An image of a person wiping down their floors after they've learned how to protect hardwood floors in Lakeland, FL.

How to Protect Your Floors This Summer in Lakeland, FL

June 5, 2023

We've put together some helpful tips to keep your floors looking their best all summer long. Whether you have vinyl, hardwood, or tile flooring, we've got you covered! Read on to learn more about protecting your floors this summer.

Summer is here, bringing sunshine, barbecues, and fun-filled activities. However, the summer heat and increased foot traffic can take a toll on your beautiful floors. At Footprints Floors, we understand the importance of protecting your flooring investment. That's why we've put together some helpful tips to keep your floors looking their best all summer long. Whether you have vinyl, hardwood, or tile flooring, we've got you covered! Read on to learn more about protecting your floors this summer.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for summer because it is waterproof and highly durable. However, even with its outstanding resilience, it's essential to take some precautions to protect your vinyl floors from the summer elements. Here’s what we recommend:

Use doormats: Place doormats at all entry points to trap dirt, sand, and moisture before they reach your vinyl floors. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of scratches and damage.
Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause discoloration and fading. Consider closing curtains or blinds to block out the sun's rays during the brightest parts of the day.
Protect furniture legs: To avoid scratches and scuffs, consider attaching felt pads or glides to the legs of your furniture. These protective pads create a barrier between the furniture and your vinyl floors, preventing potential damage.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring adds warmth and elegance to any home. To keep your home looking its best this summer, follow these guidelines on how to protect hardwood floors in Lakeland, FL:

Control humidity levels: Excessive humidity can cause the hardwood to expand and contract, leading to warping or buckling. Use a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home.
Utilize area rugs: Strategically place area rugs in high-traffic areas and near entrances to protect your hardwood floors from dirt, sand, and moisture. Be sure to use rug pads to prevent any scratches or marks.
Keep dirt, sand, and grime at bay: Regularly sweep or vacuum your hardwood floors to remove dirt, sand, and grime. These particles can act as abrasives and scratch the surface of your hardwood floors. By maintaining a clean environment, you'll help preserve the beauty and longevity of your floors.

Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is a popular choice for summer because it's durable and it stays cool, making it comfortable to walk on even in hot weather. Here's how to keep your tile floors looking their best:

Clean regularly: Sweeping or vacuuming your tile floors regularly will help prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface. Also, mop your floors with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner to maintain shine.
Protect grout lines: Seal your tile grout lines to prevent stains and discoloration. Grout sealer creates a protective barrier, making it easier to clean up spills and reducing the risk of grout damage.
Keep it dry: Moisture can seep into the grout lines and cause discoloration or even mold and mildew growth. After mopping your tile floors, ensure they dry completely. Consider using a microfiber mop or towel to remove excess moisture and prevent water from sitting on the surface.

Enjoy a Summer of Beautiful Floors

With these tips, you can protect your floors and enjoy a summer of beauty and durability. Remember, vinyl flooring is perfect for its waterproof and durable qualities, while hardwood adds elegance to any home. And if you want a cool and durable option, tile flooring is the way to go. Ready to update your flooring this summer? Trust Footprints Floors to deliver outstanding results for all your flooring installation needs. From product selection to installation, we ensure a seamless process from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and give your home the upgrade it deserves this summer!

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Key Takeaways

Summer conditions can damage floors, but simple steps like doormats, cleaning, and limiting sunlight help protect them.
Different flooring types require specific care, such as humidity control for hardwood, sunlight protection for vinyl, and grout sealing for tile.
Preventative maintenance helps preserve your floors’ appearance and long-term value.

Introduction
Vinyl Flooring
Hardwood Flooring
Tile Flooring
Enjoy a Summer of Beautiful Floors

Brian Shaffer

Central Florida & Tampa Owner

Brian Shaffer is a passionate entrepreneur whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, to a family of medical professionals, Brian quickly realized that his talents lay outside the hospital setting. Drawn instead to education, leadership, and eventually business ownership, he built a well-rounded foundation that now fuels his success in the home services industry.

After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Florida, Brian began his professional journey as an English teacher. Over an 11-year teaching career, he taught five different grade levels and built a reputation for excellence in the classroom. In 2016, he transitioned into a district-level administrative role in the nation’s seventh-largest school district, where he spent six years leading teams of teachers and administrators through successful implementation of large-scale educational programs.

While thriving in education, Brian was also drawn to the world of small business. His entrepreneurial path began with real estate and continued to grow with the launch of The Cabinet Painting Company in 2021. Through this venture, Brian helped homeowners refresh their kitchens and bathrooms without the cost of full renovations. By 2022, the company’s success allowed him to step away from education and devote himself fully to business ownership. Under his leadership, The Cabinet Painting Company quickly earned a reputation for high-quality work, exceptional service, and strong customer relationships—opening the door to expanded opportunities in the home remodeling space.

Wanting to expand and offer his customers additional services, Brian became the owner of Footprints Floors of Tampa and Central Florida, and began offering floor refinishing and installations, from hardwood, tile, LVP and Laminate, kitchen backsplashes and shower remodels. This shift marked an exciting new chapter in his commitment to serving homeowners and enhancing the long-term beauty and value of their homes. With the heart of a teacher, the mindset of a leader, and the drive of an entrepreneur, Brian is dedicated to elevating the Footprints Floors experience through integrity, craftsmanship, and outstanding service.

Outside of work, Brian’s greatest joy comes from spending time with his family. He and his wife, Leah, enjoy life in Florida with their three children: Emmett (12), EJ (10), and Eden (7). Whether exploring new places, cheering on their kids at activities, or simply enjoying time together at home, family remains the center of Brian’s world.

About The Author