Hardwood floors look stylish, are durable, and long-lasting, but
one major drawback is how slippery they can be. If you have children, pets,
or are a little older, it can be quite dangerous, but there are things you
can do to make you floor safer. Take a look at these
tips:
Keep it Clean
Hardwood floors are not naturally slippery,
but can become so if they’re not cleaned regularly. Then there’s the question
of what to clean it with – certain products can make your floor even more
accident prone! Your floor will also understandably become slippery after
being waxed or varnished, so be sure to clean the residue up after a suitable
time. You should also clean up any spills as soon as
possible.
Try the Following
Check with your manufacturer for the best
way to clean your hardwood floor, but generally you can make a mix and clean
most floors successfully by doing the following:
- Sweep the floor to remove dirt and dust
- Make a solution with vinegar (1 cup) and water (1
gallon) - Mop floor, wringing out regularly so the floor
isn’t too damp - Wipe with dry towel
Use Non-Slip Treatments
Your local homeware store will have
non-slip treatments you can use – just remember to test them out on an
inconspicuous area first as you don’t want to cause any damage to the wood.
Again, the manufacturer may have advice on which products work best with your
floor.
Use Area Rugs
Area rugs and runner carpets are another
way in which you can minimize the risk of slips and falls. You should use
these in areas that receive the lion’s share of the foot traffic. If you
don’t want to ruin the overall aesthetic of your hardwood floor, place doormats
at entrances and encourage your family into the habit of not wearing shoes
inside.
The Finish
This only applies if you’re looking for new
hardwood floors – check what finishes are available and which is most
suitable for your home.
