Fall is finally here! In the Pacific Northwest, that means kids are back in school, the air is crisp, and rain is on the way. Your floors are about to take a beating, so it’s the perfect time to prep your home for the season. Here’s what to expect and how to care for your floors.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood expands and contracts with changes in weather and humidity. Right now, you may notice more gaps between boards, which is normal as your floors shrink in cooler temperatures. Keep your home’s temperature consistent between 60 to 70°F. This is not the time to go on vacation and turn off your heat. also a great time to service your central heating system to make sure it’s ready for winter.
With rain approaching, hardwood and water don’t mix well. If your home allows shoes, protect your floors by placing rugs at each entrance. Stop by our showroom for a quick solution in our “Grab & Go” rug section, where bound foot rugs now start at $15.
Don’t forget to check the protective felt pads under your furniture. Replace any loose pads to prevent scratches and help your floors last through the season.
Carpet Care
Wet shoes and muddy paws can lead to stubborn stains. Be sure to wipe shoes and paws thoroughly, or consider a shoe-free policy in your home during fall and winter.
As you spend more time indoors, your carpets are more prone to spills, crumbs, hair, and dirt. Vacuum more frequently and spot clean regularly to prevent dirt from embedding into fibers. Consider limiting eating or drinking on carpeted areas, or add area rugs to high traffic spots.
For stubborn stains, Shaw has an excellent interactive stain guide here. Select the type of stain, and it tells you exactly how to clean it based on your flooring type, which is super handy and easy to use.
Luxury Vinyl (LVP/ LVT) and Laminate
LVT and laminate are built to handle fall and winter wear. LVP is waterproof and handles muddy shoes and dripping coats easily. Laminate is durable but requires quick attention to water, because if water sits too long, swelling can occur.
For both types of flooring, sweep and vacuum more often, and check shoes for rocks before walking on floors to prevent scratches. Keep small rugs at entrances to catch moisture, especially for laminate floors.
For any flooring care questions, feel free to call us at 503-641-1901.
Here’s to a happy, clean, and cozy fall season!