Holiday Ready Floors

Holiday-Ready Floors by NK Floors

The anticipation for the holidays is at its peak! The plans have been made. Christmas party dates are approaching, the food is catered, the decorations are perfect, and guests will soon arrive. But what about your floors? Are they holiday-ready? Don’t neglect this essential element when decorating with warmth and cozy vibes. Here is how your flooring can shine bright and create a place where you can build holiday memories to last a lifetime.

Be clean and neat. Nothing will quench holiday charm like an untidy floor. Our families and pets live on our floors, but it doesn’t have to look like we do. A clean, uncluttered area is the best space to create a welcoming environment for guests. First, move furniture and thoroughly vacuum. For dingy carpets, depending on the wear and stain level, opt to either have a professional clean or replace them with a high-traffic, pet-friendly remnant. For hardwoods, dust with a damp mop and clean with a wood-friendly cleaner like Bona.  Avoid excess water, steam, or abrasive cleaners on wood, as it will cause damage over time and void the manufacturer’s warranty. Polish on hardwood is not recommended due to it complicating the refinishing process. For tile, avoid any cleaning products or tools that would stain or chip the tile or loosen the grout. A mild soap with water lifts most dirt and stains, or a professional tile and grout cleaner can be used with a sponge and grout brush. The key is to be consistent with cleaning before and after the holidays.

Protect hard surfaces. With more traffic coming in and out of your home during this time of year, it is important to protect hardwood and vinyl from scratches. Opt to place mats at each entryway. Remember to place protective felt pads at the bottoms of chairs, couches, and furniture. During the holidays, furniture gets moved around more frequently, and you don’t want any lingering reminders of the festivities in the form of new scratches on your floors. Sweep the floor and wipe with a microfiber mop between meals and high traffic times of the day. Scuff marks can be buffed with a soft cloth, scrubbed with a damp sponge, and buffed dry.

Include seasonal area rugs. A warm, rich area carpet brings a new holiday look to your house. Color on the floor, especially on top of earthy hardwood and vinyl, adds depth and dimension while pulling in other holiday decor from the room. Not only will area rugs help preserve your floors during high-traffic gatherings, but they will also be inviting to the eye. Consider adding an area rug to the front foyer, kitchen, hallways, and living room. Placing non-slip pads beneath decorative rugs will help prevent sliding and ensure they stay in place.

With a bit of attention and care, your floors can be the unsung heroes of your holiday decor. Clean, protected, and adorned with seasonal touches, they’ll impress your guests and provide the perfect foundation for cherished holiday moments.

Article by Karie Owens