Most of us are busily preparing for the end-of-year celebrations as the year slowly draws to a close. It’s a good time with lots of events, dinners, parties, and get-togethers for family, friends, and co-workers. People drop off gifts, there are more gatherings in the workplace and the all important Christmas Do takes place!
And while it is unquestionably the best time of the year, your floors might not appreciate it as much. For many of us, the end-of-year holidays fall around the wettest, muckiest, and snowiest season of the year, which could destroy your beautiful flooring. Even if the weather is dry and sunny where you live, the extra foot traffic and joyful holiday exuberance of party visitors might scrape, discolour, or damage your floors.
However, there are a few logical preventative steps you can take to lessen the damage caused by inclement weather and gatherings, regardless of whether you have hardwood, laminate, or carpeted flooring.
Tip Number 1: Doormats
Although doormats are sensible all year round, they are most definitely important around busy times of the year like the Christmas holidays when visitors increase, and the weather conditions worsen. The number one culprit for floor damage is dirt and debris, which can be easily reduced with the help of a doormat. You will especially thank having a doormat at all of your entrances if salt grit is outside because this stuff will really damage your flooring.
Door mats will remove the majority of dirt and debris, but it only takes one little stone to be trapped on the sole of your shoe to scratch all your flooring. If you’re protecting a large area like an entryway to a hotel or busy office block, consider expanding the area of your doormat. You could even make it a standout piece in your commercial building and have a mat that makes a statement.
Tip Number 2: Use Area Rugs
Using area rugs in high-traffic areas throughout your building can be a really great way to minimise damage as well as adding some extra warmth to your area when it gets colder. Adding rugs to your hallways, communal areas and anywhere where food and drink would be served can prevent spillages and stains on your flooring.
Tip Number 3: Christmas Tree Maintenance
Believe it or not, your Christmas could be causing some serious damage to your floors. This goes for real trees only. When the pines fall off your tree, if not kept on top of, it can seriously scratch your floor. If you have carpet, then this won’t be an issue for you. However, if you have hardwood floors, laminate or vinyl, the pines can easily scratch and scuff your flooring if you don’t keep on top of sweeping them up.
Additionally, use a tray or mat underneath your tree bucket. If there is too much water in your bucket, this can easily overflow and cause water damage to your floor. And this one does apply to carpeted areas too! Not to mention, the stand itself can be very heavy, so adding a layer between the stand and your floor will help reduce dints and scratches.
So, even though it’s the most wonderful time of the year, you don’t want to be left with additional costs after the festivities are over, trying to repair your floors. Take the relevant precautions now and when the New Year rolls around a quick mop and hoover should be all it takes to return your floors to perfect condition. If you’re after new flooring and want to enter the New Year with brand-new floors, contact our team today to see how we can help.
