Summer’s here, and whilst we’re all looking forward to longer days and warmer weather, your floors might not be feeling quite as enthusiastic. Between the increased humidity, more foot traffic from family gatherings, your flooring faces unique challenges during the warmer months.
The combination of rising temperatures, higher humidity levels, and the inevitable dirt and moisture being tracked in from garden parties and beach trips can take a real toll on your floors.
But, with the right approach, you can keep your floors looking brilliant all summer long.
Here’s everything you need to know to protect your investment and maintain your flooring.
Why Summer Can Be Harsh on Your Floors
Understanding why summer poses such a challenge to your flooring is the first step in protecting it effectively.
1. Rising Humidity and Expansion
During summer, humidity levels in UK homes can fluctuate dramatically. When moisture levels rise above 55%, wooden floors and laminate flooring begin to absorb water from the air, causing them to expand. This expansion can lead to buckling, cupping, and gaps between planks when the moisture eventually evaporates. Even engineered wood floors, which are more stable than solid hardwood, can suffer from excessive humidity.
2. Increased Dirt and Debris
Summer means more outdoor activities, garden parties, and children running in and out of the house. Each trip brings sand, dirt, pollen, and moisture that can act like sandpaper on your floors. High-traffic floor areas near entrances and patio doors bear the brunt of this increased activity, leading to accelerated wear and scratching.
3. UV Exposure and Sun Damage
The intense summer sun streaming through windows doesn’t just heat up your rooms; it can cause significant damage to your flooring. UV rays can fade hardwood floors, discolour laminate, and even affect the appearance of some vinyl and carpet materials. Floor protection from sunlight becomes crucial during the longer daylight hours.
4. Air Conditioning and Moisture Build-up
While air conditioning provides blessed relief from the heat, it can create its own problems. Condensation around AC units can lead to moisture damage, whilst the constant cycling between cooling and ambient temperatures can cause flooring materials to expand and contract repeatedly.
Summer Floor Maintenance Tips for All Flooring Types
Now that we understand the challenges, let’s dive into practical solutions that will keep your floors in tip-top condition throughout the summer months.
1. Keep Dirt and Moisture Out
The best flooring maintenance in hot weather starts at your front door. Prevention is always better than cure, and stopping dirt and moisture from entering your home is your first line of defence.
Invest in robust indoor and outdoor doormats that can trap dirt, sand, and moisture before they reach your floors. Look for mats with deep grooves or bristles that can capture debris effectively. Place one outside your door and another just inside; this double-barrier approach can reduce the amount of dirt tracked through your home by up to 80%.
2. Control Indoor Humidity
Humidity can be one of the biggest threats to your floors during summer, especially if you have wooden or laminate flooring. High moisture levels in the air can cause floorboards to expand, warp, or buckle.
The ideal indoor humidity level for most floors sits between 35% and 55%. Using a digital hygrometer will help you monitor this easily. If the air gets too humid, plug in a dehumidifier, especially in rooms that naturally retain more moisture like basements, kitchens, or poorly ventilated bathrooms.
If you’re running an air conditioner, great, it doubles up as a humidity controller. But steer clear of steam mops during this time of year. While they may be tempting for a quick clean, they add extra moisture to the air and can damage sensitive floors. Instead, opt for a lightly damp microfibre mop or cloth.
3. Sweep and Vacuum Regularly
Summer brings in more dust, dirt, pollen, and grit, making regular cleaning more important than ever. Tiny grains of sand or soil can act like sandpaper on your floors, dulling their finish and causing fine scratches over time.
To avoid this, make it a habit to vacuum or sweep daily in high-traffic areas like the hallway, kitchen, and living room. For carpets, this removes trapped allergens and debris. For hard floors, use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent scratching delicate surfaces like wood or vinyl.
4. Shield Floors from Sunlight
We all love natural sunlight streaming through the windows, but your floors might not feel the same. Prolonged UV exposure can cause discolouration, especially on hardwood, vinyl, and carpets.
To reduce fading, install blinds or curtains in sunny rooms, or consider UV-filtering window films. These block out most of the harmful rays while still allowing daylight to brighten the room.
Furthermore, rotate rugs and furniture occasionally so the same spots aren’t exposed to direct sunlight every day.
5. Add Rugs and Runners for Protection
Rugs are fantastic for protecting your floors during summer, especially in busy areas like entryways, kitchens, and hallways.
Choose breathable rug materials like cotton, jute, or bamboo. These allow airflow and help prevent moisture from getting trapped underneath.
Stay clear of rubber-backed mats during humid weather, as they can hold moisture and damage the floor beneath.
Pair your rugs with non-slip pads to keep them stable and safe. Not only do they prevent slips, but they also allow for better ventilation and protect your flooring from friction damage.
6. Deal with Spills Immediately
Summer means more drinks, more ice lollies, and more chances for accidental spills, especially if you’re hosting barbecues or letting kids run in and out with snacks.
The key is speed. Keep microfibre cloths and floor-safe cleaning products close at hand, especially in rooms where spills are most likely to happen. As soon as something hits the floor, blot it up quickly; don’t wipe, as that can spread the liquid further.
Take extra care near skirting boards. Water that seeps into edges or beneath flooring can go unnoticed and cause long-term damage, particularly with laminate or hardwood.
7. Bonus Tips for Pet Owners
Set up a dedicated paw cleaning station near your entrance. It doesn’t need to be fancy; just a towel and a bit of water will do the trick. Adding an extra mat beneath your pet’s food and water bowls can catch splashes and prevent staining or warping. Likewise, placing a rug or mat beneath pet beds stops dirt and fur from settling into your floors.
Post-Heatwave Checks: Don’t Miss These Signs of Floor Damage
After particularly hot or humid periods, it’s important to inspect your floors for signs of damage.
1. Look for Buckling or Lifting
Check wood and laminate floors for any planks that appear raised, buckled, or separated at the joints. These issues often become apparent after extreme weather conditions.
2. Inspect for Cracks and Gaps
Examine tile floors and grout lines for new cracks, whilst checking hardwood floors for gaps between planks that may have appeared due to shrinkage.
3. Listen for New Sounds
Pay attention to any new creaks, squeaks, or hollow sounds when walking across your floors. These can indicate structural changes caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations.
4. Monitor for Discolouration
Check for any new staining, fading, or discolouration, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight or near air conditioning units.
Protect Your Floors Before the Heat Hits With Floor Sander London
When it comes to maintaining beautiful floors throughout the summer months, having access to professional-grade tools and expert advice can make all the difference. Floor Sander London understands the unique challenges that UK homeowners face during the warmer months, and we’re here to help you protect your flooring investment.
Our comprehensive range of flooring tools and equipment hire includes everything you need for effective summer floor care, from high-quality floor sanders and Bona finishes to professional dust sanders that ensure a clean, healthy working environment.
If you’re planning a pre-summer floor restoration project or need professional equipment for ongoing maintenance, our expert team can suggest the best floor sander package suited to your specific project needs.
We offer professional floor sander hire in London with convenient next-day delivery, so you can tackle your flooring needs without delay.
Don’t let summer weather damage your beautiful floors. Call us today at 020 8427 6604 to discuss your flooring requirements with our knowledgeable team. Or, fill in our contact form and our flooring experts will get in touch with you promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I clean my floors in the summer?
During summer months, high-traffic areas should be swept or vacuumed daily, with a thorough clean of all floors at least once weekly. Increased outdoor activity and humidity mean floors collect dirt and moisture more quickly.
2. Can humidity damage wood floors?
Yes, humidity levels above 55% can cause wood floors to absorb moisture and expand, leading to buckling, cupping, and gaps. Use dehumidifiers and maintain humidity between 35-55% for optimal floor health.
3. What is the best way to protect floors from sun damage?
Install UV-filtering window treatments, rotate furniture and rugs regularly to ensure even sun exposure, and consider UV-resistant sealants for hardwood floors. These measures prevent fading and extend floor life.
4. Is steam mopping safe for laminate or hardwood in summer?
No, avoid steam mops on laminate and hardwood floors, especially during summer. The extra moisture can cause swelling, warping, and joint separation. Use damp mopping with appropriate cleaners instead.