How to Protect Your Wood Floors During Spring

Depending on where you live, spring can bring a considerable amount of rain, which can lead to a buildup of dirt and mud on your floor. Protecting your wooden floor during this season is crucial, and can be considered a part of spring cleaning which will maintain the finish while lowering your maintenance costs. Here are a number of tips that you can use for floor protection during the spring season:

Use Pads Underneath Your Furniture

During spring, homeowners may decide to do some renovation or make changes to their decor by shifting furniture around. Many furniture pieces are designed with metal or wood glides beneath them. When the furniture gets shifted around, this can lead to scratch marks and abrasion that damage the finish, making it harder and more costly to refinish. To prevent this from happening, it is wise to purchase pads which can be placed beneath the furniture. These pads will prevent the furniture from causing damage while ensuring the wood finish beneath is not scratched or damaged.

Use A Storage Mat For Boots And Shoes

One of the best and most cost effective ways to protect your wood floors is through a storage mat for shoes and boots. These rectangular units will usually be made from plastic and are designed as a place where visitors and members of the household can store their shoes when entering the home from outside. This is a simple way to keep the mud, dirt and grime off your floor which not only makes it easier to clean but also preserves the finish.

Pay Attention To The Finishing

The type of flooring you install will determine how often you will need to perform maintenance. While many homeowners assume that wood floors are all the same, this actually isn’t the case. For example, pine flooring will typically display a vintage style; so many homeowners will allow these types of wood floors to age for a while before adding a recoat. Hardwood is a more contemporary style that unlike pine must be maintained more frequently.

Many homeowners will recoat their wood floors during spring, incorporating it into their spring cleaning checklist. However, it is important to remember that not all wood flooring is equal in quality. Many wooden floors are produced in mass, which means their layers might be thin. Some wood floors may be cheap in price, but the finish also wears out fast, which means you shouldn’t refinish or sand them. The best wooden floors to buy are those which have a wear layer that is 3/16”, which will allow you to sand it at least three times.

Cleaning Your Wood Floors The Right Way

It is also important to exercise caution when deciding how you want to clean your wood floors too. Hard cleaners or chemicals should be avoided, as they can damage the finish. Most experts agree that the best cleaning solution for cleaning wooden floors is a simple one, and this is warm water combined with vinegar. You should also avoid using wax unless you know what you’re doing, as these can be difficult to correctly apply. Regardless of the cleaning method you use for your wooden floor, you should avoid using excessive amounts of water, as wooden floors are vulnerable to moisture during spring and summer.

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