As the weather takes a turn for the cooler, hardwood floors can be vulnerable to Autumn’s elements. There are several challenges hardwood floors may face in Fall, such as cracking, scuffing, and discolouration, causing our cherished hardwood to be damaged. But there are steps that can be taken to shield this beautiful flooring. In addition, there are products available and pro tips to help maintain shine and durability. Read on to learn about the challenges hardwood floors face in Fall, essential steps to shield your floors from Autumn’s elements, the best products to ensure hardwood resilience this season, and pro tips for keeping your hardwood floors shiny and durable.
The Challenges Hardwood Floors Face in Fall
Although hardwood floors are a classic and often desired element in homes, there are special types of challenges that hardwood floors face specifically during the fall season. One of the biggest challenges is related to temperature and humidity levels. As the days become shorter and colder, humidity drops and houses tend to become drier. This can cause wood flooring to shrink, resulting in cracks and gaps along the floor’s joints. For instance, leaving a gap of just a few millimeters can leave the door stuck and can make it difficult to open.
Fall is the time when leaves are scattered all around the house and if not taken care of, they can become lodged in between planks and cause water damage. It is important to vacuum often and also use a wet vacuum or microfiber mop if necessary. Another challenge hardwood floors face is pet dander or hair that tends to accumulate on the boards. Regularly cleaning with a dust mop can help keep the floors free from this type of debris.
In contrast, exposure to wet or damp conditions can damage hardwood floors. Due to the season’s usual conditions, mud and mud-covered leaves are almost guaranteed to enter the home and it is important to take the necessary precautions to make sure that these messes are cleaned up quickly. A mat at each entrance of the house is a great way to control the amount of dirt and rain that enters. Additionally, using boot trays and encouraging everyone in the house to take their shoes off before entering can also help.
The leaves that fall from outside can also cause staining inside if they are left on the ground for too long. It’s important to keep windows closed as much as possible and vacuum regularly to avoid this. Lastly, the most common challenge hardwood floors face in the fall is scratches. It is beneficial to use furniture pads and felt glides on the feet of any furniture that comes in contact with the wood. Similarly, throwing area rugs in high-traffic areas can also provide added protection to the floor.
As a result of the above tips and tricks, hardwood floors can stay in tip-top condition even during the harsh fall months and will continue to look as good as new no matter what the season. Consequently, it is important to take the necessary precautions and clean regularly in order for the floor to stay looking beautiful.
Essential Steps to Shield Your Hardwood from Autumn’s Elements
One of the most important steps in maintaining your hardwood in the autumn is to take preventative measures in order to shield the flooring from any seasonal elements that may cause it damage. Protecting hardwood flooring in autumn can be accomplished by following a few simple steps. Moreover, this guide may help ensure that the hardwood lasts for years to come.
To start, the best way to shield hardwood flooring from seasonal elements is to create a barrier between the hardwood and any debris that may enter the home. Thus, making sure that doorways and window seals are kept clean of leaves, dirt, and debris, is a vital part of this process. Furthermore, having a doormat in front of external doors can help trap these materials, preventing them from entering the home.
In addition, another method to shield the hardwood flooring is to remove any furniture, rugs or carpets, as these can hold moisture, which will eventually damage the flooring if left for extended periods. For instance, making sure any furniture is raised off of the ground to ensure proper air circulation beneath it, will protect the hardwood from any possible water or liquid damage.
It is especially important to protect the hardwood from over humidity in the home, as this can result in warping and other deterioration of the hardwood floors. Therefore, maintaining a moderate interior climate in the home is key in protecting the hardwood flooring; a tool such as a hygrometer can be used to monitor the interior humidity levels and to make climate changes when necessary. Consequently, ensuring that the home is kept at a comfortable level of humidity can help make sure the hardwood does not experience any terrible damage.
All in all, these few simple steps strive to shield hardwood flooring from autumn’s elements. The above steps will keep hardwood in pristine condition, preventing any possible damage or deterioration of the wood.
Best Products to Ensure Hardwood Resilience This Season
Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can be high maintenance and require special treatments/products to make sure they stay beautiful all year round. This season, there are a few different tools and products that are the best for providing hardwood floors with the care and protection they need to remain resilient.
One of the best tools for cleaning and protecting hardwood floors is a mop and bucket with microfiber mop heads. These microfiber mop heads are able to get the deep dirt that a regular mop and bucket may not be able to get, ensuring a deeper clean. Moreover, at the end of the cleaning process it is important to use a good hardwood cleaner that helps to protect the wood. However, when finding a hardwood cleaner it is important to make sure that it does not contain anything that could be abrasive to the wood, such as oils, which can penetrate and damage hardwood over time.
In addition, to keep your hardwood from potential damage it is always a good idea to have a doormat at all entrances into the room, as this will help reduce the amount of dirt and debris that is brought into the room with every footstep. Similarly, it is important to make sure to vacuum any high-traffic areas to reduce the amount of dirt that can scratch and damage the flooring.
To extend the life of your hardwood floors using furniture padding and furniture sliders are great tools to keep from worn down floors. Furniture padding helps to prevent scratches to the floor while the furniture sliders make it easy to move heavy furniture around without having to physically move it. As a result, using furniture padding and sliders can keep your hardwood floors looking great and reduce the need for much repairs throughout the seasons.
Finally, a great product this season for hardwood flooring is a good wax. Waxing your hardwood floors helps to fill in cracks unnoticed by the eye, while also providing protection to the wood from any damaging liquids or debris that may inevitably get onto the floor. Consequently, finding a good wax to use on your hardwood flooring this season can make a huge difference in reducing any wear and tear and making sure your floors stay beautiful all-year round.
Pro Tips: Maintaining Shine and Durability of Hardwood Floors
Keeping hardwood floors in good condition requires regular maintenance. To maintain their shine and durability, it is important to take preventive measures when it comes to the furniture. Furniture should have floor protection attached to the bottom of the legs, to prevent scratching and denting of the floors. Similarly, it is essential to use rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear, as well as provide additional cushioning. Vacuum or dust mop regularly in order to keep dirt off the floor. On the other hand, do not use a wet mop; water could potentially cause damage to the floors.
In addition, it is important to maintain the recommended pH level for hardwood floors. Depending on the flooring, a floor manufacturer may also provide a specific cleaning solution designed to maintain the pH level and protect the stain and shine of the floor. Furthermore, when moving furniture, it is important to always lift it rather than dragging it across the floor, to help safeguard against any scratches or damaging marks.
Regular waxing and refinishing of the floors is important if they are to remain aesthetically pleasing and in good condition. You should reapply commercial hardwood floor wax or oil every 6-12 months, or as often as the manufacturer recommends. This will help keep the floor from becoming dull, and will make it easier to clean.
However, it is important to go easy on the wax, as too much of it can cause a waxy dull build-up. Consequently, properly maintaining hardwood floors is essential to protect them from damage. Bimonthly inspections can help ensure that the condition of the floors remains good.
In a nutshell
A successful hardwood maintenance routine requires both proactive measures and regular, ongoing maintenance. Fall presents unique challenges to hardwood floors; however, with the right precautions and strategies in place, it is possible to minimize the risk of damage from seasonal elements, including rain, extreme temperature changes, and falling leaves. One of the essential methods for keeping hardwood resilient in the fall is to put up barriers such as entry mats that trap moisture, dirt, and other debris away from the floorboards. Additionally, the recommendation is to frequently sweep, vacuum, and wipe up any messes to keep dirt and debris from building up. Lastly, use a gentle cleaning solution and make sure to rejuvenate the finish every few months to ensure it retains its shine and durability through the season. Call Voda for your Hardwood Cleaning today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does autumn weather specifically affect hardwood floors?
Autumn weather can cause hardwood floors to expand and contract due to fluctuations in humidity. This can lead to gaps and cracks in the wood, as well as warping and buckling. In order to avoid this, it is recommended to keep the home’s humidity levels steady by using a humidifier, and to protect the floor from moisture damage by placing mats near exits and entrances. Additionally, rugs or mats should be placed in high traffic areas where furniture stands, as this will help keep dirt and grit away from the floor and prevent scratches.
Can I use regular floor cleaners for hardwood maintenance?
No, regular floor cleaners are not suitable for hardwood maintenance. Special wood cleaners formulated specifically for wood surfaces are recommended for hardwood maintenance. These products remove dirt and grime without damaging the finish or sealant on the wood floors. Additionally, you should use a mop, broom and vacuum specifically designed for hard floors to keep your hardwood floors looking their best.
How can I prevent scratches on my hardwood during the fall?
To prevent scratches on your hardwood floor during the fall, you should:
1. Place mats or rugs at every entrance of the house to reduce the amount of dirt, moisture, and debris that are tracked in on shoes and boots.
2. Place floor mats or area rugs where furniture is frequently moved.
3. Keep your floors free of leaves and other debris.
4. Place felt tips or floor protectors under furniture legs.
5. Use doormats outside and inside all entrances to your home.
6. Regularly vacuum or sweep the floors to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
7. Wipe up spills promptly and use only approved cleaners for hardwood floors.
Is it necessary to refinish my hardwood floors every fall?
No, it is not necessary to refinish your hardwood floors every fall. However, regular maintenance such as sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional spot cleaning is important to keep your wood floors looking good. Depending on the type of flooring, regular maintenance combined with professional deep cleaning and waxing every few years can help extend the life of your hardwood flooring.
