It should come as no surprise that seasonal hardwood floor maintenance is essential, especially in fall and winter.
Hardwood floors add timeless beauty and elegance to any home, but they require regular maintenance to stay in top shape. Seasonal changes, from humidity fluctuations in summer to the dry air of winter, can cause significant wear and tear on hardwood floors if they aren’t properly maintained. In this guide, we’ll discuss essential tips and strategies for maintaining your hardwood floors throughout the year, ensuring they remain beautiful and durable no matter the season.
Fall: Prepping for Cooler Weather
Fall is a transitional season, which makes it an ideal time to prepare your hardwood floors for the coming winter months. Here’s how to get your floors ready for cooler weather:
- Clean and Polish: Before the holiday season begins, give your floors another deep clean to remove any lingering dirt and grime. After cleaning, consider applying a hardwood floor polish to restore their shine and provide an extra layer of protection.
- Add Protective Rugs: As fall progresses and the weather cools, it’s a good time to add area rugs and runners in high-traffic areas if you haven’t already. These will help protect your hardwood floors from increased foot traffic and the grit that gets tracked in during colder months.
- Monitor Humidity Levels: As temperatures begin to drop, you may find that the air inside your home becomes drier. Consider using a humidifier to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, preventing your floors from drying out and cracking.
Winter: Protecting Against Dryness and Moisture
Winter presents unique challenges for hardwood floor maintenance due to the combination of cold, dry air, and increased moisture from snow and ice. Here’s how to safeguard your floors during the coldest months:
- Prevent Moisture Damage: Winter weather means snow, ice, and salt can easily get tracked into your home. This can wreak havoc on hardwood floors if not managed properly. Place waterproof mats at all entryways and remove shoes before walking on the floors. Wipe up any moisture or spills immediately to prevent water damage.
- Regular Sweeping and Mopping: Winter can bring in more dirt and debris from outside. Regularly sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors to prevent scratches from dirt particles. You can also mop with a damp cloth, but avoid using excessive water as it can penetrate the wood and cause long-term damage.
- Use a Humidifier: Heating systems can dry out the air in your home, causing hardwood floors to shrink, crack, or develop gaps. To counteract this, use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable humidity level (around 30-50%). This will help keep your floors stable and prevent excessive dryness.
Year-Round Tips for Hardwood Floor Care
While seasonal maintenance is crucial, there are several best practices you should follow throughout the year to keep your hardwood floors looking their best:
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Stick to cleaners specifically formulated for hardwood floors. Harsh chemicals, waxes, or abrasive tools can strip the floor’s finish and cause damage.
- Use Furniture Pads: Protect your floors from scratches by placing felt pads under furniture legs. This simple step can prevent deep scratches and scuffs, especially when moving heavy items.
- Maintain a Regular Cleaning Routine: Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to remove dirt and dust that can scratch the surface over time. Regular light cleaning goes a long way in maintaining the floor’s appearance.
Hardwood Flooring from Jason Brown Wood Floors
At Jason Brown Wood Floors, our commitment to quality installation is clear in all that we do, which is why our customers consistently rate us as one of the top contractors in the region. We have been awarded Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Baltimore Award 5 times and have been proudly serving the Baltimore Area for over 18 years. If you’re ready to speak with someone about your hardwood flooring project, we want to hear from you! Contact us at 410-668-9131 or send us a message here.
Jason Brown Wood Floors is also your convenient dealer of high-quality, professional-grade power tools. We offer brands that tradespeople trust most for the job. Come check out our Abingdon showroom to browse the in-stock selection of products and tools by Festool, Freud, Diablo, Shaper, Mirka, Makita, Saw Stop, and Grex.
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