There is no doubt that the look of hardwood floors is breathtaking. Once you install them, it can turn your bland home space into a mesmerizing one.
However, due to various reasons, your floor can be slippery. It increases the risk of fall and slip accidents, which can cause physical injuries.
You can reduce the slipperiness of hardwood flooring with some simple tips, and we’ll talk about that in this blog. First though, let’s look some reasons why your hardwood floor may be slippery.
5 Reasons Why Your Hardwood Floor is Slippery
Generally, hardwood floors are smooth. Once you finish them with wax or polish, they become slick. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too.
1. Dirt
Dust particles reduce the gap between your shoe sole and the floor. Because of this, it reduces the stability and increases the slipping risk.
2. Moisture
Condensed moisture is the common cause of slippery hardwood floors. It reduces traction, which increases the slipping risk.
3. Salt
Hard salt particles reduce the grip of the floor surface. On the other hand, salty water is a lubricant that works like a grease.
4. Oil and Grease
Oily surfaces are slippery as the particles present within the substances have more friction compared to surrounding objects. It causes oil and grease to move with the other substances that touch them.
5. Soap Residue
Soap contains fatty acids, which makes it slippery. These are surfactants, which lower surface tension between agents. Hence, the slipperiness increases once the floor surface gets in touch with soap.
How to Make Your Hardwood Floor Less Slippery
There are a few practical ways that will make your hardwood floor less slippery, including:
1. Cleaning the Floors Regularly
Sweep the floors at least once a day. Also, you can mop the floors once a week to reduce the debris buildup on the floor surface.
2. Use Vinegar Solution
You can incorporate vinegar into your cleaning routine. Being a cleaning agent, it will remove the stubborn debris and waxy residue accumulated on the floors. Mix water and vinegar and apply the solution directly on your floor.
3. Apply Non-slip Wooden Floor Sprays
These are epoxy aerosol sprays to form a hard, clear and fine textured surface over the wooden one. It will increase the traction between bare feet or shoes and the floor.
4. Use Door Mat
A doormat can be the solution to slippery wooden floors. You should place the same at each entrance to reduce the debris and dirt entering the home. This will lower the risk of falling and slipping.
5. Refinish the Floor
Sanding and refinishing the loose surface layer will make the floor surface less slippery. While it is a long process, it produces long-lasting results.
Don’t Just Let It Happen
Slippery floors can cause a major accident if left unattended. You can try the ways mentioned above to make the floor less slippery. Still, if you’re seeking flooring experts at Fort Collins, we’re here to help you. At Fritzel Flooring, our experts have already served 100+ happy customers. You can be the next. Book your free estimate today to ensure the safety of your near and dear ones.
