Hardwood floors are an excellent addition to any home. Hardwood, no matter the wood or finish, adds an element of natural warmth and organic beauty to the style of the house. However, the winter months can jeopardize that state of natural beauty if floors are not adequately cared for year-round.
Learn how to make the most of your hardwood flooring, by following these simple tips our hardwood professionals have put together, on preparing for and protecting from the oncoming winter.
Preparation
When it comes to getting the most out of your hardwood flooring’s lifespan, being proactive is the best approach; don’t wait until after the winter elements have affected your hardwood. All it takes is a little prep-work to get your floors up to speed, and once Winter hits, a little maintenance.
Regular Upkeep
Routine upkeep is key to taking care of your hardwood floors year-round. This means cleaning up spills and messes immediately and performing basic cleaning like dusting and sweeping, and making sure to take care of any damages and gaps right away. High risk and high traffic areas that should be getting regular maintenance include entryways, around the dishwasher, kitchen sink, pet bowls and dining tables.
Pro tip: Make sure you do some research on cleaning products and systems – using hardwood friendly cleaners is very important.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance includes tasks that may happen weekly or even monthly. Maintenance includes jobs like deep cleaning your floors, waxing and buffing. Shining your floors can help protect them from UV damage, as well as scratching and dulling.
Protection
Once winter rolls around, you can take extra measures to add maximum protection to your floors. Don’t wait until the middle of winter to employ these methods. Start getting your materials ready as the season starts so that you can get ahead of any damages.
Add Shine
You can use additional shine protectants on floors to help create a barrier between the wood and unwanted items such as chemicals, salt or water.
Add Mats
Mats to wipe feet or hold wet shoes help prevent pooling water that can warp or damage the wood. Be sure to change mats regularly, so moisture doesn’t just sit on the hardwood.
Add Humidity
Using a humidifier controls the humidity in your home to prevent unsightly gaps in the hardwood that also allow opportunities for air and water to seep between the planks.
Call The Hardwood Flooring Professionals
Whether you’re looking for tips on how to protect your floors or would like brand new hardwood flooring installed, contact the experts at The Hardwood Giant.
Our team is always happy to provide exceptional service and tips – Call (704) 251-7279 today!