It’s THAT Time of Year Again. Let’s Talk about Winter Care for your Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Floors make any home or business look and feel richer and more finished. That having been said, standing water and abrasive dirt can be devastating on that finish. For the privilege of calling Reno or Tahoe our home, we need to take a few precautions where our hardwood floors are concerned. Once you understand the basics of winter hardwood floor care, keeping the slush, mud and snow on the outside – where it belongs – is a piece of cake.
Winter Hardwood Floor Care Tips:
Basic #1: Keep the Outsides, Outside
Start with a heavy-bristle boot cleaner at every entrance. Most of the Big Box stores, Hardware stores and Flooring stores have them in stock these days. They are decorative as well as effective. I would even keep one at the door which leads into your home from your garage. Welcome mats are great, and you should also keep indoor floor mats just inside your entrances too, which absorb excess moisture.
Basic #2: Please Remove Your Shoes
An old dish-drainer or bar mat by the door with a towel underneath, still makes an excellent place for shoes and boots to dry off. A small stool or little bench for your guests or family members to sit on while they remove their footwear, also serves as a polite reminder that you would like them to kindly get stocking footed. No one will be offended or put off by your request, especially during these winter months.
Basic #3: Be Prepared for Occasional Mishaps
Your hardwood floors are durable, that’s why you invested in them. Leaving them wet or dirty for a little while doesn’t have near as destructive an effect as it would with Carpeting. Still, you want to be ready when accidents happen. There are a number of affordable, commercial hardwood floor care kits available, but just keeping a mop and dry towels handy can be all the preparation you need.
Basic #4: Kids and Pets Need A Little Help
Get in the habit of drying off your pet’s coat and paws immediately when you let them inside. A small stack of old towels near the entryways, along with box of treats, will make this easy. I have found that younger kids are easy to get into the habit of waiting to have their shoes and boots taken off. As long as you remain consistent, everything should be alright.
Winter Care is Easy, Now that You Know How
Every floor is different. The weather, as well as the kind of dirt or gravel you have in your yard or driveway will impact how diligent you need to be. You also need to factor in where your home or business is located and what kind of traffic it gets. If you follow the few simple Basics I’ve outlined for you, your hardwood floors will get through the Winter just fine.
Unless You Think it Might Be Time to Refinish
We’re not interested in selling you work you don’t need, because we want to keep you as a valued customer for many years to come. Happy to recommend us to all your friends and family. If you and I both decide its time for a refinish, NOW is an excellent time to get the work done.
Contact me today, and let’s set up a time to discuss all of the excellent options available to you.
Sorin Giurca