Seasonal hardwood floor maintenance keeps your floors looking their best in the spring and summer seasons.
Last week, we talked about seasonal maintenance for hardwood floors during fall and winter. When spring and summer arrive, your hardwood floors will face new challenges. The fluctuating humidity, increased foot traffic, and exposure to sunlight can all take a toll on their appearance and durability. By adjusting your maintenance routine during these warmer months, you can protect your floors from warping, fading, and wear, ensuring they stay as beautiful as ever.
Spring: Refresh and Repair
Spring is an excellent time to refresh your hardwood floors after the harsh winter months. Here’s how to prepare them for the warmer weather:
- Deep Cleaning: Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to thoroughly clean your hardwood floors. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to remove dirt, dust, and debris that may have accumulated. Follow up with a damp (not wet) microfiber mop and a hardwood-safe cleaner to give the floors a refreshing shine. Avoid excess water, as it can seep into the wood and cause warping.
- Inspect for Damage: Winter can be hard on hardwood floors due to the use of salt, snow, and moisture being tracked indoors. Look for any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or areas where the finish has worn away. Minor scratches can often be buffed out, but deeper gouges may require professional attention.
- Humidity Control: As the weather starts to warm up, maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for your hardwood floors. Invest in a dehumidifier if your area experiences high humidity levels, as excessive moisture can cause the wood to swell and warp. Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%.
Summer: Combatting Heat and Humidity
Summer brings higher temperatures and humidity levels, both of which can affect the condition of hardwood floors. Here’s what you need to know about summer hardwood floor maintenance:
- Limit Direct Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause your hardwood floors to fade and dry out. To prevent this, use curtains, blinds, or UV-blocking window film to minimize sunlight exposure. Moving rugs and furniture periodically can also help prevent uneven fading.
- Mats and Rugs: Use doormats both outside and inside entryways to catch dirt and debris before it hits your floors. This is especially important during the summer, as people tend to go in and out of the house more frequently. Place rugs in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and kitchens, to further protect your floors from wear and tear.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Just like in spring, high humidity levels in summer can cause hardwood floors to expand, leading to buckling or cupping. Running a dehumidifier or air conditioner helps control indoor moisture levels, preventing potential damage to your floors.
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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