The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration – a time when friends and family come together to create lasting memories.

And it also just so happens to be a season that’s exceptionally hard on flooring.

With all the foot traffic, spills, and potential mishaps that can occur, it's essential to prepare your floors for the holiday season. To help you keep your floors clean and pristine during (and after) the festivities, we've compiled a list of ten game-changing cleaning and protection hacks.

1. Create a shoe-free zone

One of the simplest ways to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked throughout your home is to establish a shoe-free policy. Simply place a welcome mat near the entrance and kindly request that guests remove their shoes on entry. This will significantly reduce the amount of dirt and grime that ends up on your floors.

2. Invest in area rugs

Area rugs don’t just add warmth and style to your home. They also provide an extra layer of protection for your flooring, and you can place them strategically in high-traffic areas or even under dining tables to catch spills and crumbs. Just be sure to choose rugs that are easy to clean so you can enjoy the holidays without worrying about stains and extra clean-up.

3. Use furniture pads

Frequently overlooked, furniture is often a major source of damage to your floors, especially when large pieces are moved around during gatherings. So, invest in furniture pads to prevent scratches and scuffs. They’re incredibly cheap and can easily be installed under table legs, chairs, couches, and the like to avoid unwanted floor damage.

4. Clean spills promptly

Accidents happen, especially when there's a lot of cooking and merrymaking. The key to preventing stains is to address spills promptly. Have a spill kit ready with cleaning supplies that are safe for your specific flooring type.

5. Properly maintain hardwood floors

If you have hardwood floors, it's important to maintain their luster. Use a hardwood-friendly cleaner and follow manufacturer recommendations. You might even consider scheduling professional refinishing after the holiday season to keep your floors looking their best.

6. Avoid excessive moisture

Excessive moisture can be detrimental to various types of flooring, such as wood and laminate. Be cautious when cleaning, and use a damp mop, not a wet one. Also, be diligent about wiping up wet footprints, as moisture is often tracked inside with the comings and goings of a rainy, snowy year-end holiday.

7. Use floor mats

In addition to your entryway mat, consider using floor mats in the kitchen and dining areas. This will help protect your floors from the extra wear and tear that occurs during holiday meal preparation and feasting.

8. Regular sweeping and vacuuming

To keep dirt and dust at bay, maintain a regular sweeping and vacuuming routine. This not only keeps your floors clean but also prolongs their life.

9. Beware of heavy decorations

Holiday decorations can be heavy, and dragging them across your floors may result in scratches. Be gentle when moving decorations, and consider using mats or protective sheets when necessary.

10. Schedule a professional cleaning

After the holidays, consider scheduling a professional floor cleaning. Whether you have carpets, hardwood, or tile, professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to remove any stubborn stains and refresh your floors.

If you’d like to refresh those floors after the holiday (or before, to impress the extended family), Flooring Factory is more than ready to spring into action alongside you.

Act now, and we’ll even remove aged, worn carpet completely free!