Smart Summer Care: Hardwood Floor Maintenance Tips for West Michigan Homes
Summer in West Michigan brings sunshine, humidity, and more foot traffic—especially if you love entertaining or have kids and pets running in and out. While hardwood flooring is known for its natural charm and long-lasting appeal, a bit of seasonal maintenance can go a long way in keeping it looking its best.
At Village Custom Interiors, we help homeowners across the Grand Rapids area protect their investment and enjoy their floors year-round. Here are our top summer care tips to protect your hardwood flooring and extend its life.
Stay Ahead of Humidity Swings
Michigan summers mean rising humidity, and your hardwood floors feel it too. Wood is a natural material that expands with moisture and contracts when dry, which can lead to gapping or cupping if the humidity fluctuates too much.
Tip: Use a dehumidifier or run your air conditioning to keep indoor humidity between 35%–55%. A small investment in climate control helps maintain your floor’s shape and integrity.
Keep Dirt and Sand at the Door
Summertime means more outdoor adventures—and that often means more grit, sand, and debris getting tracked inside. Even tiny particles can act like sandpaper on your hardwood finish.
Tip: Place mats at every exterior door and encourage guests and family to remove their shoes when they enter. Regularly vacuum or sweep with a soft-bristle broom to prevent dirt from scratching the surface.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
Whether it’s a glass of lemonade, a pet accident, or water tracked in from the sprinkler, moisture is one of hardwood’s biggest enemies. Leaving liquids on the floor can lead to warping or staining.
Tip: Keep microfiber cloths or paper towels handy to quickly wipe up spills. For added protection, consider placing absorbent rugs near sinks or entryways.
Protect Floors from Furniture Movement
Summer often means rearranging furniture for gatherings or pulling chairs in and out more frequently. Without proper protection, these movements can scratch or dent hardwood surfaces.
Tip: Add felt pads to the bottom of furniture legs and replace them as they wear down. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor—lift when possible.
Refresh with the Right Cleaners
Not all cleaners are safe for hardwood. Harsh chemicals or excessive water can strip the finish or seep into seams.
Tip: Use a pH-neutral cleaner made specifically for hardwood floors. Lightly mist the cleaner and use a microfiber mop to keep things simple and safe.
Monitor Sun Exposure
Direct sunlight can fade or discolor hardwood over time, especially in rooms with large windows.
Tip: Use blinds, curtains, or UV-blocking window film to protect floors in high-exposure areas. You can also rotate rugs and furniture occasionally to help floors age evenly.
Extend the Life of Your Hardwood Floors
Taking a few simple steps each summer will help preserve the natural beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come. At Village Custom Interiors, we carry a wide range of solid and engineered hardwood options to match every home and lifestyle—and we’ll guide you through caring for them, too.
If you’re considering upgrading your flooring this season, we’d love for you to stop by our store so we can help you select the stunning hardwood to elevate the look and feel of your home. We proudly serve Byron Center, Grand Rapids, and the surrounding West Michigan communities.
