Families in Minnesota deal with snow practically on a daily basis during winter, but they will get a chance to celebrate it in earnest on Jan. 20 for World Snow Day. Established by the International Ski Federation, the day is meant to bring children and their families together to enjoy snow sports at specially organized events across the globe. World Snow Day also presents an excellent opportunity to teach children how to protect and care for residential flooring after a long day of playing in the snow. Use these tips to keep your carpet, vinyl, or hardwood flooring in top shape year-round. 

3 Tips For Keeping Residential Flooring Safe in Winter

1. Use Mats at Entryways

Placing protective rubber or waterproof mats at all doorways can prevent those who enter your home from tracking snow, mud, and road salt indoors, all of which can stain or damage your flooring. Sometimes pebbles and rocks get trapped in the soles of snow boots, so encouraging people to leave their shoes at the door or even outside can prevent scratches, too. Placing area rugs over your flooring can also protect hardwood, laminate, and vinyl floors. 

2. Clean Floors More Often

Sometimes snow and ice will still make its way inside, despite your best intentions. However, vacuuming and shampooing residential flooring throughout the winter can improve the quality and appearance of the material. It strengthens carpet fibers and prevents debris, such as melting snow, from causing water damage or staining vinyl or hardwood flooring. 

3. Use a Humidifier

Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your flooring in winter, due to the lack of humidity caused by your furnace or heating system. When the wooden planks of your hardwood floors become dry and cold, they sometimes shrink and pull apart, but running a humidifier can help prevent later unwanted flooring repairs. If you do run a humidifier, be sure to moderate it to keep humidity levels between 35% and 50%, as too much humidity can also warp hardwood flooring.

Residents of Anoka County, MN, who find themselves in need of new flooring installation or flooring repairs this winter can rely on quality services from Lakeside Floor Coverings. With more than two decades of experience, the family-owned and operated commercial and residential flooring company specializes in helping clients select and install flooring that best suits their lifestyle and taste. To learn more about their specific services, visit them online or give them a call at (763) 503-0100.