Learn how to care and clean for your wooden floors properly.
Wooden floors have been a hugely popular flooring option in American households for decades and shows no signs of slowing down in popularity. There are two main reasons for this: one being the style and aesthetic of wood flooring, and secondly, the ease in which can be maintained with a small amount of work. Regular upkeep consists of sweeping with a soft bristle broom or dusting with a dry microfiber mop. Pretty simple, right? However, during the winter months, a new obstacle may be faced. With the excess of rain and cold snaps soon to arrive, inevitably ice and debris will follow, and unbeknownst to yourself, you’ll be tracking debris across those beautiful wooden floors of yours. Fortunately for you though, to help keep your floors as fresh as the day the day they were installed we’ll be providing you with tips and advice to combat the winter months.
Winter Maintenance Tips
- Use throw rugs at doorways to help prevent debris from being tracked in and scratching the floor. Salt leaves a white, abrasive residue that can scratch your hardwood floors and pose a slip and fall hazard. If left on your floors for too long, salt can damage the finish and even the wood itself.
- Sweeping your floors frequently during winter is your best defense against scratches from small particles and debris. Clean puddles of water from melting snow or ice immediately to avoid permanent damage to your wood floors. Use a towel to absorb the moisture, mop the area, and then dry it completely.
- Cooler temperatures and lower humidity in winter reduce the moisture in your home, which causes wood to shrink. To avoid shrinkage, run a humidifier to maintain the right level of humidity and keep your thermostat set at a temperature your floors can withstand.
Keep an Eye on Your Pets
Pets are the number one offenders of tracking snow and slush into the house during the winter months. Though it’s easier said than done, try training your pets to patiently wait by the door while you dry their paws with a towel, and then reward them with a treat. Consider placing a bowl of treats by the door as a reminder for them. Pavlov had the right idea!
HIRE A WONDERFUL CRAFTSMAN FOR YOUR HARDWOOD FLOORING
Mahogany Inc. is a general contractor that specializes in quality construction for residential and commercial projects. We have the expertise and experience to tackle whatever your custom woodwork job is (and acquire those hard to find woods you might want to use!). If you are looking for work that will set your living room, kitchen, or business apart, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 727-0334. To see examples of our wonderful work and see what our customers have to say, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.