As temperatures drop and the Midwest settles into another long winter, your hardwood floors begin facing their toughest season of the year. Cold, dry air, snow, ice melt, and fluctuating humidity levels can all impact the appearance and longevity of your floors. The good news? With a few preventative measures, you can keep your hardwood looking its best through the season — and for years to come.
Below, we break down the most important winter care tips every homeowner should know.
1. Maintain Stable Indoor Humidity
Hardwood reacts to the environment around it.
In winter, indoor heating systems create dry air, which causes wood to lose moisture and contract.
Recommended humidity range:
30–50%, ideally staying as consistent as possible.
Why it matters:
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Avoids gaps between planks
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Reduces risk of cracking, checking, or cupping
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Protects factory and site-applied finishes
What to do:
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Use a whole-home humidifier or room units
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Run humidifiers consistently, not intermittently
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Monitor levels with an inexpensive digital hygrometer
2. Keep Salt, Ice, and Snow at the Door
Salt and ice-melt products are extremely abrasive and can scratch the floor’s finish.
Best practices:
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Use high-quality exterior and interior mats at all entrances
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Remove wet shoes immediately — no exceptions
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Keep towels or a boot tray nearby
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Vacuum mats regularly so salt doesn’t transfer to the floor
Pro tip:
Avoid rubber-backed mats directly on hardwood; they trap moisture.
3. Stay on Top of Routine Cleaning
Winter floors need more frequent attention due to grit, debris, and melted snow.
Weekly checklist:
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Sweep or vacuum with a soft-bristle or hardwood attachment
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Use a microfiber dust mop for fine particles
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Spot-clean with a hardwood-safe cleaner — never vinegar or steam
This simple routine preserves the finish and prevents micro-scratches that dull the surface over time.
4. Protect High-Traffic Zones
Certain areas — mudrooms, hallways, kitchens — take a beating in winter.
Consider adding:
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Extra runners
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Felt pads under chairs
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Protective wool or cotton rugs (avoid latex-backed)
Designer note:
Rugs can be both protective and beautiful. Choose breathable materials so the wood underneath can move naturally.
5. Avoid Sudden Temperature Shifts
Consistency is key.
Rapid changes in indoor temperature cause the wood to expand and contract quickly, which stresses the boards.
Keep your home at:
65–75°F whenever possible, especially if traveling.
6. Wipe Spills Immediately (Especially in Winter)
Hardwood and moisture don’t mix — and winter introduces water constantly.
Quick rule:
If it’s wet, wipe it immediately.
Standing moisture leads to staining, swelling, and long-term damage.
7. Plan Ahead for Major Winter Events
Hosting guests? Expect more foot traffic — and more risk.
Before gatherings:
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Add extra mats
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Ask guests to remove shoes or wear shoe covers
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Keep cleaning supplies accessible
8. When in Doubt, Ask Your Flooring Professional
Every home performs differently in winter.
Humidity systems, HVAC settings, and even the species of wood all play a role.
If you notice:
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Persistent gaps
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Excessive cupping
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Cracking
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Finish peeling
Contact the Apex team. Early intervention prevents long-term issues.