How to Care for Your Floors This Winter: LVP, Laminate & Carpet Tips from J. Michael Flooring

As temperatures drop in Indiana, your home isn’t the only thing feeling the change — your floors are, too. Winter brings dry air, melting snow, salt, and big swings in humidity, all of which can take a toll on your flooring if you’re not prepared.

At J. Michael Flooring, we love helping homeowners keep their floors looking brand-new through every season. Here’s how to protect your LVP, laminate, and carpet during the cold months ahead.

🧊 Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Built Tough, But Not Invincible

LVP is one of the most durable flooring options out there — it can handle heavy traffic, pets, and most spills. But winter brings some unique challenges:

1. Watch the temperature swings.LVP expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. Try to keep your home between 60–80°F and maintain consistent humidity (ideally 35–55%) to avoid gapping or warping.

2. Stop salt and grit at the door.That white residue from road salt? It’s not just ugly — it’s abrasive. Use walk-off mats at every entrance, and make sure to wipe up puddles from melting snow right away.

3. Use gentle cleaners.Skip the harsh chemicals. A damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner is all you need to lift grime and keep your planks shining through the season.

❄️ Laminate Flooring: Handle with a Little Extra Care

Laminate floors look great and perform well, but they’re more sensitive to moisture and dryness than LVP.

1. Manage indoor humidity.Cold, dry air can cause laminate boards to shrink, leading to small gaps. Running a humidifier helps maintain ideal humidity and prevents cracking or separation.

2. Melted snow = moisture risk.If wet boots or pets track in snow, clean it up immediately. Standing water can seep into seams and cause swelling.

3. Protect your finish.Dirt and salt act like sandpaper under shoes. Place mats near doors and keep a soft-bristle broom or microfiber mophandy for daily touch-ups.

🧤 Carpet: Warm and Cozy (But Needs Some Winter Love Too)

Few things feel better than soft carpet underfoot when it’s cold outside — but carpet needs attention in the winter too.

1. Keep it clean from the start.Snow, mud, and salt can get ground into carpet fibers fast. Use door mats inside and outside and vacuum often — especially high-traffic areas.

2. Tackle spills and moisture immediately.When melting snow hits carpet, blot it up instead of rubbing. If it soaks through, follow up with a fan or dehumidifier to dry the area fully and prevent mildew.

3. Schedule a winter or early-spring deep clean.Winter air is dry, and static builds up in carpet fibers. A professional cleaning not only refreshes the look but also resets the pile and removes any salt or allergen buildup.

💡 Bonus Tip: Keep an Eye on Indoor Air Quality

Heating systems tend to dry out the air and kick up dust — both of which can affect your floors. Changing your HVAC filters and running an air purifier or humidifier helps protect flooring materials (and your health).

🏠 Need Help This Winter?

If your floors start showing signs of seasonal stress — gaps, buckling, or dull finishes — we’re just a call away. Whether it’s a simple repair, deep cleaning, or full replacement, J. Michael Flooring has you covered.

👉 Visit jMichaelflooring.com or stop by our showroom on the east side of Indianapolis to get expert advice on winter flooring care.

Stay warm, stay cozy, and take care of those floors that make your house a home.