7 Easy Fixes for Slippery Wood Floors That Don’t Involve Replacing Anything

Wood floors are durable, easy to care for, beautiful, and add value to your home. However, they can be slippery if they are not cared for correctly.

High traffic areas become more slippery as the finish and wood wear down, trapped dust and oily residues contribute to the slipperiness, and even the humidity level contributes to the problem.

Here are seven ways you can fix slippery wood floors to prevent nasty falls.

Wipe Up Spills Promptly

This seems like a no-brainer, but liquids on a floor’s surface is one of the leading causes of falls.

When spills happen, use a towel or mop to remove them as soon as possible. This includes melted snow and ice near doors. Not only will you help prevent a fall, but prompt clean up also helps reduce water rings and stains.

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Decrease the Humidity Level in Your Home

If your home is excessively humid, the moisture can settle on the floor and leave it slippery. Overly moist air also causes wood floors to swell slightly and become smoother and slicker.

Turn on venting systems, add circulating fans, use your HVAC system to draw out moisture, or add a dehumidifier.

Dust Mop and Clean More Frequently

When dust collects on wood floors, it reduces the traction between the soles of our feet and the floor, making it easy to slip and fall. It is especially important to dust mop and clean more during the winter months when homes become dustier due to the lack of fresh air and ventilation.

Start by dust mopping or vacuuming at least twice a week to remove dust and dirt. Mop wood floors weekly with a microfiber mop and a cleaner that is safe for hardwood.

Use the Right Cleaning Product

Some floor cleaners leave behind residue that causes floors to be slippery once they dry. Avoid shine enhancers, silicone-based sprays, or oily polishes on wood floors.

Choose a pH-neutral wood cleaner for the best results and use only the recommended amount for each cleaning.

To get rid of excessive cleaning product buildup, make a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply the paste to slippery areas using a sponge. Wipe in a circular motion so the gentle abrasive nature of baking soda removes the buildup. Wipe away the residue with a damp microfiber cloth and buff the floor with a dry cloth.  

Use Two Entrance Mats

The space around entrance doors is usually the most slippery area in a home. The easiest way to keep this area safe is to use two mats at the doors.

Use a sturdy, weather-proof mat outside the door to catch dirt and mud. Add a second absorbent mat inside the door to soak up moisture. Ideally, have everyone remove wet shoes at the door to prevent tracking in moisture.

Install Anti-Slip Stair Treads

Wooden stairs are one of the most dangerous spots when slippery. Consider adding carpet treads for comfort and safety. Many are available with an adhesive backing that can be applied to freshly cleaned stairs. Be sure the adhesive dries thoroughly before using the stairs.

Refinish Floors

If proper cleaning and care don’t solve your problem with slippery wood floors, sanding and refinishing may be required.

If floors are old and worn or have excessive wax buildup, professional sanding and a new finish may be your only option. Most hardwood floors are ready for professional refinishing every 10 to 20 years to extend their life and correct long-term slipperiness issues.