Essentials for Protecting Your Wood Floors This Winter

The three main winter challenges for wood floors

1. Humidity levels and condensation

Fluctuating humidity levels during winter are one of the biggest threats to wood floors. Dry air from heating can cause cracks and shrinking, while excessive moisture—often near entrances or in basements—can lead to swelling or even buckling.

Solution: invest in a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels, and use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a range between 30% and 50%. Ventilate your home regularly, even in cold weather, to reduce condensation.

2. Salt and abrasives

Salt scattered on pavements and streets, often mixed with grit or other abrasives, can scratch your wood floors and dull their finish.

Solution: quickly clean up salt residue with a cloth lightly dampened in a solution of water and white vinegar (1 teaspoon per litre). Dry immediately to prevent water from seeping into the wood.

3. Dirt build-up and melting snow

Wet boots left at the entrance create puddles of dirty water and residue. This moisture can seep into the floors, causing stains and warping. Dirt particles act like abrasives, speeding up wear and creating scratches.

Solution: use a tray for shoes to collect water and ensure it doesn’t pool underneath. Add an absorbent mat at the entrance to catch snow, water, and debris.

Prepping your floors for winter

1. Inspect your floors in autumn

An autumn inspection can help you avoid many winter troubles. Check the following:

• Protective finishes: if the varnish or oil is worn, apply a fresh coat to shield the wood from salt and water.
• Cracks or splits: fill superficial cracks with an appropriate product to prevent water infiltration.
• Gaps between planks: check for gaps between the boards, as this could indicate dryness caused by low humidity levels.

2. Add protection in key areas

Place absorbent mats at all entrances to catch water and salt before they spread into your home. Choose mats with a non-slip backing to avoid accidents. In high-traffic areas, like hallways, lay down rugs or runners to shield the floors from everyday wear and tear.

3. Keep an eye on indoor humidity

The right balance of humidity is key to keeping your wood floors in shape. Use a humidifier to prevent overly dry air and a dehumidifier to control excessive condensation.

Daily and weekly care

1. Clean up messes quickly

Wipe up snow, puddles, and salt stains as soon as they appear. Use a cloth slightly dampened with a gentle solution, and dry immediately to avoid water soaking into the wood.

2. Stick to a weekly routine

Sweep regularly with a soft broom or use a vacuum with a brush attachment made for wood floors to remove dust and debris. For a deeper clean, use a wood-specific cleaner and avoid harsh chemicals. Remember, hardwood floors don’t take kindly to soaking wet cleaning methods.

Protecting your floors from daily wear and tear

1. Prevent scratches

Add felt pads under furniture legs to stop scuffing and replace them periodically as they wear out. When moving furniture, lift it rather than dragging it to avoid scratches.

2. Protect high-traffic areas

Place rugs in hallways, play areas, and other heavily used spaces. These layers of protection help extend your floors’ lifespan by reducing everyday wear and tear.

3. Minimise discolouration

Even in winter, sunlight can yellow or fade wood. Close curtains when possible and rearrange furniture occasionally to avoid prolonged exposure. If discolouration happens, find out how to restore the shine of your floors.

Daily and weekly care

1. Clean up messes quickly

Wipe up snow, puddles, and salt stains as soon as they appear. Use a cloth slightly dampened with a gentle solution, and dry immediately to avoid water soaking into the wood.

2. Stick to a weekly routine

Sweep regularly with a soft broom or use a vacuum with a brush attachment made for wood floors to remove dust and debris. For a deeper clean, use a wood-specific cleaner and avoid harsh chemicals. Remember, hardwood floors don’t take kindly to soaking wet cleaning methods.

Protecting your floors from daily wear and tear

1. Prevent scratches

Add felt pads under furniture legs to stop scuffing and replace them periodically as they wear out. When moving furniture, lift it rather than dragging it to avoid scratches.

2. Protect high-traffic areas

Place rugs in hallways, play areas, and other heavily used spaces. These layers of protection help extend your floors’ lifespan by reducing everyday wear and tear.

3. Minimise discolouration

Even in winter, sunlight can yellow or fade wood. Close curtains when possible and rearrange furniture occasionally to avoid prolonged exposure. If discolouration happens, find out how to restore the shine of your floors.

When spring returns

1. Inspect for winter damage

Check your floors for signs of buckling, warping, cracks, or discolouration. Touch up minor scratches with products designed specifically for hardwood repair.

2. Do a deep clean

Use a gentle solution and a soft brush to remove ingrained dirt and any lingering salt residue from winter.

3. Repair or refresh your floors

For deeper cracks or more noticeable scratches, consider professional resurfacing. A light sanding and a fresh coat of finish can bring new life to your floors.

With regular care and simple precautions, you can maintain the beauty and durability of your hardwood floors, helping them make it through winter in better shape. Inspect, clean, and protect them today to avoid costly repairs down the line.

If you’re unsure where to start, the experts at Déco Surfaces can help you find the best solution.

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