Winter in Calgary brings snow-draped streets, frosted mornings… and floors fighting for their lives. Between slush, salt, mud, and constant foot traffic, even the most durable surfaces can start to look weathered. But with the right strategy – and the right partners – your home can stay polished and pristine all season long.
At Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring, one of the city’s most trusted flooring stores in Calgary, we help homeowners protect their investment, preserve their flooring, and prepare their spaces for the realities of a Canadian winter.
The Winter Challenge | Why Floors Need Extra Protection
Snow melts into water. Salt becomes fine and abrasive. Mud works its way into every groove and fibre. From hardwood and vinyl options to premium carpet and tile, winter elements such as snow, rocks wedged in the soles of your shoes, salt, and more can dull the beautiful finishes, stain desirable surfaces, and shorten your flooring’s overall lifespan.
A few smart daily habits can preserve your floors’ beauty – season after season. Here’s how!
Prevention is Key | Protect Your Floors Before the Mess Arrives
Winter floor care starts before the first snowflake hits the ground.
1. Make “Shoes Off” a Household Rule
This is a pretty common practice here in Alberta, given our changing weather conditions, but it’s always a good reminder this time of year! It’s simple and incredibly effective. Leaving your shoes at the door keeps unwanted salt residue, moisture, and grit from being tracked across your flooring.
2. Invest in a Nicer Quality Shoe Mat
Think of your entryway mat as the first line of defense. A well-placed mat traps any unwanted moisture, dirt, and debris – long before it reaches your living space. Choose a mat with a rough texture that helps brush off any residue on all kinds of footwear, and you’ll be ready to go!
3. Wipe Off Those Wet Pet Paws
Pets love winter, how could they not! But your floors…not so much. A quick and simple solution is to keep a soft and dry towel by the door to quickly clean those paws before they wander around inside the house. It’s a small but helpful step that protects every square inch of your beautiful flooring – and keeps things clean longer!
4. Consider Winter Wear for Your Pup
Snow booties or paw balms reduce sludge buildup and keep salt from absorbing into their pads. Functional and adorable.
Mats & Rugs | Winter’s Unsung Heroes
Beautiful rugs and mats do far more than complement your design – they actively preserve your floors.
- Outside Entrances – Use a textured scraper mat to catch ice, mud, and snow.
- Inside Entrances – Choose an absorbent mat to soak up water and salt.
- High-Traffic Areas – Runners prevent wear on hardwood, laminate, or vinyl.
- Under Furniture – Area rugs prevent scratches and add warmth and elegance.
Top Cleaning Tips | When Winter Makes Its Way Inside the House
Act Fast on That Moisture
Standing water is the enemy – especially for hardwood. Keep a towel or microfiber mop at the door so you can dry any snow-melt puddles immediately.
Sweep, Vacuum, Repeat!
Salt granules are abrasive on hard surface flooring, and dirt is scratchy. With regular sweeping or vacuuming, this will keep your floors safe from micro-damage.
Use Gentle Floor-Specific Cleaners Only
Harsh chemicals can discolour or damage surfaces. Stick to gentle cleaners designed for your specific flooring type that are still healthy for your home – especially on hardwood and laminate.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Floors? | Look No Further
At Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring, we offer one of the largest in-stock flooring selections in Calgary, with options for every budget and style. Whether you’re dreaming of warm carpet, durable vinyl, timeless hardwood, or elegant tile, our experts help you choose the right material for your lifestyle – and for Calgary’s winter conditions.
Explore our:
- Carpet
- Vinyl
- Hardwood
- Laminate
- Tile & Stone
- Cork
- Commercial options (Marmoleum, VCT, safety flooring + more)
Keep Your Floors Beautiful All Winter Long
Your flooring – whether it be laminate, vinyl, hardwood, or tile – is one of your home’s most important investments. It’s there to support you every day, quite literally, and winter doesn’t have to take a toll on it this year. With a little thoughtful planning and the right products for the job, your space can stay warm, welcoming, and protected.
Still not sure how best to care for your flooring this season? Book an appointment and get personalized guidance on protecting or upgrading your floors this winter!
