Wooden floors can - quite literally - last you a lifetime and look as good as new throughout. That is - they can if you look after them. And, unfortunately, wood flooring requires more than just sweeping and vacuuming to keep them in great condition.

As someone who runs a business solely supplying wood floors, I am often asked how best to maintain wood floors, so here are my top ten tips to keep your flooring in perfect condition.

i) Protect Your Floor From Furniture - Put protective pads under the legs of furniture, most particularly chairs.

ii) Clean Your Floors With Proper Wood Cleaners - Use floor cleaners specially designed for hardwood floors.

iii) Add Rugs and Mats - Putting down thick rugs and floor mats in areas that get the most foot traffic will help ensure the longevity of your wood floors.

iv) Do Not Use Wet Mops - This could warp your flooring over time and may result in discolouration.

v) Avoid High Street Cleaning Products - Many of these contain ammonia and substances that could damage your floor. Only use cleaners that are specifically designed for hardwood flooring.

vi) Entrance Mats ? Use good quality entrance mats and dirt scrapers at all exterior doors and at the front door of your apartment.

vii) High Heel Shoes - Even the lightest, skinniest woman can dent a wooden floor when wearing high heel shoes due to the pressure they exert. Don't walk on a wooden floor in high heels.

viii) Clean Up Immediately - Tracking dirt around your floor or leaving spills will certainly damage your flooring over time. Clean up spillages, dirt, grease immediately and your floor will keep its looks for longer.

ix) Heat and Sunlight - Excess heat and direct sunlight can cause changes of colour in wooden flooring and even shrinkage. Regulate the heating, and humidity allow ventilation especially in conservatories.

x) Lacquer - New coats of lacquer can be easily applied when the finish starts to look tired. If you leave it too long the old finish will have to be completely removed by a professional.

Follow these ten tips and your wood floor really will last you a lifetime.