Most people know that the salt used to keep roads from icing over in the winter causes a variety of issues for vehicles, but it’s also problematic for hardwood floors. When it’s tracked into the home, it ruins the hardwood floor finish. That’s why it’s essential to understand the damage salt causes and how to prevent it.

Why Ice Salt Is Bad for Your Hardwood Floor Finish

Calcium chloride, which is what ice salt is made of, helps absorb moisture and give off heat. That makes it ideal for keeping ice off the road, but it also causes a chemical reaction with your hardwood.

If the salt is left on your floor for too long, it leaves an unsightly white crust buildup that ruins your hardwood floor finish. Ice salt is also rough and jagged, and if it’s continually dragged across the floor, it causes scratches and abrasions.

How to Protect Your Hardwood Floor Finish

The best preventative measure is to keep the salt off your hardwood floors in the first place. You can do this by creating a winter-proof entryway. Place a rug inside and have guests wipe their feet before entering the rest of the house. If you have a shoe tray at the entrance, make sure it has a thick edge; this catches the salt as the snow and ice melt.

You should also sweep the floor regularly because there’s still a chance salt can find its way onto your floor. It’s recommended to completely sweep the hardwood floor several times a week to remove the salt and protect the finish.

Finally, you can add extra protection to make the floors more durable. Apply a sealant on the wood if you don’t already have one, then use a floor wax or polish to create an extra buffer that protects it from scratches and abrasions.

If your home’s hardwood floor finish is damaged by ice salt this winter, contact the experts at Old Reliable Floor Co in Cincinnati, OH. They’ve been helping local homeowners keep their house protected by refinishing hardwood floors for more than 70 years. They have the necessary experience and tools needed to restore hardwood floors in your home and add new sealants to keep them looking like new. Call (513) 922-5598 to schedule a consultation or learn more about their services online.