Fall Floor Care Tips: Keeping Your Home Leaf-Free and Clean

While the colorful leaves and cooler temps of fall have many of us craving pumpkin lattes and the comfort of cozy sweaters, fall also presents homeowners with a challenge – keeping their floors clean and free of leaves, dirt and debris.

As the fallen leaves dance across our lawns and walkways, it can seem like you’re constantly battling to keep your floors clean and leaf-free. The good news is that with the right approach and a bit of preparation, you can maintain a clean and welcoming home throughout the fall season.

Choose the Right Tools

It all starts with having the right tools. Invest in high-quality brooms, vacuum cleaners and mops for your specific type(s) of flooring. For hardwood floors, opt for a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent scratches. For tile, vinyl and hardwood floors, using a microfiber mop can effectively pick up dirt without leaving streaks.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

Establish a cleaning schedule that fits your lifestyle and level of activity in your home. Whether you follow a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly routine, having a plan in place will help you stay on top of your cleaning tasks.

Prevent Leaves and Debris From Getting Into Your Home

Placing doormats at your entrances will help to prevent leaves, dirt and debris from finding their way into your home. You should also encourage family members and guests to wipe their feet before entering. Consider adding a shoe rack or tray to corral muddy shoes and prevent moisture from spreading.

Choose the Right Cleaning Products

Using cleaning products that are safe and effective for your specific flooring type is important to not only clean your floor properly but also to preserve your floor’s surface and finish.

For hardwood floors, use a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner like Basic Coatings. For tile and stone floors, use a non-acidic, non-abrasive cleaner like Aqua Mix’s Stone & Tile Cleaner.  For cleaning vinyl, use a low-pH neutral cleaner like Hilway Direct Neutral Cleaner.

In many cases, floor manufacturers will either offer their own line of floor cleaners or have a preferred floor cleaner that they recommend.

Protect Your Floors From Moisture

Fall often brings rain and wet leaves, making moisture a common issue. Absorbent mats and rugs near your entrances can trap moisture and prevent it from spreading throughout your home. Encourage family members and guests to remove their wet shoes before entering and to leave their umbrellas outside.

By following these fall floor care tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of fall while keeping your floors free of leaves and debris. With a little prevention, the right tools and a consistent cleaning routine, you’ll be ready to face the season and keep your floors as beautiful as the changing leaves outside.