How to Protect Your Wood Floors During Winter

Introduction:

In order to protect the beauty and integrity of your hardwood floors you need to observe a few best practices during the winter months. Be proactive and keep an eye out for signs of any sign of damage. If any damage s evident take action immediately. Here are a few tips on how to protect your hard wood floors during the winter season. Protecting your floors will insure they last for years.

Keep floors dry:

This is not as easy as it may seem because during the winter months it is only too easy to track snow into the house. Having a dedicated mudroom or foyer is a good way to prevent tracking snow into the house. If you don't have a mudroom area floor mats placed in the area located next to the entry door will do. Instituting a strict “shoes off” policy inside your home will help eliminate any water damage to your hardwood floors. Water sitting on top of hardwood can stain and warp the wood and should be avoided.

Use a humidifier to prevent floor dry out:

During winter the moisture content of the air in your house is much lower than it usually is during the summer. This is obvious as you may notice you need to drink more water during the winter to stay hydrated. Hardwood floors are the same way, and a good method for keeping them from warping or cracking is to use a humidifier.  

Perform regular floor routine maintenance:

Regularly sweep and mop hardwood floors that receive a high volume of foot traffic during the winter. It's good for wood floors to absorb some amount of moisture during the winter as long as the water is not left to puddle on the floor. Water that is left to puddle will make a water stain that will be very difficult to remove. 

When spring arrives, assess the damage that the winter months have done to your wood floors and take action that is necessary. It may be time to give your wood floors a thorough spring cleaning and a new finish application. As most hardwood floors have a water-based polyurethane finish this is an easy process for the DIY homeowner. Before applying a new finish, insure that the weather is dry so the finish will dry quickly.

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