PROTECT YOUR FLOORS ALL WINTER WITH THESE TIPS
Winter is just around the corner and some sources are predicting that it will be a harsh one here in Michiana! That means lots of snow, lots of ice, and lots of messes coming into the house. So, what can you do to ensure all that moisture doesn’t ruin your floors? These simple steps can help ensure your flooring is protected and will continue to look great once spring arrives.
Create A Landing Space
The best way to take care of your floors, especially in winter, is to prevent dirt and moisture from getting tracked through the house in the first place. If your home doesn’t already have a mudroom or entry area ideal for leaving shoes and wet coats or clothing, you can create an impromptu one. Invest in multiple mats, so people can wipe their shoes and boots as much as possible both outside before entering your home and again when they’re inside.
Have a chair or bench to make it easy for people to remove shoes, as well as additional throw rugs or mats near the door and in high traffic areas where shoes can be left to dry. If you have the room, a small shoe rack near the door can give a place for family to store their shoes and can also help guests feel more welcome about removing their shoes when coming into your home.
Solutions for Salt
Despite your best efforts, if the weather is bad, there is a chance your shoes will bring salt inside, and you could get salt stains on your flooring. This is also true for waterproof and water-resistant flooring. Many cleaning experts recommend using a mixture of vinegar and water to remove salt stains from both hardwood floors and carpeting. How much water, vinegar and other supplies you’ll need depends on the type of flooring your home has.
Don’t Forget the Furry Friends
Many dogs love to play in the snow (and it can be entertaining to watch!). But be sure to think about how you’ll deal with a wet pet before the first snowfall arrives. Keep extra towels near the doors and, if possible, set up a gate that can keep your pet’s movements contained until you have the chance to clean him up or dry him off.
Wipe Up Spills Right Away
Whether it’s melting snow from boots or spilled cider at a holiday party, be sure to wipe up spills as quickly as you can, ideally as soon as they happen. Stash some rags near doors where wet shoes will enter or throughout the rooms where guests will likely gather. Wiping a spill from a hardwood floor will keep it from staining, and spills and stains on carpet are almost always easier to treat when they’re fresh.
Watch Humidity Levels
When the temperatures dip to single digits, it’s tempting to crank up the heat. But doing so can dry out the air in your home and cause cracks or shrinking in wood floor planks. So, try to keep the thermostat at a moderate level or use a humidifier to maintain a reasonable level of moisture in the air.
Maintenance Is Important
Make sure you routinely sweep or vacuum your floors to ensure that dirt doesn’t get trapped in the grain or fiber and cause scratches or other damage. Make sure you have a good stain removal product on hand during your regular vacuuming, and consider having floors professionally cleaned once the worst of the season is over.
Inspect your flooring once the weather warms up and repair any damage or replace the flooring as needed. If this winter is hard on your floors and they need replacing, the experts at Goshen Floor Mart can help you find replacement flooring that will work in your home. Call 574-642-4770 or visit our showroom at 65669 U.S. 33 in Goshen, and we will be happy to discuss your flooring needs.
If you're in the market for flooring feel free to contact Goshen Floor Mart. Remember, we are always happy to provide you with a free estimate. Call us today at 574.642.4770 or contact us here