How To Keep Your Floors Healthy
Great tips by Angelo DiGangi, from Home Depot in the Chicago suburbs, that will help you keep your floors healthy throughout the year.
As the year moves along and we get deeper into the winter season, we thought we’d share some advice from one of our guest-bloggers about how to keep your floors from getting destroyed. Between the hustle & bustle of the holidays to the horrible snowy, wet weather during the winter months, your floors can take a beating. Here are some great ways to help keep your floors in tip-top shape all year long. The weeks straddling the beginning of a new year can be a stressful time. And no, I’m not talking about a visit from the in-laws – that’s a whole different blog altogether. The fact is, no one (or no-thing I should say) endures as much stress as your poor floors. Upturned eggnog, soggy, snowy feet, Super Bowl parties, rambunctious kiddos with new toys – this time of year can wreak havoc on your hardwood! It’s time to give your floors the love they deserve. Fortunately, there are plenty of preventative measures one can take to keep those floors looking and feeling their best. All it takes is a little know-how and a bit of discipline. Here are a few pre- and post-party remedies that just might do the trick.
Keep it dry
Water can be a floor’s worst enemy. With soggy feet coming and going this winter, be sure to use doormats where needed. Try to avoid cheap, plastic, or rubber-backed mats – these tend to trap moisture underneath, which can do serious damage to both hardwood and carpet. Best to go with wool, cotton, or some other breathable fiber. For spills, dirt, or general cleaning, avoid using water on the hardwood. This can warp, discolor and gradually corrode the ground beneath your feet! Also, be wary of the cleaning products you are using – steer clear of ammonia or wax-based cleaners, acidic materials, or anything that involves adding water. Be sure to use cleaning sprays specifically designed for the job. Consider using a dehumidifier to keep moisture at bay. This will not only keep your floors in tip-top shape, but it will cut down on mold and mildew too!
Watch out for grit
Picture the Grand Canyon. Truly one of nature’s most breathtaking displays, this majestic gorge has been carved out over millions of years by…hold on to your hats, folks… you guessed it: water and sand (ok, and wind). Since we’ve already addressed the former, let’s focus on the latter. A little sand or dirt, when repeatedly trampled on, can grind away at your hardwood like sandpaper. Never underestimate the corrosive power of a little grit. Fortunately, the inevitable grit that comes with heavier foot traffic can be easily combated with a simple vacuum. Sweeping works fine day-to-day, but frequent vacuuming can suck up that tiny debris that the broom just doesn’t pick up. Be sure to use a dry duster on a day-to-day basis, and consider applying floor polish every 2-3 months. This will not only keep your floors looking great, but it will also protect them from the elements (i.e., kids).
Stop scratches before they happen
With the possible increase in foot traffic this time of year, consider using area rugs. These can be placed over areas of particularly high traffic, and can really save those floors. What’s more, rugs can add a lot to a room’s décor. Consider attaching felt tips underneath the legs of your furniture. This can prevent some pretty gnarly scratches, especially if the furniture is being moved around.
Combating stains
For hardwood, most stains can be easily wiped up with a dry cloth or some hardwood floor cleaner. Avoid water if possible. For wax, gum or crayon stains, here’s a nifty trick: put a bag of ice on top of the stain. After several minutes, scrape the stain away with a credit card. Voila! Carpet stains can be tricky. Fortunately, there are carpet cleaners specifically designed for even the most bizarre scenarios. When tackling a carpet stain, be sure to blot the area rather than wiping it. Wiping a stain can rub it deeper into a carpet, while blotting does a much better job absorbing it. Since the dawn of civilization, humans have cared for their floors. Ancient peoples fashioned brooms from turkey feathers, corn husks, and reeds to tend their dwellings. Native Americans smoothed and compacted peanut shells to create a solid surface in their homes. The Greeks created mosaic floors, made from thousands of different colored pebbles. But what happens when our head is too high in the clouds that we neglect the ground beneath our feet? Just look at the leaning tower of Pisa.OK, fine…inadequate ground for a foundation might be out of your control. Caring for your floors, however, is not. This winter, give your floors the attention they crave. They will repay your kindness, I promise.
Angelo DiGangi is an “on the floor” sales associate at a Home Depot in the Chicago suburbs. Angelo also writes on DIY flooring projects for Home Depot’s website, providing advice on repair and maintenance of hardwood, tile, and other floor materials. Angelo has worked at Home Depot since 1994.
We hope this has been inspiring and helpful for you. Feel free to comment and share. Until next time – Keep It Simple!
