Introduction: Understanding the Culprits of Holiday Damage to Your Hardwood Floors
Each year at this time…
The flooring takes a beating when the Christmas trees are gone, sometimes to the point where hardwood floors need to be sanded and refinished or carpeting needs to be replaced. Why? The primary offender is standing water on the floor (from watering the tree obviously). The flooring may have water spots or sap markings, or it may be discolored, cupped, or separated in places, all of which necessitate replacement.
The pine needles shed by Christmas trees are a tripping hazard and a source of floor scratches (the latter often happens when the floor is swept or sometimes when the kids or pets play and roll around). If you take care of your hardwood floors, you won’t have to refinish them for a long time (or replacing the wood).
What Causes Damage to Hardwood Floors During the Holidays?
The holidays are fast approaching, so it’s time to start planning how to keep your hardwood floors safe from the elements, extra foot traffic, and any damage from your Christmas tree. Be sure to keep your wooden floors dry during winter.
As unpleasant as winter weather can be, it is often difficult to escape. Dirt, grit, debris, and water from the exterior may present the biggest challenges. Grit and salt used to de-ice roadways and sidewalks can scratch and harm hardwood flooring. The problem is compounded by the fact that outside shoes will track in snow, slush, and precipitation onto your floor. Here are some easy ways to protect your hardwood flooring:
Doormats should be placed at each exterior door. These are useful for preventing indoors damage caused by grit, mud, and other particles tracked in from the outdoors.
Please do not wear your shoes inside the house. These are better off being stored in the garage or on a covered porch than on your hardwood floors.
Sweep and mop your hardwood floors frequently to get rid of dust and filth that may have settled there.
Tips to Prevent Holiday Damage to Your Hardwood Floors
Animal owners should wipe their dogs’ feet off as soon as they bring them into the house.
Take precautions against increasing foot traffic on your wooden floor.
Many people, including friends and family, may visit your home during the holidays. If you want to keep your hardwood floors in good condition despite frequent foot traffic, simply have guests and visitors remove their shoes before entering the house. This will protect your floors from being scratched or dented by high heels and will also keep dirt, debris, and water outside.
It’s important to keep the Christmas tree off the hardwood floor.
Two things should be kept in mind if a real Christmas tree is in your plans for this year. First, you’ll need to water it regularly while keeping it in a pot, so protect your hardwood floors by placing a saucer or other container underneath the pot. Second, since genuine Christmas trees will undoubtedly drop some needles, you should sweep around the tree on a regular basis (preferably daily) to decrease the likelihood of people stepping on them and dragging them over the floor. Most fake Christmas trees use a metal or plastic stand, which can damage your floor if you place it on hardwood this year. The best way to protect your floor from the tree’s potential weight is to place a mat or rug below it.