The holidays are a magical time but they can also be tough on our homes. Between visiting guests, decorations and increased foot traffic, your flooring needs a little extra care to stay looking its best. Here’s how to keep your home festive and floor-friendly this Christmas.
1. Protect High-Traffic Areas
Use rugs or runners in entryways and hallways where guests will walk most. This protects your floors from dirt, wet shoes and scuffs.
2. Watch Out for Water and Mud
Winter weather means wet boots and umbrellas. Place mats inside and outside entrances to catch moisture and prevent slipping.
3. Safe Decoration Placement
Avoid placing heavy or pointy decorations directly on delicate flooring. Use protective pads under trees, candle holders and other festive décor.
4. Quick Clean-Ups
Spills happen! Keep a soft mop or microfiber cloth handy to clean up food, drink or melted snow immediately.
5. Plan Ahead for Parties
If you’re hosting a family gathering, consider temporarily moving fragile or high-value furniture out of main traffic areas. This reduces the risk of scratches or dents.
6. Mind Your Pets
If you have pets, festive excitement can mean more paw traffic indoors. Trim nails before parties and keep pet areas clean to avoid scratches or muddy paw prints on your floors.
7. Protect Against Furniture Movement
Extra chairs or tables for guests can scrape floors when moved around. Use felt pads or sliders under furniture legs to prevent accidental scratches.
8. Seasonal Floor Maintenance
Consider a quick seasonal clean before and after the holidays. For wood floors, a light polish or wax can help maintain shine; for vinyl or LVT, a thorough mop keeps them looking fresh.
With a few simple precautions, your floors can survive the festive season looking fantastic. Enjoy the holidays without worrying about damage and your home stays beautiful and welcoming for family and friends.
Photo by Mark Hall on Unsplash