The winter months can be really hard on your hardwood, but it doesn’t have to be!
Below are the 5 most common issues that arise in the winter and how to avoid them and properly maintain your hardwood floors.
1. Snow & Water
Dogs, kids & big kids (aka adults) are all notorious for tracking the winter elements into the house and onto your hardwood floors, but don’t worry this is an easy fix!
- Place heavy bristle doormats on the exterior to remove the bulk of snow build-up on shoes and boots prior to entry
- Place another doormat just inside the door at every entry point
- Regularly dry your indoor floor mats as leaving wet or damp mats on the hardwood flooring can cause additional flooring concerns
- Regularly sweep or vacuum beneath each doormat as dirt particles can eventually filter their way beneath the mat and over time cause an abrasion to the finish
- Clean your pet’s paws before they go into the house
2. Salt
While doormats help absorb the melted snow and moisture, salt is harder to remove and can be damaging to your hardwood.
The dried up salt can be swept off the floor, but for the staining salt residue we recommend spot cleaning with the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner used in a spray or Terry cloth dry mop application.
NOTE: Do NOT dilute/mix the cleaner with water. Water and wood flooring do NOT mix. Water can and will cause damage to the finish and integral structure of the wood floor.
3. Shoes (Scuffing & More)
Shoes can cause scuffing and other damage marks on the floors, but the solution is simple. Have visitors and home residents alike remove all footwear when they enter. You could even put up a decorative sign asking them to do so! This is the easiest way to prevent shoes from damaging your hardwood.
4. Spills
It happens! We all drop or spill a glass of water, wine or a plate of food from time to time.
The best thing to do is quickly clean up the spill. Leaving any liquid on the flooring for a length of time can cause damage to the finish and flooring. We recommend using a highly absorbent cloth to soak up the liquid followed by a spot clean with the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.
Remember a little goes a long way, so do not drench your hardwood floors!
Bono Hardwood Floor Cleaner is the recommended cleaner for your Superior Hardwood Floors.
NOTE: Do NOT dilute/mix the cleaner with water.
Click here to find where to buy Bona
5. Gaps
Winter months are typically drier months and that can take a toll on your hardwood floors. If the lack of moisture (Relative Humidity) in your home is drying out your hardwood floors, you will begin to see gapping.
We recommend always keeping your Superior Hardwood Floor in a controlled and stable environment. Recommended Relative Humidity levels for our Solid Hardwood is 35%-50% and our Engineered and Enhanced is 30%-65% year-round. Failure to do so can cause many problems with your flooring and ultimately void your warranty. If your room is not within those ranges a humidifier or de-humidifier can help you achieve the Relative Humidity level you need.
Household temperature should also be kept between 60-80°F (16-27°C). This will help prevent issues such as gapping.
These simple steps will help ensure your Superior Hardwood floors remain beautiful for years to come.
If you have any further questions or concerns – check out our FAQ or our resources available at the Downloads Section
