Preventative measures and a regular cleaning routine can keep your fine wood flooring and furniture looking good for generations.

Use these wood care tips from the Murphy's wood experts, and keep your wood looking its best.

Exposure to sunlight can speed the aging of wood. To prevent UV exposure from fading wood's natural color, consider installing curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight.

Use coasters to protect wood-topped tables from water rings. For a more permanent water-ring solution, ask your hardware store to cut a glass or Plexiglas pane to fit your wooden table top.

Remember, wood is dynamic and will expand and contract with extreme fluctuations of humidity and temperature. Avoid extremes of hot, cold and wet to prevent cracking of solid-wood furniture and solid wood floors.

Place breathable, dirt-catching mats at room entrances, high traffic areas, stair landings and in front of sinks.

Sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent dirt and grime built-up from damaging the wood's surface. Use a felt or brush-type vacuum so as not to damage your wood floors' finish.

Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and specialty wood-care cleaning products such as Murphy® Oil Soap.

Tread lightly! Don't dent and ding your wooden floors by walking on them with athletic cleats, tap shoes or spike high heels. Any shoes, especially high-heels (with wood or rubber ends missing) can damage wood floors.

Don't go to the dogs: Big dogs can have big nails and do real damage to fine wood floors. Keep your pet's claws trimmed.

Use felt pads under furniture legs, to avoid dents. This is especially important for softwood floors, such as pine. To prevent denting, coasters for furniture should be at least 1" wide. Make sure coasters spin cleanly by removing clogging 'dust bunny' debris.

Lift furniture, never drag it. Always use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, or appliances.