The holidays are a special time when we gather with family and friends to share meals, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories. However, with the festive spirit also comes increased foot traffic, furniture shifting, and the occasional spill—all of which can pose risks to your wood floors. Without taking precautions, a single mishap could cause damage to your floors and put a damper on your holiday spirit.
If you’re hosting holiday get-togethers and worried about the toll these activities may take on your floors, don’t fret. With a few preventative measures, you can easily safeguard your hardwood surfaces. Here are some common-sense tips to enable you (and your floors) to enjoy the holidays in peace.
Use Protective Mats and Rugs in High-Traffic Areas
During the holidays, your home is likely to see more visitors, which means increased foot traffic and the potential for wear and tear on your wood floors. To minimize damage, invest in high-quality mats or area rugs to cover high-traffic zones such as entryways, hallways, and areas near dining tables. Look for rugs with a non-slip backing to ensure safety while protecting your floors.
It’s also worth placing doormats both outside and inside your entrances. These will trap dirt, sand, and moisture brought in from winter footwear before they have a chance to scratch or stain your wood flooring. Encourage guests and family members to remove their shoes at the door, even providing a dedicated space for footwear to make this a seamless habit.
Clean Spills Immediately
While holiday feasting and celebrations often bring joy, they can also lead to inevitable spills. Whether it’s a glass of red wine tipping over during a toast or gravy dripping during a festive dinner, liquids left unaddressed can seep into the surface of the wood, causing stains or even warping the wood over time.
The most effective way to prevent damage is to clean up spills as soon as they occur. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to blot—never rub—the affected area. Follow up with a gentle hardwood floor cleaner like Bona to ensure no residue is left behind. By keeping cleaning supplies on hand and within easy reach, you’ll be prepared to tackle accidents before they become problems.
Be Careful When Rearranging Furniture
Preparing for holiday gatherings often involves moving furniture to make space for decorations, create additional seating, or accommodate activities. Sometimes, the furniture-moving even happens “on the fly” to make room for more guests. However, dragging tables, chairs, or couches across your hardwood floors without proper care can leave scratches and gouges.
To protect your floors, place felt pads or furniture sliders on the legs of all pieces you plan to move. These simple yet effective tools reduce friction and prevent scratches while making furniture rearrangement easier. When moving large or heavy items, enlist help and lift the furniture instead of dragging it across the floor. Also, pay attention to well-meaning guests who want to “help” by moving furniture without asking. With these precautions, you can safely organize your space to host guests without compromising the integrity of your flooring.
Trim Your Christmas Tree with Care
If you celebrate Christmas with a real tree, it’s essential to take steps to protect your wood floors. Tree sap can be sticky and difficult to remove, while water spillage from the tree stand can lead to staining or warping. To prevent these issues, start by placing a waterproof mat or tree skirt underneath the stand. When watering the tree, use a watering can with a narrow spout and avoid overfilling the stand. Cleanup is also critical—sweep or vacuum regularly to remove fallen needles, which can become abrasive and scratch the floor if stepped on. By taking these steps, you’ll ensure your holiday centerpiece doesn’t cause accidental damage.
Establish a Floor-Friendly Cleaning Routine
During the holidays, maintaining a consistent cleaning routine will go a long way in protecting your floors. Begin by dry-mopping the floors regularly or use a vacuum with no beater brush. (Avoid anything with harsh bristles that could scratch the surface.) For extra protection, use Bona wood floor cleaner every 1-2 weeks on the floors. Regular cleaning not only preserves the appearance of your floors but also makes your home feel welcoming for guests.
Keeping Your Floors Festive and Flawless
By following these practical tips, you can protect your hardwood floors from the inevitable hustle and bustle of the holiday season. With the right precautions—like placing rugs in high-traffic areas, cleaning spills promptly, and handling furniture with care—you’ll keep your floors in excellent condition while fully enjoying the festivities.
That said, if a mishap does cause some damage–or if your wood floors are already showing signs of wear and could use a little TLC–Renaissance Hardwood Flooring is here to help. Whether your floors need refinishing or a full replacement, our team can bring your floors back to their original beauty or give your space an entirely new look. For a complementary quote in the Tulsa or Oklahoma City areas, fill out our contact form today. Happy Holidays!