6 Tips For Maintaining Your Hardwood Floors During Winter

Winter is a challenging time for hardwood floors. As people track in ice, snow, and colder temperatures, which can cause the drying out of wood floors, it becomes important to protect your hardwood flooring during the cold months. 

Read on for six expert tips from the top home inspectors in Milwaukee, WI, to help you maintain your hardwood floors in optimal condition this winter. 

What is the Best Way to Protect Your Hardwood Floors?

One of the best ways to protect your hardwood floors during winter is to invest in floor mats or rugs. Place these mats or rugs at all entrances to your home to prevent dirt, sand, and salt from being tracked in. 

Now, we discuss the six tips for keeping your hardwood floors in pristine condition during winter. 

1- Use Shoes Fit for Hardwood Floors

When selecting the best shoes for hardwood floors, several factors should be considered. 

First and foremost, ensure that the shoes you select don't have any hard or rough edges that could potentially scratch or damage the flooring. 

Secondly, you'll want to choose shoes with smooth soles to avoid leaving behind any marks or scuffs. 

In winter, we tend to stay home more, and with guests arriving for Christmas and holidays, you can expect a lot of foot traffic. It is best to leave the shoes at the door before entering or avoid wearing high heels. 

And finally, you'll want to pick shoes that won't slip on the floor, as this could lead to accidents.

2- Prevent Damage From Wood

Heavy furniture can dent and scratch floors, so it's essential to take measures to protect them from damage. Do not drag furniture across the floor; this will cause scratches. Instead, lift furniture and move it. Use furniture pads on the feet of chairs and tables to prevent dents on the floor.

3- Keep Your Hardwood Floor Clean

Assuming you have a sealant on your hardwood floors, regular sweeping and damp mopping with a microfiber cloth or a mop head should do the trick in cleaning. 

You can also use a slightly damp cloth to spot-clean any areas that seem to be attracting dirt. Just be sure not to drench the floor; too much water can cause the wood to warp. Wood floors slippery in winter can cause mishaps.

If you need to give your floors a deeper clean, consider hiring a professional home inspection in Milwaukee to inspect the floors and get a recommendation for the best solution.

4- Avoid Harsh Cleaners

Avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning. Instead, use a mild soap or floor cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. You should also avoid using steam cleaners on your hardwood floors cold in winter, as the steam can cause the wood to warp.

5- Use a Humidifier

One of the best ways to protect your hardwood floors during winter is to keep them dry. Most homes are heated with forced air, which can create excessive dryness in the air. It can cause the wood to shrink and crack. It can also create gaps in wood flooring. 

To combat this, consider using a humidifier in your home to add moisture back into the air. It will help to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.

6- Prevent Moisture

Another way to keep your hardwood floors dry is to ensure you immediately wipe off any water or moisture that gets on them. If you let it sit, it can seep into the wood and cause damage. Be especially careful when tracking in snow or when it's raining outside. Please wipe your feet thoroughly before entering and remove your wet shoes as soon as possible. 

You should also put mats at all of your entry doors to help catch any water or moisture before it can get onto your floors.

Hardwood Floor Care Tips

If your floors become damaged, there are several steps you can take to repair them. 

• For minor scratches, you can try using a furniture polish or crayon that matches the color of your floor. 

• You may need to sand down the affected area and refinish it for more serious damage.

• Use two doormats: a bristle mat at the entrance outside the house and a fabric mat inside the house. 

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on your floors.

• When mopping, use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one, as too much water can damage your floors.

• Use a mix of vinegar plus water to clean the floor. 

• Adopt the culture of leaving shoes at the doormat before entering.

• Always consult the manufacturer's manual for what type of chemicals to use for cleaning.

Conclusion

If you're looking for the best home maintenance inspection services, look no further than Homesight, Inc. We serve southeastern Wisconsin communities from Sheboygan and Fond du Lac counties south to the state border, west to Madison, and everywhere in between. Our organized and easy-to-understand reports are delivered the next day, and we offer guaranteed satisfaction.

With thousands of Wisconsin home inspections under our belt and over a thousand plus 5-star reviews, you can rest assured that you're in good hands with our certified home inspection in Milwaukee, WI! We also offer a complimentary warranty package that includes roof, mold, sewer, structure, and appliances.