Fall is officially here! This will bring on those cool Wisconsin nights we know and love. However, the changing weather may not always be good for your floors. Colder, fall weather may bring lots of leaves, dirt, mud, and dryness. Here are some tips to maintain your floors during the new season.
Leaves
When you think of fall, you think of leaves. The beautiful orange and yellows filling the skyline… for a few weeks. And then they start falling and blowing in every direction – including your home. Then as the day goes on, these leaves get stepped on and ground into the carpet. Best way to remove these little pieces? Simply, vacuum. Vacuuming is the best way to quickly remove leaves and other dirt and allergens from your carpet. Whether you can see ground in pieces or not, it’s recommended to vacuum carpet twice a week, as it traps in dust and dirt easily; and hardwood and tile should be vacuumed once per week as dust, dirt and leave particles can still collect on floor surfaces.
Dirt and mud
Mud and dirt don’t have to ruin your floors this fall!
Removing ground in dirt on your hardwood floors:
- Mix 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 2 quarts warm water.
- Using a wrung-out mop, wipe over the stain.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the residue to assist in removing buildup
- Dip a scrub brush into the mixture and scrub off any remaining residue until it’s all gone.
- Go over the floor once more with the solution and mop and let air dry.
Removing mud from carpet:
- Let the mud dry to make it easier to remove.
- When dry, vacuum the area slowly for about 30 seconds, picking up as much loose dirt as possible.
- Mix 1 teaspoon dish detergent with 1 cup warm water.
- Dip a white cloth into the solution and blot the stained areas until the stain is gone.
- Dab with a clean cloth until dry.
- If you try this a few times and the stain won’t come out, it may be a good idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned.
Dry Air
In colder weather, humidity can start to drop and leave a dryness in the air. When humidity is low, wood will release moisture which will cause the floors to contract and expand. The expansion will loosen the floorboards away from the subfloor and you may hear more of a creaking when walking around.
How to prevent these issues:
- Remove shoes when entering your home
- Add doormats
- Clean regularly floors
- Wipe your pet’s paws when they come inside
- Get a whole-house humidifier
Fall is a wonderful season and with these tips, you have nothing to fear! If you’re looking for brand new flooring for the new weather, we have hundreds of options to choose from. Give us a call today!
