You finally did it. After years of saving and planning, you were able to afford those gorgeous hardwood floors you’ve always wanted, making your home feel cozy and stylish. But now that winter is rolling in, you’ve started to notice some changes. Boots are leaving marks, the floor is creaking with the drop in temperature, and you’re worried about what bringing plants inside might do. Don’t panic – with a little extra care and protection, your hardwood floors can weather any season. Follow these tips to keep them looking as pristine as the day they were installed all year long.
Controlling Moisture to Protect Hardwood Floors in Winter
It is normal for hardwood floors to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. To minimize damage and excessive gapping, try to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your home throughout the seasons.
Controlling moisture is key to protecting your hardwood floors during the winter months. It is recommended to place mats at every entrance to your home. When entering the home, shake off snow and wipe feet before stepping onto any hardwood surface. The type of mat is equally important. The best winter mats should be non-skid and absorbent, catching dirt and excess water before it hits your floors. It is inevitable that some snow, slush, and rainwater will find itself on your floors, all of which can damage them if not properly handled. Wipe up spills and puddles immediately to avoid water damage or discoloration.
Even when the temperature outside is frightful, it is a great practice to keep the thermostat consistent to avoid dramatic shifts which can stress your flooring. When the air is dry, use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. (In the summer, a dehumidifier will help remove excessive moisture.) Wood floors may warp, crack or split if the humidity is not regulated.
As the temperatures start to drop and the days shorten, it also signals the time to bring your houseplants inside for the winter. While bringing greenery indoors is great for your home’s ambiance, their pots and trays can damage hardwood floors if you’re not careful.
Any plants that are brought inside should be placed on stands or trays to avoid direct contact with floors. Look for stands with coasters or padding on the bottom to avoid possible scratches. The trays that are used should be waterproof and slightly larger than the plant pot to catch any drips or spills. When watering your plants, be mindful of over-watering. A tray with too much standing water may form condensation on the sides which will slowly cause discoloration on the floor without notice. As with snowy boots, any spills or puddles should be wiped up immediately.
With regular inspections and care, your plants and floors can co-exist happily all season long.
The key is staying on top of the little things – wipe up spills right away and keep a watchful eye on humidity levels in the air. It may require a bit of extra effort, but taking good care of your hardwoods now will pay off for years to come.
