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Hardwood floors can sustain numerous kinds of damage during the winter. Rock salt eats away the finish and leaves unsightly streaks, while snow and ice melt to warp and stain the material. Dry air also affects wood flooring by causing it to shrink and crack. Here, review tips for maintaining your flooring throughout the coldest months of the year.

How to Keep Your Floors in Good Condition All Winter

1. Purchase Welcome Mats

Ensure every entrance of your home has a welcome mat on both sides of the door for wiping salty, muddy, snowy shoes off. Use bristled mats on the outside of the door to remove the majority of shoe debris and cloth mats on the inside for the residue. You can also install shoe racks nearby and ask friends and family to remove their footwear before entering the house.

2. Clean Often

hardwood floorsWipe or mop your floors regularly to keep them free of damaging debris, but avoid using too much water to prevent staining and warping issues. Clean rock salt stains with a cleanser that’s formulated for your finish and use a microfiber rag to absorb the excess to avoid streaks. Vacuum routinely as well to keep your flooring pristine.

3. Groom Your Pets

Keep old towels by your doors to wipe your four-legged friend’s paws before they go running across your floors. Give your dogs baths often in the winter to keep rock salt and ice out of their hair. Use a moisturizing formula to prevent dry skin.

4. Set Up a Humidifier

Install a humidifier if you haven’t already to keep your hardwood floors from cracking in the dry heat. Maintain a humidity level between 30% and 40% to avoid encouraging mold and mildew growth. The right humidity also keeps skin from getting too dry and avoids static cling issues.

5. Use Runners & Area Rugs

Add runner rugs to hallways with hardwood floors and area rugs to applicable rooms to protect your investment this winter. Rugs provide an attractive barrier that protects high-traffic areas from premature damage. 
 

Keep your hardwood floors intact with refinishing services from Carl Bohlmeyer Floor Sanding. The locally-owned wood floor resurfacing company has served residents and business owners of Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas for over 50 years, combining cutting-edge buffing techniques with outstanding customer service. Call (402) 423-7225 today for a free estimate or view the online gallery. Get more wood flooring maintenance tips on Facebook

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