May is quickly coming to a close and that means one thing: summer vacation is just around the corner. If your kids will be spending the majority of their free time at home, now is the perfect time to protect your flooring from dirt, pool chemicals, grass stains, and more. You might not be able to bubble wrap your entire home, but there are steps you can take to keep its interior looking immaculate.
Install mats or rugs at all entryways. High traffic areas such as your front door, back door, and garage door are placed under constant duress. Instead of letting dirt and gunk collect, lay down a few mats or rugs at all entries and exits. Then, set aside one day every week where you shake them out. Rugs and mats can also protect wood flooring and laminate from scratches, dents, or nicks.
Implement a no-shoe policy. Kids are inherently curious and this curiosity often leads them into areas where sand, mud, tall grass, and weeds are present. As you can imagine, all manner of dirt, plant matter, and insects can end up on or in their shoes, and ultimately, ground into your beautiful carpets. Yuck! Save yourself the hassle of shampooing later on, and implement a no-shoe policy indoors. To get your kids in the habit, put a cardboard box or plastic tub near the door and have them take off their shoes as soon as they come inside.
Leave outdoor items outside. Pool toys, baseball mitts, shovels, and buckets should all be left outside and kept in their respective holding areas. Allowing these items into your home or your children’s bedrooms is a recipe for grass stains, muddy footprints, and the intense smell of chlorine.
Kids will be kids, but if you take action now, you can ensure your home’s floors stay in great shape for years to come. Good luck and we hope you have an amazing summer!