There are many benefits of having solid wood flooring in your home rather than carpeting. Many people prefer carpeting as it’s softer to the feet, but here are some reasons why finished or unfinished wood flooring can be a lot better. Wood flooring is actually a lot easier to clean than carpeting. While you can vacuum and shampoo your carpet, there are some things that may never come out of your carpet without a highly professional cleaning which can be extremely expensive. Dust mites, fleas, and other unwanted house guests can live in your carpet without you even knowing they are there. Wood flooring, such as unfinished oak flooring, can easily be cleaned using a vacuum or a broom, and you can wipe it clean when there are spillages. Many times carpet stains will not come out no matter how many special chemicals you try. But some types of wood flooring, stains are a none issue. Carpets can also carry smells long after something has been cleaned up. For instance, a pet accident on your carpet can still smell bad years later, even if you have cleaned it to the best of your abilities. But a lacquered or varnished wood floor can easily be wiped clean, leaving no stains or bad smells. This also makes wood flooring better for dining rooms where people eat and drink often. You will have a lot less to worry about when someone spills wine or tomato sauce on a wood floor rather than on a carpet.