How to Keep Your Floors Looking Great Through Snow, Salt, and Moisture
Alberta winters mean snowy boots, muddy paws, and plenty of road salt getting tracked into the house. Before long, all that moisture and dirt can leave your floors looking worse for wear.
Whether you have hardwood, vinyl, tile, or carpet, proper care and maintenance of your flooring products during winter can help prevent stains, scratches, and moisture damage.
Here are some practical ways to protect your floors from everything an Alberta winter brings.
Keep Snow and Salt From Getting Tracked Inside
During winter, snow, slush, and road salt can easily get tracked throughout the house, especially when everyone is coming and going.
A good doormat, both inside and outside your entrance, can help catch most of the mess before it reaches your floors. It’s also worth keeping a boot tray near the door so wet shoes have somewhere to dry.
Try to wipe up any puddles as soon as you notice them, particularly on hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring. Leaving water sitting for too long can damage the flooring or cause moisture to seep between the seams.
Don’t forget to shake out your mats regularly, too. Salt and small pieces of gravel can collect underneath and scratch your floors over time.
Protect Hardwood Floors From Winter Moisture
Hardwood floors need extra attention in winter, especially around entrances where snow and road salt tend to collect.
Hardwood is particularly sensitive to moisture, so watch areas near entrances where wet boots and shoes can leave puddles. Regular sweeping or vacuuming will also help remove salt and gravel before they scratch the finish.
For regular cleaning, stick to a hardwood-safe cleaner and a slightly damp mop. Too much water or the wrong cleaning products can damage the finish and leave your floors looking dull.
Keep Vinyl Plank and Tile Floors Clean
Vinyl plank and tile are relatively easy to clean, which makes them popular choices for busy households. However, snow, salt, and dirt can still leave their mark.
Salt and sand can leave fine scratches on vinyl, while dirt and moisture can collect along seams. Sweep or vacuum regularly and clean up spills before they have a chance to set.
For tile flooring, pay extra attention to grout lines. Road salt and dirt can build up over time, leaving grout looking discoloured.
Use cleaning products suited to your flooring material and avoid abrasive scrubbers that could damage the surface.
Don’t Forget About Carpet
During winter, dirt, salt, and moisture can get trapped in carpet fibres, especially in hallways and other high foot-traffic areas.
Vacuum frequently to remove salt, sand, and grit before they settle deep into the carpet fibres.
If snow or slush gets tracked inside, blot the wet area with a clean towel rather than rubbing it. Let the carpet dry completely to prevent lingering moisture and odours.
For tougher stains, use a carpet cleaner approved for your carpet type. It’s also worth arranging a professional deep cleaning when winter is over, especially in homes with kids or pets.
Choose the Right Cleaning Products
Using the wrong cleaner can sometimes do more harm than good. Certain products can leave a cloudy residue, dull finishes, or damage protective coatings.
Before trying a new cleaning product, check that it’s suitable for your flooring type. A cleaner designed for tile, for example, might not be appropriate for hardwood or vinyl.
At Riverbend Interiors Floors & Tile, we carry floor cleaning products to help you maintain your floors and keep them looking their best.
Find Flooring Products in Cochrane at Riverbend Interiors Floors & Tile
As a family-run business serving Cochrane for over 25 years, Riverbend Interiors Floors & Tile understands the challenges Alberta winters can bring.
Whether you’re looking for advice on maintaining your floors or exploring flooring products in Cochrane, our team is happy to help you find the right products for your home.
Visit Riverbend Interiors Floors & Tile to learn more about caring for your floors this winter.