Hardwood flooring is known for its longevity, and with the right maintenance, it can last a lifetime in your home. However, the winter presents harsh conditions that could damage your floors and shorten their life span. Use these tips throughout the upcoming season to preserve your investment.

How to Care for Hardwood Floors This Winter

1. Place Mats at Entryways

During the winter, the bottom of your shoes can get caked in slushy snow, ice, and mud each time you walk outside. Moisture can stain hardwood over time, particularly when it isn’t wiped.

To prevent this, place thick, absorbent mats at all doors that lead outside. Encourage your family and guests to wipe off their feet before coming inside. Alternatively, ask them to take off their shoes on the rug. Set up a small shoe rack at each doorway as an additional reminder.

2. Clean Up Regularly

Many people host holiday gatherings. As the weather gets colder, you might also spend more time indoors, which can increase the likelihood of food spills.

To prevent debris from scratching the surface or absorbing into the flooring, make a habit of sweeping or dry-mopping at least every two days. In the kitchen and dining room, try to clean the floors daily. If a beverage spills on your hardwood floors, soak it up with a soft microfiber cloth or paper towels as soon as possible to dry it out.

3. Control Heat Levels

Whether you use a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, it’s important to remember that hardwood floors are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. During the winter, homes tend to be hot and dry, which can make wood brittle.

To prevent planks from warping and cracking, keep your home’s temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, and moisture levels between 30% and 50%. You may need a humidifier to increase humidity since heaters make the air dry.

If the winter takes a toll on your hardwood flooring, rely on CarpetMasters Flooring Co. of Chesterfield, MO, to restore it. For over 25 years, this team has installed and replaced floors in the St. Louis area. They carry a range of hardwood options in different thicknesses, colors, and species to suit your lifestyle and budget. Visit their website to learn more about their products, or call (636) 532-1311 to schedule an appointment.