Winter is here, and now is the time to start thinking about winter hardwood floor care. Your floors can last you through the year and beyond with the proper knowledge. Although, before diving into winter hardwood floor care tips, you must take the time to familiarize yourself with what causes winter hardwood floor damage.
Common Winter Hardwood Ailments
Winter brings a lot of things to consider when owning a home. One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is the health of their hardwood floors. With the change in seasons come a variety of weather conditions, which can wreak havoc on the beauty and longevity of your floors.
When the snow starts to fall, the temperature dips and the winds pick up, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to begin noticing the first signs of winter hardwood floor damage. This can come in the form of cracks, discoloration, and other unsightly blemishes.
Some of the most common causes of winter hardwood floor damage include:
Salt, Sand, and Water Damage
Salt, sand, and water damage can be the most noticeable signs of winter hardwood floor damage. The harsh winter weather conditions often require homeowners to clear paths and walkways of snow and ice. This process typically involves the use of salt or sand. While these substances effectively melt ice and snow, they are also known to cause severe damage to hardwood floors.
Prolonged exposure to salt or sand can cause severe damage to the finish on your hardwood floors, as well as the underlying wood itself. Salt and sand can also cause discoloration, resulting from moisture seeping into the wood. Over time, this moisture can cause the finish on your hardwood floors to lift, exposing the wood beneath. Both of these abrasive substances can also cause your hardwood floors to warp and crack.
Water damage is also another common winter hardwood floor ailment. When snow and ice melt, water often seeps into the cracks and crevices of your floors. This causes moisture to build up, resulting in discoloration, warping, and other unsightly blemishes. If left untreated, water damage can cause your hardwood floors to rot, rendering them completely unusable.
Humidity Changes
Changes in humidity are another common cause of winter hardwood floor damage. When the temperature drops, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to turn on their heat for added comfort. This causes the humidity in your home to drop, which can have a negative impact on the health of your hardwood floors.
Hardwood floors are susceptible to damage due to the moisture in the air. When the humidity drops in your home, it can lead to dryness and cracking in the finish of your hardwood floors. This can cause discoloration, which can be challenging to conceal. Over time, the dryness caused by low humidity can cause your hardwood floors to warp and become brittle.
Lacking Proper Acclimation
Another cause of winter hardwood floor damage caused by humidity changes is a lack of proper acclimation. Acclimation is the process of gradually increasing the humidity levels in your home to match the humidity levels where the wood is naturally found. This allows your hardwood floors to adjust and become used to the changes in temperature and humidity. If you don’t give your hardwood floors time to adjust, they can become damaged and even begin to warp.
Peeling Finishes
Lifting and cracking finishes are the most observed signs of winter hardwood floor damage. This is typically the result of a lack of proper acclimation or extended exposure to the harsh weather. It can also be caused by exposure to abrasive substances such as salt and sand. In some cases, improper application or insufficient sanding of the finish can cause the finish to crack and peel.
5 Winter Hardwood Floor Care Tips
The best way to protect your hardwood floors from the harsh winter weather is to care for them proactively. The following five winter hardwood floor care tips are designed to help you keep your hardwood floors looking their best all season long!
1. Mats/Rugs Are a Must
The first step in protecting your hardwood floors from the effects of the winter weather is to provide them with a protective layer between themselves and the snow, ice, and salt. This can be accomplished using mats or rugs.
Mats are the simplest and most cost-effective way to protect your hardwood floors. They are lightweight, portable, and can be used anywhere in your home. Mats are also easy to clean, making them an excellent choice for hardwood floors that are often exposed to high levels of moisture.
Rugs are another excellent way to protect your hardwood floors from the effects of the winter. They are heavier than mats and can be more challenging to move around. However, rugs are also thicker and provide a greater level of protection.
2. Take Shoes Off When Entering the Home
Taking your shoes off when you enter the home is a simple way to help protect your hardwood floors from the impact of the winter. This helps to reduce the amount of sand, salt, and debris that is tracked throughout the home. It also reduces the amount of moisture and dirt your shoes can bring into the house.
3. Maintain Enough Moisture in the Home When Heat is Turned On
Maintaining a proper moisture level in your home is an essential step in protecting your hardwood floors. This can be accomplished by using a humidifier. The humidifier helps increase the level of moisture in the air, which can help keep your hardwood floors from becoming too dry. This can also help reduce the amount of cracking in your hardwood floors caused by the low humidity. It is recommended to keep the humidity at around 45% to 50% when the heat is turned on.
4. Use the Right Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning your hardwood floors, the right products can make all the difference. Using the right products is essential in helping to protect your floors from the harsh effects of the winter.
For example, the wrong cleaning products can cause your hardwood floors to become excessively dry, which can cause them to crack. In contrast, the wrong products can also cause your floors to become too wet, which can result in lifting and/or cracking finishes.
Here at Armstrong-Citywide, INC., we highly recommend using only products designed for hardwood floors, such as Bona X. However, you can also use Windex or a mixture of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar per gallon of warm water.
5. Keep Up Proper Maintenance
The best way to protect your hardwood floors from the harsh winter weather is to keep up with your regular maintenance. This includes regularly sweeping your floors to prevent the spread of abrasive residue and debris, mopping as needed to remove excess moisture and stains, and vacuuming regularly to remove dirt, sand, and debris from your floors.
Bring Your Floors Back to their Original Beauty with Armstrong-Citywide, INC.
As the temperatures begin to drop, it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your hardwood floors from the effects of the winter. By maintaining a proper level of moisture in the home, using the right cleaning products, and keeping up with regular maintenance, your hardwood floors will continue to provide the beautiful look and feel you have grown to love.
However, if you notice that your hardwood floors are beginning to show signs of wear, it may be time to bring them back to their original beauty with a professional refinishing. At Armstrong-Citywide, INC., we specialize in hardwood floor refinishing. We can restore your floors to their original beauty and protect them from the harsh effects of the winter.
Whether you need help caring and maintaining your hardwood floors or you are considering hardwood refinishing, the team at Armstrong-Citywide, INC. is here to help! Contact us today for more information!