Winter is an especially challenging time for hardwood floors. With people tracking in ice, snow, salt, and colder temperatures leading to drying out of wood floors, it's important to protect your hardwood flooring during the cold months. Read on for five tips from the best home inspectors in Milwaukee, WI that will help you keep your hardwood floors looking their best this winter!Cold weather is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable truth - our hardwood floors will take a beating. But don't worry, as we'll show you how to protect your floors from the cold, so they stay looking their best all season long! This article will discuss the best ways to keep your floor safe from the elements, no matter what material it's made from.
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. Be sure to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove any dirt or debris that has made its way onto your floors. In addition, when mopping, use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one, as too much water can damage your floors.
The Best Shoes for Hardwood Floors
When it comes to choosing the best shoes for hardwood floors, there are a few things you need to take into account. First and foremost, you'll want to 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. And finally, you'll want to pick shoes that won't slip on the floor, as this could lead to accidents.
Prevent Damage From Wood
Heavy furniture can dent and scratch the floors, so it's important to take measures to protect your floors from damage. Do not drag furniture across the floor; this will cause scratches. Instead, pick up furniture and carry it. Use furniture pads on the feet of chairs and tables to prevent dents on the floor.
How To Keep Your Hardwood Floor Clean
Assuming you have a sealant on your hardwood floors, regular sweeping and damp mopping with a microfiber cloth or mop head should do the trick in cleaning. You can also use a slightly dampened cloth to spot-clean any areas that seem to be attracting dirt. Just be sure not to over-wet the floor—too much water can cause the wood to warp. If you need to give your floors a deeper clean, hire a professional home inspection in Milwaukee to inspect the floors and get a suggestion for the best solution.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
When it comes to cleaning your hardwood floors, you should avoid using harsh chemicals. Instead, use a mild soap or floor cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors. You should also avoid using steam cleaners on your hardwood floors, as the steam can cause the wood to warp.
Keeping your Home Dry in Winter
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 a lot of dryness in the air. This can cause the wood to shrink and crack. To combat this, you can use a humidifier in your home to add moisture back into the air. This will help to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.
Prevent From Moisture
Another way to keep your hardwood floors dry is to ensure you wipe up any water or moisture that gets on them immediately. If you let it sit, it can seep into the wood and cause damage. Be especially careful when tracking in snow or rain from outside. Wipe your feet well before entering, and take off wet shoes as soon as possible. You should also put mats at all of your exterior doors to help catch any water or moisture before it has a chance to get onto your floors.
How to Restore and Maintain Your Wood Floors
If your floors become damaged, there are a few things you can do 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.
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With over 12,000 Wisconsin home inspections under our belt and hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can rest assured that you're in good hands with our certified home inspection in Milwaukee, WI! If you're not completely satisfied with our inspection, we'll cover the cost of another licensed home inspector to re-inspect the property. We also offer a complimentary warranty package that includes 90 days of coverage, 5-year roof protection, mold safe, sewer guard, recall check, NXt structural warranty, and a radon protection plan.
