Whether you’ve got college kids coming home for break, family visiting or friends dropping by to celebrate, you’ll likely have much more foot traffic and activity in your home this holiday season.
Typically, the holidays bring more guests, which leads to increased wear and tear on carpets, hardwood and tile floors in your home. Plus, with bigger crowds comes the likelihood of spills from holiday foods and drinks, which can pose a challenge to floor maintenance.
Prioritize Home Flooring Care This Festive Season
We all want our homes to be guest-ready during the holidays.Clean and well-maintained floors can help make your home feel warm, welcoming and festive. Plus, by taking the time to prep your floors for the holidays, you’ll protect your flooring investment by reducing wear and tear.
Use This Guide to Get Ready
Our Dover Floor & Tile Center experts have created the ultimate flooring care guide with easy-to-follow, practical tips for maintaining your home’s floors during the busy holiday season. Read on for the latest trends and technologies in floor care with the up-to-date advice you need for less stress and more cheer this holiday.
Preparing and Protecting Your Floors for Festive Gatherings
Because the holiday season is a time for opening your home for celebrations and gatherings, your floors can take a beating. That’s why it’s essential to plan and take steps to protect your flooring before the holiday season arrives.
Pre-Holiday Floor Care Planning
One of the most important things you can do is to inspect your floors for any needed repairs or deep cleaning. Look for any cracks, scratches or stains that must be addressed. If you have hardwood floors, check for any loose or damaged planks. If you have carpets or area rugs, schedule a professional deep cleaning to remove any dirt, dust and allergens accumulated over the year.
Another critical step is rearranging your furniture to create open, inviting spaces for guests while protecting vulnerable flooring areas. For example, you may want to remove your coffee table and rug to prevent damage from accidental spills.
Finally, consider placing runners or doormats in entryways, high-traffic areas and under dining tables to help trap dirt and moisture before it reaches your floors. Additionally, use felt pads under furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy items across the floor to prevent scratches and scuffs.
Managing Spills and Stains
When preventing stains on sensitive flooring materials, the most important thing is to act quickly. If you spill something, blot it up immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the flooring.
If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water after cleaning. For oily stains, you may need to use a powder detergent or cornstarch to absorb the oil before cleaning.
Here are some additional tips for removing specific types of stains from sensitive flooring materials, both carpet and hard surfaces:
- Food and drink stains: Blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth. Then, apply a mixture of one part dish soap and two parts water to the stain. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then blot it up with a clean cloth.
- Pet stains: Blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth. Then, apply a mixture of white vinegar and two parts water to the stain. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then blot it up with a clean cloth.
- Grease and oil stains: Sprinkle the stain with cornstarch or powder detergent. Let the powder sit for a few minutes to absorb the oil. Then, once the powder is try, vacuum the powder and clean the area with a mild soap and water solution.
When choosing a cleaning product for sensitive flooring materials, selecting one specifically designed for that type of flooring is important. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners (including acidic or alkaline ones), as these can damage the flooring. If you are still deciding which cleaning product to use, consulting with a professional flooring contractor is always best.
Post-Event Floor Care
After a holiday gathering, it’s essential to clean your floors thoroughly. This will help remove any dirt, dust, debris or spills that may have accumulated during the event. It’s also an excellent time to inspect your floors for damage or wear.
Here are some tips for giving your floors a comprehensive post-gathering cleaning:
- Sweep or vacuum your floors thoroughly. This will remove any loose dirt, dust or debris.
- Mop your floors with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse the floors thoroughly with clean water after mopping.
- Spot-clean any spills or stains. If you have any stubborn stains, you may need a commercial cleaner or stain remover (again, call your flooring pro for their recommendations).
- Inspect your floors for any damage or wear. If you find any cracks, scratches or dents, you may need to repair them professionally.
Year-Round Floor Maintenance
The best way to keep your floors looking their best is to maintain them year-round. This includes regular cleaning, deep cleaning, and protection.
Here are some tips for maintaining your floors year-round:
- Regular cleaning: Sweep or vacuum your floors daily and mop them weekly. This will help remove dirt, dust and debris before they can damage your floors.
- Deep cleaning: Deep-clean your floors every 3-6 months, depending on your flooring type. Hardwood floors should be deep cleaned by a professional, but you can deep clean carpets using a rental carpet cleaner.
- Protection: Use place mats and coasters under food and drinks to protect your floors from spills. If you have furniture with sharp legs, use felt pads under the feet to guard from scratches. And remember to use a rug or carpet runner to protect high-traffic areas.
Pro Floor Care Tips:
- If you have hardwood floors, use a damp mop instead of a wet mop, and be sure to dry the floors quickly. This will help to prevent the wood from warping or cracking.
- If you have tile floors, seal them regularly (based on the manufacturer’s recommendations) to help protect the tile from stains and damage.
- If you have pets, trim their nails regularly to prevent them from scratching your floors.
- If you have young children, use placemats and coasters under food and drinks to protect your floors from spills.
Final Thoughts About Holiday Flooring Care
With extra care and attention, you can keep your floors looking their best all season long and enjoy your holiday festivities without stress. Regular sweeping and light mopping, prompt spill cleanup, furniture protectors and sealed grout are vital to maintaining beautiful floors throughout the holiday season and beyond.
If you’ve got questions about your floor care, visit the pros at Dover Flooring & Tile Center in North Olmsted. We’re here to help!
Have a wonderful holiday season.
Beth Orr
