop only when you clean your hardwood floors. There are also floor cleaners that are specially formulted for hardwood floors that you could use. 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. You may also choose to add area rugs to any areas that are highly traveled in your house.
Some homeowners like the character that scratches and dents give the floor. But when you feel that you are in fact sick of them you can get your hardwood flooring refinished. You may need to have your hardwood floors refinished every ten years or so, this will also add a protective top coat to your hardwood floors. Everything you do from moving furniture to allowing your dog to roam in the house will affect your hardwood floors.