3 Ways To Protect Your Hardwood Floors in Winter

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your hardwood floors. Cold weather and low humidity can cause hardwood planks to shrink and contract, forming small gaps and thin cracks in the floor’s surface. Family members and pets track in snow, salt, and mud from outdoors, which can stain and scratch the wood flooring. If you’ve invested in hardwood flooring for your home, here are 3 ways to protect your floors during the winter months:

1. Maintain higher humidity levels inside the home. Run a humidifier to keep the wood planks from contracting and potentially splitting, which could require significant repairs. A humidifier, especially a whole-home humidifier, will also help your home feel warm and cozy inside without having to raise the thermostat too high.

2. Protect flooring with welcome mats, area rugs, and shoe racks. It’s best to prevent the harsh materials from entering the home to begin with. Placing welcome mats outside each of the home’s entrances will offer family members and guests a place to wipe their shoes before entering the home. Set shoe racks by each entrance as well, and don’t allow anyone to walk through the home wearing shoes. Placing area rugs in high-traffic areas of the home will help catch excess dirt and salt.

3. Sweep the floors frequently. Mats, rugs, and shoe racks aren’t perfect solutions, and there will likely be some unwanted debris that makes its way to your wood floors. Sweep the floors often, and clean up any salt stains or puddled water spots right away. If you do see salt or dirt on the floor, be careful when cleaning it so it doesn’t scratch the wood.

Wood flooring is a smart but large investment in your home; it must be protected and cared for year-round, but especially during the winter months. For more information about protecting your hardwood flooring, please contact:

Performers Flooring & Design Gallery

25W561 Army Trail Road

Bloomingdale, IL 60108

Phone: 331-481-9937

www.performersflooringamerica.com