Hardwood flooring is a year-round classic touch to any home. The elegant and refined finish of both traditional and engineered planks brings an extra value to your property, and provide a sturdy foundation for your day to day activities. With the colder months upon us, hardwood maintenance becomes a staple topic of conversation for the flooring experts at both our Calgary and Edmonton locations. To help answer a few of the most frequently asked questions we’ve compiled a list of tips for those who currently have hardwood in their homes, or for those who might be considering adding hardwood floors in the near future. Check out our top advice below!
Place Mats at Entry-Points and High Traffic Areas
One of the biggest culprits when it comes to wear and tear on your flooring, regardless of the season, is the tracking in of dirt and and debris. This becomes particularly detrimental when there’s snow and excess moisture in the picture. Placing mats strategically will help to absorb any excess liquid and stop water from tracking through your home.
Mop Up Puddles and Spills Immediately
As we mentioned, excess moisture is a seasonal challenge that can cause sizeable damage to your flooring if left unattended. Tending to any snow melt or tracked in moisture on the spot will prevent it from spreading or seeing into your floorboards, circumventing any damage or mould issues.
Watch Your Use of Salt
For those of us living in colder climates, salt can be a staple when it comes to tackling ice. Unfortunately, salt and other melting agents can cause harm to your finish, meaning that you may want to look into more natural solutions like sand or fertilizer. Regardless of what you use to handle the thaw/freeze season, a standard best practice is to make sure you wipe your shoes each time you enter your home.
Regular Sweeping Goes a Long Way
Just as salt may cause harm to your flooring, dirt, grit, and mud caused by snow melt can be a source of deterioration as well. Sweeping weekly, and mopping regularly with a gentle, microfibre cloth, will go a long way towards ensuring your floors stay it top shape for the future.
Want to learn more about caring for Hardwood floors, contact our team today!