From Dull to Dazzling: Tips to Beautify and Protect Hardwood Floors During the Winter Months
Logan, UT - The winter season comes with endless opportunities for families and friends to spend quality time together, whether they're playing outside in the snow, cuddling inside around a cozy fire, or hosting holiday gatherings. Unfortunately, the harsh winter weather can bring in slush, snow and salt, along with the added foot traffic, causing hardwood floors to take a major beating. N-Hance Wood Renewal, a national franchise that specializes in the refinishing of hardwood floors and kitchen cabinets, aims to ease homeowners' stress this season so they can enjoy the winter fun with their family and friends, rather than worry about damaging their wood floors.
€As the home improvement industry continues to grow, it's our job as industry professionals to help homeowners prolong the performance and luster of their hardwood floors,€ said Ben Davis, President of N-Hance Wood Renewal. €Although harsh winter weather conditions are unavoidable, the natural look and durability of wood can be maintained using minimal effort with proper care and maintenance.€
The following do-it-yourself techniques from the experts at N-Hance Wood Renewal will help preserve and protect hardwood floors during the winter months to ensure a damage and scratch-free season.
Protect Entryways. Place doormats in each entryway and other high-traffic areas to prevent snow and water from collecting on wood floors and to reduce unnecessary scratches. Avoid using rubber or foam-backed mats or rugs, which may discolor wood floors by trapping moisture. Instead use synthetic rubs which are made of breathable material and prevent catching moisture. Further prevent marks by using floor protectors under furniture. Get the family and guests involved by encouraging them to remove wet snow apparel upon entry. For pet owners, it's important to keep a towel by the door to clean wet paws.
Avoid Snow and Salt Damage. If snow or water comes into contact with a hardwood floor, it must be wiped up immediately to avoid warping of the floorboards and irreversible damage. Salt can destroy wood floors if not removed promptly, as it can ruin the protective coating and produce small scratches on the surface. To remove salt properly, moisten a soft cloth or sponge with a solution of one part warm water and one part white vinegar. Gently dampen the area without soaking, and let the solution sit for several minutes while it re-dissolves the salt. Finally, remove any excess salt using a clean, dry towel.
Maintain Humidity Levels. Wood naturally expands overtime and can cause gaps in between floor boards, often due to moisture levels in the wood and the temperature of the home. During the winter months, dry air and heating will suck out the moisture, causing boards to shrink and gaps to form in the floor. An optimal humidity level between 50 to 65 percent will help prolong the lifespan of hardwood floors. During the spring and summer, higher humidity levels will cause the wood to expand, closing the gaps.
Clean Regularly. All hardwood floors should be cleaned weekly to prevent scratches, dents, and dulling, especially during the winter months. To remove dirt from between the floor boards, sweep with either a dust mop or broom that features exploded tips. Another option is to use a vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments or one with the beater bar turned off. Wet mops can dull the finish and should be not be used to clean wood surfaces. Since wood naturally expands when it's wet, using a wet mop or excessive water can cause it to crack or splinter. Excess moisture can have many negative effects on your wood, including warping and staining it, causing it to lose its original luster, as well as leading to the growth of mold.
For more information about N-Hance Wood Renewal, please visit http://www.n-hance.com.
€As the home improvement industry continues to grow, it's our job as industry professionals to help homeowners prolong the performance and luster of their hardwood floors,€ said Ben Davis, President of N-Hance Wood Renewal. €Although harsh winter weather conditions are unavoidable, the natural look and durability of wood can be maintained using minimal effort with proper care and maintenance.€
The following do-it-yourself techniques from the experts at N-Hance Wood Renewal will help preserve and protect hardwood floors during the winter months to ensure a damage and scratch-free season.
Protect Entryways. Place doormats in each entryway and other high-traffic areas to prevent snow and water from collecting on wood floors and to reduce unnecessary scratches. Avoid using rubber or foam-backed mats or rugs, which may discolor wood floors by trapping moisture. Instead use synthetic rubs which are made of breathable material and prevent catching moisture. Further prevent marks by using floor protectors under furniture. Get the family and guests involved by encouraging them to remove wet snow apparel upon entry. For pet owners, it's important to keep a towel by the door to clean wet paws.
Avoid Snow and Salt Damage. If snow or water comes into contact with a hardwood floor, it must be wiped up immediately to avoid warping of the floorboards and irreversible damage. Salt can destroy wood floors if not removed promptly, as it can ruin the protective coating and produce small scratches on the surface. To remove salt properly, moisten a soft cloth or sponge with a solution of one part warm water and one part white vinegar. Gently dampen the area without soaking, and let the solution sit for several minutes while it re-dissolves the salt. Finally, remove any excess salt using a clean, dry towel.
Maintain Humidity Levels. Wood naturally expands overtime and can cause gaps in between floor boards, often due to moisture levels in the wood and the temperature of the home. During the winter months, dry air and heating will suck out the moisture, causing boards to shrink and gaps to form in the floor. An optimal humidity level between 50 to 65 percent will help prolong the lifespan of hardwood floors. During the spring and summer, higher humidity levels will cause the wood to expand, closing the gaps.
Clean Regularly. All hardwood floors should be cleaned weekly to prevent scratches, dents, and dulling, especially during the winter months. To remove dirt from between the floor boards, sweep with either a dust mop or broom that features exploded tips. Another option is to use a vacuum with special hardwood floor attachments or one with the beater bar turned off. Wet mops can dull the finish and should be not be used to clean wood surfaces. Since wood naturally expands when it's wet, using a wet mop or excessive water can cause it to crack or splinter. Excess moisture can have many negative effects on your wood, including warping and staining it, causing it to lose its original luster, as well as leading to the growth of mold.
For more information about N-Hance Wood Renewal, please visit http://www.n-hance.com.