The holiday season is a favorite time of year for many people. It is time for gatherings and parties with your friends and family. With the kids being out of school, your home will probably be a busy place. Unfortunately, the holidays coincide with some of the worst weather of the year. The mud, snow and water can wreak havoc on your floors, whether you have hardwood or carpet.
You’ve probably got your home and tree decorated and looking good for the holidays, but have you given any thought to protecting your floor? Here are five simple steps you can take to protect your home during the busyness of the holiday season:
- Use a Door Mat
What is the biggest threats to your floors? This dirt and debris that people bring from outside. Fortunately, you can minimize the amount of junk that comes into your house on people’s feet with a simple door mat. For maximum protection, put a mat both outside and inside your door.
- Accidents Happen; Clean up Quickly
When you have guests in your home, occasional spills are unavoidable. To keep a simple spill from damaging your floor, you’ll want to clean up as soon as possible. Keep the appropriate cleaning supplies in a handy place, and cleanup won’t be a problem.
- Use Area Rugs
High traffic areas take the most abuse. You can protect these areas with area rugs and runners. Area rugs can be a trip hazard, especially if you have elderly guests visiting your home. You can minimize this risk by using rugs with natural backing that will help them stay in place. You should avoid rubber and plastics which can hold moisture.
- Take off Your Shoes
In the old days, inviting your guests to take their shoes off was a way of making them feel welcome in your home. Bringing this holiday tradition back is a great way to protect your floor as well. It doesn’t have to be an iron-clad rule, but gently inviting your guests to remove their shoes is a great step to take.
- Give Your Guests a Place to Put Their Shoes
If you want your guests to take their shoes off, you will have to give them some place to put their shoes. If you live in a dry area, a simple area rug will work just fine. If it is particularly wet or muddy outside, you will want a boot tray to keep the mess contained.
The holidays can be a great time, but they can also be stressful. With these precautions, you can spend less energy worrying about your floors and enjoy the holidays focus on enjoying with your family and friends.