I learned the hard way that a moisture meter is one of those tools you do not realize you need until you are staring at a buckled hardwood floor or a suspicious dark patch on a ceiling. A quality moisture meter measures the moisture content percentage in wood, drywall, concrete, and other building materials, which is the only reliable way to know whether lumber is ready to use, whether a leak has truly dried, or whether a slab is safe to lay flooring over. After our team spent the last several weeks comparing ten of the most popular models on the market right now, this is our complete guide to the best moisture meters available in 2026.
Moisture damage is one of the most expensive problems a homeowner can face. A single undetected leak behind drywall can lead to mold, structural rot, and repair bills that run into the tens of thousands. On the flip side, a woodworker who builds furniture with lumber that is too wet will see joints crack and panels cup within weeks. The right moisture meter helps you avoid both scenarios, which is exactly why we built this roundup.
Below, you will find our top three picks for quick shopping, a comparison table covering all ten products we tested, in-depth individual reviews, a buying guide that explains pin versus pinless technology, and a frequently asked questions section to answer the questions we get most often.
Top 3 Picks for Best Moisture Meters (September 2026)
Best Moisture Meters in 2026: Complete Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| General Tools MMD4E |
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| Klein Tools ET140 |
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 Mecurate Digital Pin Type |
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 RDINSCOS Wood Meter |
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 TOPTES TS-630 |
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 Bosch UniversalHumid |
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 Calculated Industries 7440 |
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 General Tools MM8 |
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 FLIR MR40 |
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| Proster Pinless |
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1. General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter – Best Overall for Versatility
General Tools MMD4E Moisture Meter for Wood, Walls & Water Leak Detection
Pin-type
5-50% wood range
Backlit LCD
Hold button
Pros
- Wide 5-50% wood and 1.5-33% building material range
- Hold feature freezes reading
- Backlit LCD with 0.3 inch digits
- Comes with extra pins and cap
Cons
- Pins leave small holes in test material
- Battery cover can be tricky to open
The General Tools MMD4E is the moisture meter I keep coming back to in my own shop, and it is also the top-seller in the entire moisture meter category on Amazon with more than 15,000 reviews. It is a classic pin-type design that drives two small probes directly into the wood or drywall, then reports a moisture percentage on a large backlit display.
What I appreciate most is the dual-mode design. The toggle switch lets you move between wood mode (5 to 50 percent) and building material mode (1.5 to 33 percent) without having to dig through menus. For a homeowner checking firewood or trying to track a leak, that simplicity is gold. I also rely heavily on the hold button, which freezes the current reading so I can pull the meter out of a tight corner under the sink and read the number without contorting myself.
The audible alert is louder than expected, which is helpful in a noisy workshop but borderline annoying in a quiet house. The 9-volt battery lasts a long time, though the cover is genuinely stiff, and a couple of users have mentioned it can be hard to open the first few times. Beyond that, the included spare pins and protective cap are thoughtful touches that you usually only see on pricier models.
When the MMD4E shines
If you are a DIYer, homeowner, or woodworker who wants one moisture meter that handles firewood, lumber, drywall, and basic leak detection equally well, the MMD4E is the most balanced option I have tested. It has been the best seller for years for good reason.
When to consider something else
For fine furniture work where you cannot tolerate any pin holes on a finished surface, a pinless model like the Klein ET140 below is a better fit. Professional inspectors who need a calibrated reference instrument should look at higher-end Protimeter or Tramex units.
2. Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter – Best for Homeowners and Inspectors
Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for Non-Destructive Moisture Detection in Drywall, Wood, and Masonry; Detects up to 3/4-Inch Below Surface
Pinless
3/4 inch depth
9 LED bars
4 material modes
Pros
- Non-destructive scanning up to 3/4 inch deep
- 9 LED bars for visual moisture range
- 4 modes for drywall
- masonry
- hardwood
- softwood
- Klein Tools durability and 2m drop protection
Cons
- Not as precise as pin-type for absolute moisture percentage
- Requires correct mode for accurate results
The Klein Tools ET140 is the meter I grab whenever I am scanning a wall for a suspected leak. It is a fully pinless design, which means the back of the meter has a sensor pad that you press flat against the surface. There are no holes, no scratches, and no broken pins to worry about.
What sets the ET140 apart from cheaper pinless meters is the 3/4 inch detection depth. Most pinless meters in this price range only see the top quarter inch, which is too shallow to catch moisture that has wicked up into drywall from a slow leak. The ET140 can sense moisture up to three quarters of an inch below the surface, and Klein pairs that with four material modes: drywall, masonry, hardwood, and softwood.
The 9-LED bar graph on the front gives a quick visual reading without forcing you to look at a small LCD, and there is a reverse-contrast display that works well in dark basements or attics. I also appreciate the 2-meter drop protection, which has saved the unit more than once when I knocked it off a ladder.
When the ET140 shines
For homeowners and home inspectors who need to check painted drywall, finished wood, or ceilings without damaging the surface, the ET140 is the strongest combination of build quality, depth, and price that I have found. Klein Tools is a brand professionals trust.
When to consider something else
If you need an exact moisture percentage for fine woodworking, choose a pin-type meter instead. Pinless meters give relative readings that are best for finding wet versus dry zones rather than precise percentages.
3. Mecurate Digital Pin Type Wood Moisture Meter – Best for Woodworkers on a Budget
Mecurate Digital Pin Type Wood Moisture Meter with 3 Colored Indicators, Moisture Detector 2 Mode 8 Calibration Large Backlit for Wood, Wall, Firewall (Orange)
Pin-type
8 calibration scales
3 color indicators
Backlit LCD
Pros
- 8 calibration scales for different wood species
- Green/yellow/red color indicators
- Built-in temperature reading
- Jumbo backlit display
Cons
- Protective cap is tight and hard to remove
- May need initial calibration check
The Mecurate Digital Pin Type meter surprised me when I first pulled it out of the box. For under thirty dollars, it offers eight different calibration scales covering everything from softwoods like pine to hardwoods like oak, plus a building material mode for drywall and masonry. That level of species adjustment is something I usually only see on meters that cost three or four times as much.
The three-color indicator system is the standout feature for a hobbyist woodworker. Green means your lumber is dry enough to work with, yellow means proceed with caution, and red means walk away. I found this a faster way to grade a stack of boards than staring at a numeric percentage, especially when I was sorting through a fresh delivery of rough lumber.
The jumbo backlit display is genuinely large, and the temperature reading in Celsius or Fahrenheit is a nice bonus that helps you account for ambient conditions. Mecurate also includes a water-resistant carry pouch and two replacement pins in the box, which is more than I expected at this price.
When the Mecurate shines
If you are a hobbyist woodworker or DIYer who wants species-correct readings without paying professional prices, the Mecurate delivers genuine value. The 8-scale calibration is the real deal, and the color indicators make it approachable for beginners.
When to consider something else
For heavy daily use in a professional shop, the build quality is not as robust as a Klein or Bosch. The protective cap is also notoriously tight, so be careful when removing it for the first time.
4. RDINSCOS Wood Moisture Meter – Best for Firewood and General Wood Use
RDINSCOS Wood Moisture Meter for Firewood, Softwood, Hardwood
Pin-type
4 wood modes
±0.5% accuracy
Audio alert
Pros
- ±0.5% accuracy
- 4 wood type modes
- Audio alert for high moisture
- Comes with batteries
- pouch
- and spare pins
Cons
- Basic display with limited detail
- Need to push pins in fully for best readings
The RDINSCOS MT19B is the meter I recommend to anyone who burns wood in a fireplace or wood stove. It is a straightforward pin-type design with four dedicated wood modes, and the ±0.5 percent accuracy rating is impressive for a meter that often sells for under twenty dollars.
What makes this one special for firewood is the audio alert. When the moisture reading climbs above the safe burning threshold, the meter emits a loud, escalating tone. That is genuinely useful when you are testing a stack of split wood in a cold garage and do not want to take your gloves off to read a tiny LCD. Green means ready to burn, red means keep drying.
The build is compact and lightweight at 7.7 ounces, and RDINSCOS includes three AAA batteries, a storage bag, a small spanner for replacing the pins, and a spare set of pins. For the price, you are getting a complete kit rather than a bare meter.
When the RDINSCOS shines
If your main use case is checking firewood before you load up the stove, this is one of the best values in the entire category. The audio alert and 4-mode design take the guesswork out of whether your wood is truly seasoned.
When to consider something else
For fine furniture making where you need a wide variety of species scales or a more premium build, the Mecurate or Bosch above will serve you better. The display is also fairly basic compared to models with tricolor backlights.
5. TOPTES TS-630 Digital Moisture Meter – Best Display and Warranty
Wood Moisture Meter, TopTes Digital Moisture Meter TS-630, Handheld Humidity Tester with 2.25-inch LCD Display, Tricolor Backlight, Check The Dampness Level on Firewood/Drywall – Orange
Pin-type
2.25 inch LCD
7 scales
Tricolor backlight
Pros
- Massive 2.25 inch LCD with tricolor backlight
- 7 calibration scales for wood and building materials
- Ready to use out of the box
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- May struggle with very low moisture under 10 percent
- Pin-type leaves small holes
The TOPTES TS-630 is the meter I reach for when I want the most readable display on the market. The 2.25-inch LCD is significantly larger than what you find on most competing models, and the tricolor backlight shifts the entire screen from green to orange to red based on moisture level. There is no squinting or interpretation required.
TOPTES includes seven calibration scales covering both wood and common building materials. The meter arrives ready to use with no calibration required, which is a nice touch for beginners who do not want to fuss with the included reference card. Three AAA batteries, a storage bag, and a spare set of pins round out the package.
The standout for me is the 3-year warranty, which is much longer than the 1-year industry standard. The auto shut-off after 10 minutes also helps preserve battery life if you forget to turn it off after a long day in the shop.
When the TS-630 shines
If you are a woodworker with any kind of vision concerns or you simply want the clearest, most foolproof display on a moisture meter, the TS-630 is hard to beat. The warranty is also a real perk for anyone worried about long-term reliability.
When to consider something else
For very low moisture readings under 10 percent, some users have reported the meter is less sensitive. If you work primarily with kiln-dried hardwoods, test one in person before relying on it for fine work.
6. Bosch UniversalHumid Wood Moisture Meter – Best for European Wood Species
Bosch UniversalHumid Wood Moisture Meter (Precise Results Thanks to Wood Group Selection and LED Traffic Light for Easy Interpretation, in E-Commerce Box)
Pin-type
Wood group selection
LED traffic light
3 AAA batteries
Pros
- Wood group selection for accurate species matching
- LED traffic light for instant interpretation
- Quick measurement with simple pin insertion
- Sustainable packaging with no plastic filler
Cons
- Manual may not be in English
- Some inconsistent readings on very wet wood
The Bosch UniversalHumid is a compact, well-engineered pin meter that focuses on doing wood measurements really well. Rather than trying to be a multi-purpose tool, Bosch narrowed the scope to wood only, and the result is a meter that is fast, intuitive, and well-suited to European and tropical wood species.
The wood group selection feature is the key differentiator. Bosch includes a sticker showing examples of wood types in 12 languages, and you simply pick the group that matches your lumber. This is similar to what more expensive species-specific meters offer, but in a much simpler package. The LED traffic light at the top of the meter then flashes red, yellow, or green for an at-a-glance reading.
I found the meter extremely quick to use. Insert the pins, push a button, and you get a reading in a second or two. The 3-AAA battery configuration is convenient, and the unit weighs just 0.12 kg, so it disappears in a shirt pocket. The only real complaint is that some users receive the manual in a language other than English, though the on-device operation is straightforward enough that you do not really need the manual.
When the Bosch UniversalHumid shines
For European woodworkers or anyone who works with a wide variety of species and wants quick go-or-no-go readings without studying a numeric display, this is a strong choice. The build quality is what you would expect from Bosch.
When to consider something else
If you need a meter that also handles drywall, masonry, and concrete, look at the General Tools MMD4E or the Klein ET140. The Bosch is a wood-only specialist.
7. Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT – Best for Firewood and Professional Leak Detection
Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT Digital Moisture Meter | Handheld |Pin Type | Backlit LCD Display | Detects Leaks, Damp and Moisture in Wood, Walls, Ceilings, Carpet and Firewood
Pin-type
Audio alerts
Backlit LCD
Calibration test pins
Pros
- Consistent and accurate readings
- Audio alerts change pitch with moisture level
- Sturdy build with calibration test pins
- Backlit LCD readable in low light
Cons
- Some units ship with low battery
- Beeping cannot be disabled
The Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT is a workhorse pin meter that has been around for years and earned a loyal following among firewood sellers and restoration contractors. The build quality feels more substantial than the price suggests, and the replaceable stainless steel pins are sharp enough to penetrate dense hardwoods without pre-drilling.
The standout feature is the variable-pitch audio alert. As moisture increases, the beeping gets faster and higher pitched, so you can scan across a board or a wall without ever looking at the display. For a firewood dealer grading a cord of wood, that is a huge time saver. The icons on the display categorize readings as Low (5 to 11 percent), Medium (12 to 15 percent), or High (16 to 50 percent) so you can match readings to the right use case at a glance.
The included calibration test pins let you verify accuracy on the spot by inserting them into a known reference, which is a feature usually reserved for more expensive meters. I also appreciate the wide material compatibility. The 7440 works on firewood, lumber, brick, concrete, drywall, plaster, floors, walls, and even carpets.
When the 7440 shines
For firewood sellers, chimney sweeps, and restoration pros who need a reliable, accurate pin meter with a great audio alert, the AccuMASTER XT delivers at a fair price. The 1-year warranty and durable build are genuine pluses.
When to consider something else
If you need silent operation, look elsewhere. The beeping cannot be turned off, which can be frustrating in quiet residential settings.
8. General Tools MM8 Pinless Moisture Meter – Best Non-Invasive Leak Detection
General Tools MM8 Pinless Moisture Meter for Wood, Walls & Mold Detection
Pinless
3/4 inch depth
4 material settings
3-color LED bar
Pros
- Non-invasive pinless design protects surfaces
- 3-color LED bar plus audible alert
- Separate drywall
- masonry
- softwood
- hardwood modes
- Reads up to 3/4 inch below surface
Cons
- Metal trim in walls can affect readings
- Higher readings on concrete than other methods
The General Tools MM8 is a pinless moisture meter designed specifically for non-invasive scanning. If you have ever worried about poking holes in freshly painted drywall or a piece of expensive hardwood flooring, this is the meter that solves that problem.
The 3-color LED bar graph and audible alert make scanning fast. As you slide the meter across a wall, the lights and tone change in real time to indicate wet spots. I used this to trace a slow leak behind a bathroom tile wall that I would never have located with a pin meter, since I did not want to damage the tile.
The 3/4 inch detection depth is the same as the Klein ET140, and the four material modes cover drywall, masonry, softwood, and hardwood. The 2-inch high backlit LCD digits are easy to read, and the auto-calibrating design means you can power it on and start scanning without any setup.
When the MM8 shines
For water damage restoration, leak detection behind tile or finished walls, and any application where you cannot or do not want to leave pin holes, the MM8 is a dependable choice. The LED bar is genuinely faster than reading a numeric display.
When to consider something else
Be aware of metal trim or fasteners in the wall, which can throw off readings. For absolute moisture percentage on concrete, you may want to verify with a pin meter or a professional method.
9. FLIR MR40 Moisture Pen – Best Pocket-Sized Professional Option
Flir MR40 Moisture Pen with Flashlight, 2-Pin, Pocket Portable
Pin-type
Pocket-sized
Built-in flashlight
IP54 rated
Pros
- Fits in any tool pouch or shirt pocket
- Built-in flashlight for dark spaces
- Replaceable pins
- IP54 splash and dust rating
- 3-meter drop tested
Cons
- Screen is not backlit
- Some quality control issues reported
- Cannot disable beeping
The FLIR MR40 is a different kind of moisture meter. It is shaped like a thick pen and slips into a tool pouch, a shirt pocket, or a belt clip. For a home inspector, a contractor, or a restoration tech who needs to carry a moisture meter every single day without it getting in the way, this is the most portable option I have tested.
FLIR is a brand known for serious thermal imaging and test equipment, and the MR40 feels like a professional tool rather than a consumer gadget. The 2-pin measurement is fast and accurate, and the replaceable pin design means you can swap in a fresh set without sending the unit in for service. The built-in flashlight is surprisingly useful in crawl spaces, behind appliances, and in other dark areas where leaks tend to hide.
The IP54 splash and dust rating plus the 3-meter drop test mean the MR40 can take the kind of abuse that happens on real job sites. The single-scale reading is simpler than multi-mode meters, which trades flexibility for ease of use.
When the MR40 shines
If you are a professional who needs a moisture meter that disappears in your pocket and survives daily use, the FLIR MR40 is a strong pick. The flashlight alone justifies the price for anyone working in tight, dark spaces.
When to consider something else
The display is not backlit, so it can be hard to read in very low light. Some users have also reported occasional quality control issues, so buy from a reputable seller.
10. Proster Pinless Moisture Meter – Best Budget Pinless Option
Proster Pinless Moisture Meter 3/4″ Depth Color Alarm Non-Destructive
Pinless
3/4 inch depth
3-color LED
Backlit LCD
Pros
- Affordable pinless scanning
- 3-color LED and audible alarm
- Backlit reverse-contrast display
- Storage bag and 9V battery included
Cons
- Less precise than pin-type for absolute measurements
- May need recalibration over time
The Proster Pinless Moisture Meter is the meter I recommend when someone wants the non-destructive convenience of a pinless design but does not want to spend Klein Tools money. It sells for a fraction of the price of the ET140 or the MM8, yet offers a very similar feature set.
You get 3/4 inch detection depth, a 3-color LED bar that lights up green, yellow, or red based on moisture level, an audible alarm with a tone that gets more intense in wet areas, and a reverse-contrast backlit display. The range covers 5 to 75 percent for wood and 5 to 70 percent for wall and masonry materials, which is wide enough for nearly any household application.
The unit comes with a 9V battery and a storage bag, so you are ready to scan right out of the box. The build is plastic rather than the rubberized armor of the Klein, but the meter feels solid in the hand and has held up fine in my testing.
When the Proster shines
For budget-conscious DIYers, renters, and homeowners who need to monitor a drying leak or check drywall after a flood, the Proster offers genuine value. It is also a good first moisture meter for someone who is not sure how often they will use one.
When to consider something else
For professional daily use or precise woodworking measurements, step up to the Klein ET140 or a pin-type meter. Pinless meters of any brand are best for relative wet-versus-dry comparisons, not exact percentages.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Moisture Meter for Your Needs?
Choosing the best moisture meter really comes down to what you need to measure and how often you need to measure it. Below, I break down the key decisions that matter most.
Pin vs Pinless: Which Technology Is Right for You?
Pin-type moisture meters drive two small probes into the material and measure the electrical resistance between them. They tend to give more accurate, absolute moisture percentage readings and are the preferred choice for woodworking and firewood. The downside is that the pins leave small holes in the surface you are testing.
Pinless moisture meters use a sensor pad on the back of the unit to scan for moisture without touching the surface. They are non-destructive, faster for scanning large areas, and ideal for finished drywall, painted walls, and tile. The tradeoff is that pinless meters give relative readings rather than precise percentages, and they are more sensitive to material density and surface metal.
For a homeowner or inspector, a pinless meter like the Klein ET140 or General Tools MM8 is usually the safer first choice. For a woodworker or firewood seller, a pin-type meter is the right tool for the job.
Measurement Depth and Accuracy
For pinless meters, the deeper the better. Entry-level models only see the top quarter inch, which is not deep enough to catch moisture that has wicked up into drywall from a slow leak. Look for at least 3/4 inch detection depth for serious work. For pin-type meters, accuracy is usually expressed as a percentage, with ±0.5 percent being excellent and ±1 percent being acceptable for most DIY work.
Wood Species Settings and Calibration
Different wood species have different densities and electrical properties, so a moisture reading on oak is not directly comparable to a reading on pine. Higher-end meters offer species-specific calibration scales that correct for this. If you work with a variety of woods, look for at least 4 to 8 species scales. The Mecurate, TOPTES, and Bosch all offer this.
Display, Alerts, and Usability
A large backlit display is essential if you work in low-light conditions like basements, attics, or crawl spaces. The TOPTES TS-630 has the best display in this roundup. Audible alerts that change pitch with moisture level are great for firewood and scan-and-search work, but can be annoying in quiet homes. Look for a hold function if you need to read the meter in awkward positions.
DIY vs Professional Use
For occasional DIY use, a meter in the $20 to $50 range is more than adequate. For daily professional use as a home inspector, restoration contractor, or full-time woodworker, investing in a higher-end model from a brand like Protimeter, Tramex, or Delmhorst is worth it for the calibration accuracy, build quality, and warranty support.
Concrete Slab Testing (ASTM F2170)
If you are installing flooring over a concrete slab, the standard test method is ASTM F2170, which uses in-situ relative humidity probes inserted into the slab. A handheld moisture meter can give you a quick relative reading, but for warranty-grade documentation on a commercial flooring job, you will need a proper F2170 kit. The meters in this roundup are best for residential use and quick checks, not formal compliance testing.
Calibration and Validation at Home
Even the best moisture meter can drift over time. To validate your meter, use the built-in calibration test feature if your model has one, or purchase a calibration verification block. For pin-type meters, you can also test on a piece of lumber you know is dry, like kiln-dried hardwood from a sealed package. If your meter reads more than 1 to 2 percent off compared to a known reference, it is time to contact the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of moisture meter is most accurate?
Pin-type moisture meters are generally the most accurate for absolute moisture percentage readings because they measure electrical resistance directly through the material. Pinless meters are slightly less precise but offer non-destructive scanning for finished surfaces.
What is the best water moisture meter?
For leak detection behind walls and ceilings, the Klein Tools ET140 is our top pick because of its 3/4 inch detection depth, durable build, and 4 material modes. For absolute moisture percentage, the General Tools MMD4E remains the best all-around choice.
Are moisture meters really accurate?
Quality moisture meters from brands like General Tools, Klein Tools, FLIR, and Protimeter are accurate to within ±0.5 percent in most conditions. Cheap no-name meters can be off by several percent, so they are only suitable for basic leak detection rather than precision woodworking.
What moisture meters do home inspectors use?
Most professional home inspectors use Protimeter, Tramex, or Delmhorst meters in the $300 to $600 range for formal inspections. For general purpose scanning, many inspectors also carry a Klein ET140 or General Tools MM8 as a quick secondary check.
Are cheap moisture meters any good?
Budget moisture meters under $30 like the Proster Pinless or RDINSCOS MT19B are perfectly adequate for basic DIY leak detection, firewood checking, and rough woodworking. They are not suitable for fine furniture making or professional inspection work where calibration and species settings matter.
Final Verdict: Which Moisture Meter Should You Buy?
After testing all ten of these moisture meters, my top recommendation for most people is the General Tools MMD4E. It is the best-selling moisture meter on Amazon for a reason, offering a wide measurement range, a backlit LCD, and proven reliability for under forty dollars. For homeowners and inspectors who want non-destructive scanning, the Klein Tools ET140 is the clear runner-up. Woodworkers on a budget should look at the Mecurate with its 8 species scales, while firewood users will appreciate the audio alert on the RDINSCOS.
Whatever you choose, the fact that you are using a moisture meter at all puts you ahead of most homeowners. In 2026, with extreme weather, aging housing stock, and the rising cost of repairs, a moisture meter is one of the smartest thirty to fifty dollars you can spend on your toolbox. Pick the model that matches your use case, keep the pins or sensor pad clean, and verify calibration occasionally. Your future self, and your floors, will thank you.