Winter is a beautiful season but it brings snow, salt and mud that will inevitably make its way onto floors. For those trying to keep their homes pristine, these elements can pose quite the challenge especially on carpet and vinyl. Luckily, with the right floor cleaning products and some tips from Dr. Schutz, you keep your floors looking spotless all winter long.

In this blog article, we’re going to dive into some effective methods and the products that will help you tackle the snow, salt and mud and to help protect your floors for winters to come.

Understanding Winter Floor Challenges

Snow, salt and mud are the top culprits that cause winter floor dirtiness. Snow isn’t bad but when it melts, it can leave water marks and potentially damage the surface. Salt can cause gritty particles that can scratch and dull your floors. Mud, thanks to the soggy winter ground, can get embedded deeply into carpet and leave horrible stains.

Tackling Mud Stains on Carpet

Mud can be particularly stubborn on carpets but with the right approach and products, they can become a temporary problem. Here’s what you can do to remove mud stains and keep your carpets fresh:

    1. Let the Mud Dry First: It sounds counterintuitive but it is best to let mud dry before attempting to clean it from your carpet. Attempting to remove wet mud can push it deeper into the fibres.
    2. Hoover Thoroughly: Once the mud is dry, hoover the area to remove as much dried debris as possible. This can help to prevent spreading the mud in the next steps.
    3. Use Dr. Schutz Carpet Cleaner: After hoovering, apply a small amount of our Carpet Cleaner to the stained area and gently blot with a clean cloth. Avoid scrubbing the area as this can damage the fibres. Repeat this step until the stain is lifted.
    4. Rinse and Blot Dry: To finish, rinse the area with a small amount of water and blot dry with a towel. To prevent any lingering dampness, make sure the carpet is fully dried. 

Salt Stains on Vinyl Floor

Salt is a common issue during the winter season and especially on vinyl floors. The granules can easily get embedded in the flooring and the residue they leave can cause damage over time. Below is the best way to tackle these stains:

  1. Sweep Regularly: As said above, salt granules are abrasive. To prevent scratches, make sure to sweep or hoover frequently.
  2. Use Dr. Schutz R1000 Floor Cleaner: For a deeper clean, use our R1000 Floor Cleaner. This product is formulated specifically for vinyl flooring and will remove salt and grime without leaving streaks. After application, make sure to mop the area with a damp mop.
  3. Wipe and Buff: To finish, wipe down the floor with a dry cloth to prevent any streaks. Buffing the floor lightly can also help to restore its shine. 

Protect Wood Floors from Winter Grime

Wood floors can suffer greatly from winter’s salt, mud and moisture. If left untreated, it can cause warping, stains and scratches. Here are our top tips to keep your wood floors in top condition:

  1. Remove Dirt & Debris: Make sure to sweep or hoover regularly. It is essential to try to do this during heavy weather days to keep your floors clean.
  2. Use Dr.Schutz Wood Floor Cleaner: Our cleaner is designed to clean wood floors without leaving any residue. Apply a small amount to a damp cloth or mop and clean the affected area.
  3. Avoid Excess Moisture: Water can make your floors warped so make sure it’s dry after cleaning. 

Footprints in snow

Dealing with Snow Stains on Carpets, Vinyl and Wood

Snow is not always just water and can bring a mix of dirt and other outdoor particles into the house. When this mixture seeps into floors, it can cause stains and odours if not cleaned. 

  • For Carpets: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the moisture as quickly as possible. If the mark is stubborn or if it’s got dirt mixed into it, apply our Super Stain Remover on the affected area. You can follow up with some gentle blotting and then rinse with water.
  • For Vinyl: Water can be wiped up from vinyl but it is important to do it quickly to prevent marks.Regular use of our PU Cleaner can keep your floor looking fresh and protect it from grime buildup.
  • For Wood: Wipe up any water immediately to avoid wood swelling. If melted snow leaves dirt behind, our Wood Floor Cleaner will handle it with ease.

Preventing Future Winter Stains

The best way to combat winter stains is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some preventative measures to consider:

    1. Use a doormat: These can trap dirt, mud and snow before they reach your floors. Make sure to buy one that is durable and washable. You can also consider a larger rug near the main entrance of your home.
    2. Establish a Shoe-Free Zone: Encourage all guests to remove their shoes at the door to prevent any dirt or grime ending up past the zone.
    3. Use Dr.Schutz Floor Mate: If you are going to implement a doormat approach, make sure to clean regularly with our Floor Mate. It effectively cleans mats to make sure they continue to trap dirt. 

Snow, salt and mud are no match for our cleaning products. With a little extra attention and a cleaning routine, you can keep your floors looking their best even through the harsh winter weather. View our range today to find your winter floor partner.

 

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