To help keep your hardwood floor looking like new:

Enemy Number 1, Water:
Regardless of its finish your floor will quickly lose its luster if exposed to water.
DO: Wipe up any spills immediately with a soft, dry cloth, starting at the edges of the spill and working your way toward the center.
DON'T: Let water stand on your floor, or use wet cloths for clean up.
DON'T: Use a sopping wet mop or rag. If you do have to use a mop or a wet rag on stubborn grime, use a bit of vinegar or metholated spirits in with the water & ensure the mop or rag is wrung or squeezed tightly.

Banish Dirt, Dust and Grit:
Dirt, dust and grit can also damage your hardwood floor. Tracking dirt, dust, and grit can dull its finish and cause
scratches that can only be repaired by recoating the floor. Dust mops can be helpful in keeping dirt, dust, and grit under control.
DO: Vacuum frequently, using a soft bristle vacuum head.
DO: Use doormats at the entrances of your home to help trap dirt and grit. Clean them regularly.

Area Rugs:
DO: Use area rugs or small sections of carpet placed inside doorways and in areas like kitchens where spills are likely to occur.
DON'T: Use throw rugs with rubber or vinyl backing without checking to determine if they will affect your floor's finish.
Some materials in the backing can react with certain floor finishes, discoloring or causing the finish to become dull.
DO: Move your area carpets or throw rugs occasionally to maintain a uniform appearance in the floor's finish.

Sunlight:
The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight can cause discoloration over time. DO: Protect your floors by using sheer drapes, curtains, or blinds to limit sunlight.
Furniture:
DO: Place glides made of felt or some other fabric under the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. Clean the glides regularly.
DO: Use barrel-type casters instead of ball casters to prevent dents.
DO: Use non-marking rubber casters instead of plastic or metal.
DO: Lift furniture when moving it to avoid scratches in the floor's surface.

Shoes:
DO: Make sure there are no exposed nails or metal heel supports on shoes that could scratch or dent the floor.
DO: Check shoes with soles that have deep treads to ensure that any trapped dirt or gravel won't scratch or dent the floor.
DO: Be aware that high heels can dent a hardwood floor.
DONT: Do not let anybody wear their shoes in the house especially visitors. Make it a strict house rule!!