A little planning can go a long way when it comes to keeping your home looking its best. No matter what kind of weather you may be facing this season, plan to help your home stay in shape through the holidays and beyond. Check out our top five tips for keeping your floor looking great through the rain, sleet and snow.
Keep the outdoors, out
Your best first defense against damage is to keep dirt out. Stop dirt at the door by investing in high-quality floor mats and mud pans. Create a designated shoe station to trap dirt and make for easy cleanup. For exposed exterior entryways, choose a mat that is thick, durable and resistant to mildew. Rubber backed coir, made from straw or coconut husk, is a reliable choice as is jute but only in more protected areas. For inside the home, select a slimmer, washable cotton option that is soft on bare feet but easy to clean.
Minimize debris and salt
In climates where streets are salted, sleet, mud and snow can quickly find their way indoors to damage delicate floors and rugs. While not everyone keeps a shoe-free home, the winter months are a great time to give it a try. When salt is dried, always vacuum before sweeping to avoid scratches and dings. For buffing out haze we recommend trying our dedicated line of natural floor care products, Real Clean Floors. Formulated especially by people who know hardwood floors, Real Clean Floors products are 100% made in America created using natural ingredients and fresh-scented essential orange oil.
Deep clean carpets
Don’t wait until spring to deep clean your carpets. Increased traffic, closed windows and recirculated air means allergens have nowhere to go – leaving pet dander, dirt and leftover pollen to sink deep into carpet backings and fibers. Most carpet manufacturers recommend a yearly deep washing anyway, but since winter time cold means a lot of time spend inside, the winter season is a great time to get a jump on the project. Let the professionals handle this one with steam, hot water extraction and plenty of elbow grease to get your carpets ready for the holidays.
Bundle up your furniture
People aren’t the only things that benefit from extra layers this season. Make sure your furniture is properly bundled to prepare for the holiday rush. Before that big family dinner, check chair and table legs for felt furniture feet and add rug pads and runners wherever needed. Sliding chairs and bumped tables are big contributors to floor scratches, so make sure that your bar stools and extra seating are equipped rubber tips or plastic protectors. While you’re near the floor, take a moment to check door and window seals as well as vent covers and filters. With a few extra precautions your floors can avoid the worst of holiday fueled mishaps.
Add moisture
Seasonal change can bring a whole host of weather-related issues. From cold, brisk nights to desert dry days, your floors feel the change in humidity as much as you do. Even the best-made floors will swell and contract based on the amount of water in the air. Help them out by adding a humidifier into your home. The extra moisture in will keep your guests feeling great and ensure your floors stay in their best condition for years to come.
Keep your floors looking their best this season with products formulated just for the job. Trust the experts behind Real Clean Floors and see how your home can shine.