Mr. Sandless(TM) Offers Helpful Hints for Protecting Wood Floors During the Holidays

Mr. Sandless
Published: December 9th, 2008

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 9 // PRNewswire // -- When preparing one's home for the holidays, it's fun to focus on decorating the tree and whipping up festive meals. But wet footprints, spills from family gatherings, and stains from excited pets can take their toll on wood floors.

Daniel Praz, CEO of Mr. Sandless, the world's largest non-sanding wood refinisher, offers tips on how to protect wood floors during seasonal activities:

• Real Trees: If decorating a live tree, place a sheet of plastic, followed by a mat, under a water-holding tree stand. Since keeping the tree fresh requires watering, this will protect wood floors from any water damage.
• Pets: The scent of a fresh tree can increase pet activity, so watch if pets sniff around the tree and wipe up accidents as they happen. Pet urine will eat the floor's finish, and if unattended, will continue to eat through the whole board, turning it dark.
• Party Goers: Heavy foot traffic, spilled drinks, and ground in dirt left by holiday parties can age wood floors. Use area mats at entryways, especially in bad weather. Clean up spills with a damp cloth or mop and never over-wet the floor. Run a dry mop over the floor in line with the boards, not against the grain. Dry mopping is the best way to prevent floor damage because it removes gritty dirt that dulls the finish.
• Rock Salt: Rock salt and other snow melting products can ruin a floor's finish, leave a film, or cause spotting. Avoid placing rock salt at entryways where it can be tracked into the house or have guests remove shoes before entering.

"How they are cared for determines the lifetime of wood floors," Praz says, "so protecting them during the holidays is key to enjoying them for years to come."

SOURCE Mr. Sandless