The holidays are right around the corner and ‘tis the season for gatherings of all kinds with friends, family, and coworkers. There’s plenty of excitement and joy to go around, but with the weather outside oh so frightful, all the company can spell disaster for your floors! Don’t let the fear of dirt and damage get you down! In this list, we’ll give you five tips for protecting your hardwood floors over the holidays.
Prepare for High Traffic
One of the most important ways to keep damage over the holidays to a minimum is to prepare in advance for the high traffic. Stock up on mops, rags, and paper towels and keep them in a handy place. That way, when accidents happen, you’ll be well prepared.
Another way to prepare is to make sure your hardwood floors are well-maintained before the holidays even begin. As a rule, hardwood floors should be sanded and sealed every 5-8 years. If your floors haven’t been sealed in a while, it might be time to shows them a little love.
Make a “No Shoe” Rule
Some of the biggest culprits for damage to hardwood floors are the mud, dirt, and debris tracked in on our guests’ shoes. You can eliminate these offenders by simply making a no-shoe rule for your family and visitors. Make a sign by the doorway that asks guests to remove their shoes and place a rack or pad to store them. In wet weather, a boot tray will catch extra moisture and is easy to clean!
Grab a Rug (Or a Few)
Some areas of a home, like kitchens, hallways, and dining rooms, see more traffic than others. Utilize rugs to protect these areas from scuffs, stains, and spills – and add a little decorative flair to your home. Never use rugs with a rubber or polyurethane backing, as these can capture moisture and leave your floor stained.
Don’t Forget the Felt Pads
Whether it’s rearranging to fit all your guests or just an accidental bump, moving furniture poses a big challenge to hardwood floors. Make rearranging easier and protect the wood from denting and scuffing during accidental moves by sticking felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs.
Be Careful with the Tree
A Christmas tree adds a bit of cheer to any home, but if you opt for a live tree, make sure you adequately protect your floors. Make sure your tree stand is fully waterproof and free of leaks before you set it up. For extra protection, place a drain tray under your stand – a little bit of water trapped under your tree can spell disaster for your flooring.
Wrapping Up
The holidays are a time of year filled with friends, family, and fun, but they can put a lot of pressure on your hardwood floors! If you’re looking for flooring options that can withstand the company Christmas party – or just have holiday hardwood questions – Central Mass Hardwood is here to help! Give us a call at 508-460-0199 or fill out an online form to get in contact with us. We can also help with refinishing and repairs, if they do take a little wear and tear during the holidays.
