Tips for Maintaining Hardwood Flooring Through Every Season

Hardwood floors are the darling commodity of homes: a natural, tough, and eternally elegant finish. But even top-quality hardwood flooring needs maintenance to shine. If not appropriately addressed, seasonal changes, humidity, temperature, and increased foot traffic can wreak havoc on hardwood floors.

So, be directional in your approach, whether you reach an end closer to November 2023 or not. As professional flooring contractors and home remodeling specialists, we provide practical, actionable tips for maintaining your hardwood floors through every season without stress or repair expense. 

Contractors and home remodelling experts, we’re here to provide breaking, real-time advice and easy-maintenance tips to help you protect your hardwood floors year-round, hassle-free, and without pricey repairs.

All about the Nature of Hardwood Floors

Wood is a natural material, so it reacts to its surroundings. To be more specific, it expands and contracts as humidity and temperature vary:

• Winter: The lack of moisture causes hardwood to contract, creating tiny gaps between the planks.
  
  
  

• Summer: High humidity makes hardwood swell and may cause it to cup or warp..

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) says that as a general rule, indoor relative humidity should be maintained between 30% and 50%, and temperatures should be kept between 60°F and 80°F to ensure the best conditions for hardwood floors. Level up with a quality humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on the season.

Spring: The Season of Renewal (and Moisture!)

Spring brings moisture, mud, and pollen, making it a critical time for floor care.

1. Place Entry Mats and Shoe Trays

Spring showers bring muddy shoes. Use heavy-duty entry mats both inside and outside all entrances. Shoe trays help contain wet footwear and prevent water from seeping into your hardwood.

2. Clean Up Spills Promptly

The enemy of hardwood is moisture. Dab up any mud or water immediately as it hits the floor. Consider a damp microfiber mop (no extra water).

3. Perform a Deep Clean

Spring is a great time to do a deep clean of your floors. An installer or manufacturer of your floors can recommend a pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Avoid vinegar, ammonia, and steam cleaners; they can strip the finish and damage the wood.

Summer: Heat and Humidity Challenges

With rising temperatures and increased humidity, summer can make your floors expand.

1. Use a Dehumidifier

Humidity can distort shape (cupping, when the edges of the planks are higher than the centre). Cranking up a dehumidifier will correct moisture balance indoors, in basements, and in houses without central air.

2. Block Direct Sunlight

UV rays can lighten hardwood on a gradual basis. Sunlight and UV rays can cause damage to carpeting, couches, and even paintings, so use curtains or UV-protective window films to protect them and maintain greater harmony by keeping colours consistent throughout the space.

3. Keep Indoor Temps Stable

Air conditioning is also used to help stabilize temperatures in the home, preventing the wood from swelling due to extreme heat. Try not to keep indoor temps over 80°F for extended periods.

Fall: Prep for Cooler Weather

Autumn is the perfect time to reinforce your floor care habits and prepare for the dry winter months.

1. Reapply Protective Coatings (if needed)

Check for signs of wear, especially in high-traffic areas. If your floors are beginning to dull or lose their sheen, a light recoat with polyurethane may help restore protection.

2. Clean and Inspect Rugs

Area rugs trap dirt and help protect flooring from scratches. Vacuum them regularly and clean the carpet and the floor beneath to prevent abrasion from dust particles.

3. Check Floor Gaps

As temperatures begin to drop, you may notice small gaps forming. These are typically harmless and temporary, but consistently significant gaps may indicate an underlying issue that a flooring expert should assess.

Winter: Dry Air and Holiday Traffic

Cold, dry air causes wood to contract, while boots and heavy foot traffic from holiday guests increase wear and tear.

1. Run a Humidifier

Use a humidifier to help maintain healthy moisture levels in your house. This will prevent wood from drying out and cracking or warping.

2. Lay Down Extra Rugs

Set rugs at entryways, in hallways, and under dining tables to catch road salt, snow, and spills. Doing so can help keep the rug from slipping or bunching on the floor, but choosing non-slip rug pads that are safe for your hardwood flooring is still recommended.

3. Trim Pet Nails and Use Furniture Pads

Winter means pets are home more, and furniture is shuffled for guests. Trim pet nails and install felt pads under the bottom of furniture legs to avoid scratches.

Year-Round Maintenance Tips

No matter the season, here are essential practices to maintain the longevity and beauty of your hardwood floors:

Sweep or Vacuum Regularly

Dirt and grit act like sandpaper underfoot. Use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a hardwood-safe attachment.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Only use cleaning products that are safe for hardwood floors. Harsh chemicals can strip finishes and degrade the wood.

Protect High-Traffic Zones

Install runners or area rugs in hallways, kitchens, and entryways to reduce wear.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Consider having a professional flooring contractor refinish or buff your hardwood floors every few years to maintain their appearance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning homeowners can make mistakes. Here are a few to watch for:

• Skipping humidity control: As noted, it’s crucial for seasonal wood stability.

• Wearing high heels indoors: These can dent wood and damage finishes.

• Using steam mops: Despite being marketed as safe, steam can seep into seams and cause warping.

• Neglecting spills: Even small water spills can cause long-term damage if ignored.

Choosing the Right Flooring Experts

While hardwood floors are built to last, proper installation and professional guidance are key. At Smart Remodelling Solutions, our experienced team doesn’t just install or repair hardwood flooring; we partner with you to create a maintenance-friendly, high-performance space.

Our services extend beyond flooring. Whether you're seeking:

• A flooring contractor to install engineered hardwood,
  
  
  
  

• A tile installation company for your kitchen or bath,
  
  
  
  

• Or an outdoor remodelling contractor to extend your living space

We’re equipped to handle it all, with fair pricing, honest advice, and results that match your vision.

Science of It: What the Research Shows

According to the Forest Products Laboratory, hardwood flooring's dimensional response is directly dependent on equilibrium moisture content (EMC), which is determined by relative humidity. 

This reinforces that controlling the conditions you maintain inside with ventilation, dehumidification, and temperature control shouldn’t be just a recommendation; it’s a science that pertains to the longevity of hardwood floors.

Keep Your Floors Looking Their Best All Season Long

Hardwood flooring gives warmth and sophistication to every home, but only when well looked after. With small seasonal changes and an active practice of your maintenance plan, your beautiful hardwood floors will last many years and shine their way into the next decade and beyond.

Looking to refinish, replace, or protect your existing floors? Or considering a full-on home renovation?

Finally, let Smart Remodelling Solutions help make your dream a reality.

Visit www.smartremodelingsolutions.com to schedule a consultation and see how our professional team can help you with tile repair, painting, cabinetry, flooring installation, and more.