If you have engineered or hardwood flooring, you want to keep them looking great. During the holidays, we tend to have more than just our own household coming and going, and that means a lot more traffic on your floors. Our immediate family often comes in through the garage and takes their shoes off (which is one great way to protect your wood flooring). But, how can you keep your floors looking great with company in and out all season long?
Doormats
One of the easiest ways to do that is to use doormats outside every entry door. Doormats are an invitation to visitors to wipe their feet. Since one of the biggest hazards to wood flooring is scratching, it’s important that the sand, dirt, and rocks that may be lodged in the treads of shoes be dislodged before entering. Choose a doormat that has a rough, but flexible, surface to get in between the shoe treads.
Remove Shoes
Your family may already be in this habit. Don’t be shy about asking your guests to remove their shoes upon entering your home. A shoe shelf or tray can make it clear that shoes come off and where they go. If you think someone may feel uncomfortable going barefoot, offer spa slippers that can be easily washed.
Area Rugs
If you’re uncomfortable asking your guests to remove their shoes, have an area rug inside the front door. This gives a second place for your guests to further remove debris from their shoes, without them even realizing that’s what you’re doing. The act of walking on the area rug or runner helps remove even more sand and dirt before it gets on your flooring.
Sweep Regularly
The more people in and out of your home, the more you’ll want to sweep the floors. You may not even see much of the sand that is so much a part of our life in Clearwater and along the beaches, which is why it presents a hazard to all flooring. Even the tiniest grains act like sandpaper on the floors removing the finish layer. Because there is more dirt near your entryways, you’ll end up with flooring that wears unevenly if you don’t stay on top of sweeping. If you are using area rugs, it’s important to lift them and sweep underneath every time too.
If it’s too late for your flooring because of years of wear, contact Seer Flooring. One of our many service offerings for both hardwood and laminate is as a hardwood floor refinishing company. We also rescreen hardwood and engineered wood flooring if you don’t yet need a total refinish. Of course, if it’s time for new floors, we offer a wide variety of flooring types and are a new floor installation company. Call 727-785-1930 to schedule your appointment today.