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In the 1950s, homeowners got into a trend that is now looked down upon in the real estate community.
People were trying to increase the comfort of their homes with carpet, but in the process, they hid one of the best features. In 2023, homeowners are pulling up carpets and discovering beautiful hardwood floors underneath. To revive floors, wax, and conditioning solutions are typically applied.
Since these products can create a slick surface, there are a few steps to take for protection. Keep reading to learn the best ways to prevent slippery hardwood floors!
Clean the Floors Often
The longer you go without cleaning hardwood floors, the slipperier they will become.
If you’re wondering, why are my hardwood floors suddenly slippery, it could be the accumulation of dirt. Using a gentle wash can break through these layers that are making people slide around the house.
Scientists recommend washing your floors every couple of weeks, or sooner if you have pets. Doing this deep cleaning often will prevent bacteria from spreading around and help control residue levels.
Avoid Certain Cleaning Solutions
When you go to clean the floors, not any old wash will work.
Hardwood floors can’t be exposed to harsh chemicals, otherwise, they will eat away at the surface levels. Even if you apply too much oil or wax, soap, and essential oils can help manage the texture.
Some floor cleaners have floor polish mixed in the solution. If you buy these products, use them carefully and follow the instructions. Oil and floor polish can make the floors slippery and dangerous but are difficult to detect.
Stay Away from Fast Mopping
If you have a habit of using a Swiffer or fast mop, you should reconsider.
These cleaning tools have a cloth at the bottom and are great for picking up surface-level dirt. Unfortunately, they leave a lot of cleaning products behind. Without rinsing the cloth, it can spread dirt and oil around the floor.
It’s best to use a steam mop or a traditional mop and sponge. These cleaning supplies can get in between the hardwood floorboards and get rinsed throughout use.
Opt for Oil Finishes
There could be a few reasons you’re dealing with hardwood slippery floors.
Depending on the type of finish on your floors, you may be at a greater risk of slipping and sliding. Oil finishes, such as tung oil, are recommended for most floors. This type of oil can improve the appearance of wood grain without sacrificing safety.
Tung oil soaks into the wood and provides the best grip. Lacquer and wax have benefits, but these are often the most dangerous. The best part about oil is that you can quickly wipe away the excess moisture and trust that the wood will absorb the rest.
Consider Coatings
Many people know that epoxy can become slippery, so they add sand and other types of materials to increase the texture.
Hardwood floors can become slick, especially if you’re trying to protect the original wood. If you’re trying to preserve historic flooring, a non-slip wood coating can help. This type of finish has a subtle texture that doesn’t result in discoloration or damage.
You should take a look at these prefinished hardwood flooring cleaning tips before moving forward. Before you apply a protective layer, you want the wood to be clean and free of blemishes.
Take Your Shoes Off
There are countless reasons you shouldn’t be wearing your outdoor shoes inside the home.
Not only do you bring bacteria and dirt into the house, but you also increase the oil. When you stop at a gas station or store, there’s a chance you’ll step on something oily or sticky. Even if most of the debris comes off as you walk, there will still be traces found on the bottoms.
Get in the habit of taking off your shoes or switching into house shoes when you get home. If you struggle with doing this, place a shoe mat near the door and always keep your house shoes nearby.
Thoroughly Clean Spills
If you have children or pets in the house, you probably experience spills and accidents every week.
Cooking, toddlers, and puppies can contribute to slippery floors and bring you down at the most unexpected times. When juices, pee, or food get onto the floor, make sure you thoroughly clean up the messes. Although it will take more time to wipe things down, it can prevent slick spots and broken bones.
Place Rugs on the Floor
Bathrooms and kitchens are difficult rooms to prevent slippery floors.
If you’re sick of falling and taking care of injured kids, you may need to place some rugs on the floors. A bathroom near the sinks, toilet, and shower is recommended. Each time hair products are used, the liquids fall to the ground.
To prevent slippery floors, you may need to apply rugs and carpets. Make sure your rugs have a rubber bottom or find a way to adhere them to the floor, otherwise, the rugs will slide around.
Preventing Slippery Hardwood Floors at Home
If you’re sick of dealing with injuries from slippery hardwood floors, you don’t have to resort to carpet yet.
Before you start covering the beautiful wood floors, you can take steps to keep them clean and reduce oil residue. With the right cleaning supplies and gentle soaps, you can get rid of the grime and prevent it from accumulating again so quickly. In heavy-traffic locations, don’t forget that a rug or floor coating can increase grip. Jump back to our blog page for more home improvement and real estate content!
