Hardwood floors are a beautiful investment in your home, but summer weather can bring some unique challenges for maintaining their shine and strength. With higher humidity, increased foot traffic, and greater exposure to sunlight, it’s essential to give your floors a little extra attention during the warmer months. Caring for hardwood floors changes a bit with the seasons, so it’s important to keep up with appropriate maintenance depending on the time of year.
Follow these five summer-specific maintenance tips to keep your hardwood floors in top shape.
Control Humidity Levels
Summer brings higher humidity, which can cause hardwood to swell, cup, or warp. To prevent these humidity-related problems, use a dehumidifier or run your air conditioning to maintain indoor humidity between 35% and 55%. A hygrometer (humidity monitor) can help you keep track of the humidity levels in your home.
Protect from Sunlight
Direct sunlight can fade and discolor wood floors over time. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-blocking window film during the sunniest parts of the day to reduce exposure to sunlight. Rotating rugs and furniture occasionally can also help prevent uneven fading.
Watch Out for Water
Summer means pool days, sprinkler fun, and unexpected rain showers. Ensure everyone dries off thoroughly before walking on your floors, and place absorbent mats at the entryways. Even small amounts of water can cause long-term damage to hardwood.
Keep Dirt and Sand at Bay
We all love a beach day, but we want to leave the beach at the beach. It’s easy to track sand from the beach and dirt and small rocks from outdoor play inside. These can act like sandpaper, scratching the surface of your floors. To protect your floor, place mats at all entrances and have your family take their dirty shoes off before they reach the wood floors.
Stick to a Cleaning Routine
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove debris, and use a microfiber mop with a wood-safe cleaner to keep your floors clean without damaging the finish. Avoid using wet mops or steam cleaners, as they can force moisture into the wood, potentially causing damage. If you need to use water to clean up a mess, dry the floor right away so water doesn’t seep in.
Install Hardwood Floors with Creighton Floor Covering
Hardwood floors are a beautiful investment for any home, and simple but diligent maintenance can keep them that way. If you’re considering upgrading your home’s flooring, you’ll need our team at Creighton Floor Covering. We can help you choose the best flooring materials for your home based on your preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
