Protecting your floors during the summer keeps flooring in better condition for longer. Summer is here and for many, this means lots of fun outdoors. However, anyone who has children and pets knows which keepsakes are brought home from summer adventures in the garden and park , namely dirt and grime that land directly on the hardwood flooring or carpet.
Proper care and cleaning are required to protect carpets. By doing this, you not only get rid of dirt, but also prevent it. Here at Brookside, we explain how you can keep your flooring beautiful and clean, even in the summer months.
Sunlight
You are careful to protect your skin during the warm summer months, the same should go for your floors! Just as too much sun can damage your skin, direct sunlight can easily damage your floor and cause unsightly fading and discoloration. Not only will closing blinds or drawing curtains keep your home cooler in those warm summer months, but it will also prevent unnecessary damage to your lovely hardwood flooring.
Water
A quick paddle in the pool or a run through the sprinkler is a great, refreshing way to exercise and cool off when the temperature climbs to uncomfortably high levels. Be sure that when playtime is over, everyone is towelled off and dry before heading back into the house. Wood and water never mix. Be sure to mop up spills as soon as possible to keep your floors looking great.
Protection
As people come in and out of your home during the sunny summer months, they’re inevitably bringing in dirt, sand, grit amongst other things with them. All of these, in turn, can do serious damage to your floor in a small amount of time. Therefore, place doormats outside your doors, and ask that all family members, friends, and guests wipe their shoes on them before entering.
Hoover rather than sweep
Dragging dirt, sand, and other particles across the floor will damage it over time. One of the best interventions you can implement in maintaining the cleanliness of your carpet is vacuuming frequently. Vacuuming has the capacity to remove dirt, allergens, and dust from the rugs. This will also prevent any gradual wear & abrasion on the fibres of the carpet due to abrasive sand and dirt particles.
In terms of how frequent you should vacuum, if children or pets live in your home, 2-3 times a week, with just a couple adults, once a week will do.
Shoe free zone
Whilst the children are home for the summer, this will mean a greater amount of foot traffic in your home. To reduce the amount of dirt on your carpet, make your home a shoe-free zone. Place a shoe rack at entryways where everyone can leave their outdoor shoes.
Get the professionals in
Sometimes, carpets require professional cleaning to remove dirt, bacteria, allergens and detergent residues. You can also hire a professional come out to simply “spot clean” areas that may receive more traffic and soil. A professional cleaning service can help keep a carpet fresh and extend its life drastically.
For more help and advise on how to keep your flooring in tip top condition, why not visit our Market Harborough showroom. Our friendly and expert staff are always on hand to offer advice. To make an appointment contact 01858 433334.