Hardwood floors are both beautiful and dependable, but without proper protection, they can take a beating during the winter months. From the effects of water, mud, and other outdoor muck to substantial variations in temperature, winter can present some unique challenges to even the sturdiest hardwood. Below are three tips to ensure your floors are safeguarded against the barrage of frigid weather.

3 Tips for Caring for Your Hardwood Floors This Winter

1. Put Down Floor Mats

Place floor mats in high-traffic areas, particularly by doors, to protect your hardwood. Mats are effective at catching much of the salt, dirt, and debris brought in by shoes and boots. Remember to dry them out regularly for best results. To further decrease the risk of damaging your flooring, ask your family members and guests to remove their shoes or boots whenever entering your home.

2. Use a Humidifier

Wood often responds to temperature fluctuations by changing shape. When the humidity of summer disappears, hardwood floors can contract, leaving gaps between the planks. This is normal and shouldn’t be a cause for great concern. Using a humidifier, however, can increase the humidity in the air and reduce the likelihood of your hardwood changing shape.

3. Be Mindful of Pets

Your four-legged friends can track in salt and other debris after going for a walk or using the bathroom outside. There are a couple of things you can do to remedy this. You could train your pet to get in the habit of waiting at the door whenever they come in so you have a chance to thoroughly wipe off their paws. Another option is purchasing footwear — or, more aptly, paw-wear — for your pet; this way, you can remove the boots when they walk through the door.

If your floors have taken a beating over the years from the ups and downs of changing seasons, it might be time to consider a new hardwood floor. For over 25 years, Carolina Wood Floors has provided new flooring installation to customers throughout the Winston-Salem, NC, area. Call (336) 765-0680 or visit their website to start exploring your possibilities for new flooring. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hardwood-related tips and advice.