As far as interiors are concerned, floors often experience the most wear and tear. This is especially true over winter when the weather is not only cooler, but road salt and de-icing agents get tracked indoors. If you aren’t proactive, winter can take a toll on your hardwood floor. If you’re concerned about keeping your surfaces in good shape year-round, here are some tips for protecting them this winter.

5 Simple Tips for Protecting Your Hardwood Floors This Winter

1. Create a “Shoes Off” Alcove

Ice and salt getting tracked indoors is only part of the problem. Often, this debris is inadvertently ground into your floor, which is when the most damage occurs. Luckily, this issue is partially solved by disallowing shoes indoors. Homes with entrance foyers are already designed with this in mind, as they provide a place for people to remove shoes and coats before coming inside. If you don’t have one, create one by laying down mats, stools, and a shoe rack near your entrance.

2. Use Throw Rugs

Throw rugs help your feet stay warm in the morning, and they keep dirt and salt from getting on your hardwood floors. Put most of your rugs in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and kitchens, to prevent the hardwood finish from scratching. Protective rugs and covers also prevent slipping, which is a heightened risk during winter.

3. Sweep More Frequently

Aim to sweep your wood flooring at least once a day to prevent dirt and salt from accumulating. Respond immediately to puddles of melted snow by gently dabbing them with a towel. Don’t scrub, as the back-and-forth motion could scratch your hardwood floor.

4. Bathe Your Pet

If you have cats or dogs who spend time outside, make it a point to bathe them at least once a week during winter. You should also wipe off their paws every time they come inside. Pets can trap road salt, dirt, and other contaminants in their fur, which could spread to your home if you aren’t diligent about keeping them clean.

5. Program Your Thermostat

Low humidity will cause wood to shrink, expanding floorboard gaps. To keep your floors in good condition, ensure your home’s temperature stays between 60 and 80 degrees. Humidity, meanwhile, should be within 33% and 35%, so you may need to purchase a humidifier during winter. A little expanding and contracting is normal for wood, so the goal is to prevent extreme changes.

If you’re interested in new hardwood floors or you need some help maintaining yours, get in touch with the team at Carolina Wood Floors. The Winston-Salem, NC, company provides high-quality materials for residents and business owners throughout the area, and the staff has over 25 years of experience to draw from. Request a quote by calling (336) 765-0680, and find more information on their website.