Keep Your Engineered Wood Floor Jolly This Christmas

Christmas is a time for joy, laughter, and making wonderful memories with loved ones. It’s also a time for a little extra hustle and bustle, which can sometimes be a challenge for our homes, especially our beautiful engineered wood floors. These floors are a fantastic choice for their durability and elegant appearance, but a busy festive period calls for some proactive care to keep them looking their best.

Tackle spills instantly

Let's face it, spillages are almost inevitable during Christmas. From a knocked-over glass of mulled wine to gravy drips from a overflowing plate, accidents happen. The golden rule for engineered wood floors is prompt clean-up. Don't let spills sit and soak into the wood. Gently blot them up immediately with a clean, dry cloth. For stickier messes, use a slightly damp cloth with a wood-specific cleaner, avoiding anything abrasive or overly wet. The quicker you act, the less chance of a lasting mark, keeping your floor pristine for all those festive photos.

Ban the stiletto

Guests are a big part of the Christmas charm, and with them come various shoes! While you might politely ask everyone to remove their outdoor footwear, it's particularly important to be mindful of stiletto heels. The concentrated pressure from a stiletto can be incredibly damaging to any wood floor, potentially leaving indentations or scratches. A friendly request at the door to swap stilettos for softer indoor shoes or slippers can save your floor from unwanted blemishes. Perhaps have a designated shoe rack and some festive slippers on hand – a cozy touch that also protects your investment!

Use protective pads on furniture

Another area to consider is furniture. With extra chairs pulled up to the dining table, or perhaps a temporary games table set up, there's more movement of furniture than usual. This is where protection pads for chair legs and other furniture become your best friend. Felt pads, readily available and inexpensive, can be applied to the bottom of chair legs, table legs, and any other furniture that might be moved around. These create a soft barrier between the furniture and your floor, preventing scratches and scuffs from the increased activity. Double-check existing pads and replace any that are worn out before the Christmas rush begins.

Keep grit at bay

Beyond specific incidents, general cleaning remains important. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment will pick up grit and dust that can act like sandpaper underfoot. For a deeper clean, use a damp (not wet!) mop with a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner. Avoid steam cleaners or excessive water, as moisture is the enemy of engineered wood.

Finally, consider placing rugs or mats in high-traffic areas, especially near entryways or under the dining table. This adds an extra layer of protection during the busiest time of year and can also add a touch of festive décor.

Refresh oiled floors as part of your New Year clean up

Once the guests have left and the decs are down, the New Year is a great time to refresh your engineered wood floor to bring it back to its pristine condition. Use our Maintenance Oil for oiled floors, or Wood Floor Polish for lacquered floors which can be applied 1-4 times each year for added protection throughout the year.

By taking these simple, proactive steps, you can ensure your engineered wood floor handles the Christmas festivities with grace and style. So go ahead, enjoy the celebrations, knowing your beautiful floor is protected and ready to shine well into the New Year!