As the weather gets cooler and you prepare your home for fall and winter, don’t forget about your floors! Colder temperatures and changes in humidity can damage all types of flooring. Follow these tips on preparing floors to help your carpets, vinyl, and other floors stay looking their best all season long.
Prep Your Carpets
Carpets take a beating in colder weather. Not only do they see more foot traffic as people come in and out, but moisture, salt, and sand takes its toll. Give your carpets some extra attention before winter arrives.
Vacuum thoroughly
Go over all areas of carpet multiple times to pick up dirt and debris you might normally miss. Remove ground-in crumbs, pet hair, and lingering summer pollen. Thorough fall vacuuming makes carpets easier to maintain all winter.
Shampoo if needed
Check for stains that might have set over warmer months. If you notice new spills or trouble spots, use a carpet cleaner to lift out dirt. Always allow carpets to dry completely according to directions before walking on them.
Consider professional cleaning
While you can rent carpet cleaning machines from many grocery and hardware stores, sometimes it pays to hire a professional. Pros have industrial machines, high-powered drying systems, and specialized products to disinfect carpets and treat stubborn issues like pet odor. Ask for any pre-treatment necessary to protect against salt and melt drips if you live in snowy climates.
Check for dampness
Scan basements and crawl spaces for moisture problems. Use a dehumidifier to prevent mold and rot if needed. Address any leaks or drainage issues outside that might be causing puddles near exterior walls. Wet carpeting during freezing weather can deteriorate carpets quickly.
Protect Vinyl Floors
Vinyl is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. But even this family-friendly flooring needs a little extra care once the weather turns cold. Make sure your vinyl plank, tile, and sheet flooring makes it through winter looking fabulous with these tips:
Clean regularly
From muddy boots to holiday cooking splatters, vinyl floors see a lot once families spend more time inside. Vacuum, sweep, or mop at least once a week. Spot clean spills when they happen. Don’t let any messes dry on the surface.
Avoid salt and melt damage
Rock salt and other ice melting products can leave a hazy film, cloudy spots, or white streaks if vinyl isn’t cleaned up promptly. Keep a bunch of old towels by the door and encourage everyone to wipe feet well. Use floor mats and runners to cut down on tracked-in mess. Mop up minor drips. For major spills or slush puddles, grab a mop immediately to prevent permanent damage, fading or etched textures.
Inspect for wear
Look closely for scratches, chips, cracks, or peeling around high-traffic zones and pivot points once dirt is removed. Winter welcomes more galoshes, heels, and heavy furniture moving which can be tough on floors. Address any problem areas with vinyl filler, seals, or patches before covering with rugs. Consider adding more area rugs this time of year.
Watch indoor humidity
Cold external temperatures plus blasting indoor heat can dry the air significantly. Install humidifiers as needed to keep humidity around 30-50 percent, which is healthiest for floors and people. Very low humidity could cause vinyl planks to shrink or loosen at the seams. Humidifiers also help keep static and winter shocks at bay.
Rearrange furniture
Moving couches, tables, and entertainment systems back into place after deep cleaning is a nice way to refresh a room. But take care not to drag heavy pieces across vinyl floors to avoid scratches or seam splits. Use furniture sliders, casters, or rolling dollies instead.
Beyond Vacuuming – Deep Cleaning Tips for Fall
While vacuuming picks up surface-level debris, deeper periodic cleaning helps carpets and vinyl floors stay looking refreshed. Here are suggestions for tackling a thorough floor revival before frigid temps arrive:
For wall-to-wall carpeting:
- Work in sections for large areas.
- Pre-treat stains if necessary.
- Mix carpet shampoo solution according to product directions.
- Use carpet rakes or groomers to fluff piles while washing.
- Extract cleaning solution immediately before it saturates padding.
- Allow a full 24-48 hours of drying time.
For vinyl floors:
- Remove furniture, rugs, and small décor items from cleaning area.
- Sweep then mop thoroughly with vinyl floor cleaner.
- Change rinse water often to prevent residue.
- Check corners and along edges for hidden grime.
- Let floors dry completely, about 1-2 hours.
- Replace pads, rugs, and furniture. Avoid dragging.
Final Words
By taking a little extra time to care for carpets and vinyls before cold weather and indoor parties kick into high gear, you’ll give your floors the best chance of staying fresh all season long. Pay special attention to high-traffic routes and entryways first. Then create a regular maintenance routine to keep floors clean once winter arrives. With some concerted prep now, you can relax and enjoy the holidays, knowing your floors are protected.
If you notice any damages to your flooring, you can think about replacing it. However, there is no need to spend a fortune to get the job done. We at Crazy Price Carpets can help you with affordable flooring options for anyone.