Protecting your flooring from Christmas tree pine needles

With all the excitement of Christmas just around the corner, you probably haven’t given much thought to your flooring; in fact, this is not something most of us think about from one day to the next unless it needs replacing or suddenly looking considerably worse for wear. Christmas trees are one of the best things about Christmas – they brighten up the whole room, they smell great and they let you know the festive season has finally arrived. What they are not such good news for, however, is your flooring. This article contains some handy hints to help you keep your flooring looking as good as new during and after the Christmas period.

Clearing up pine needles

Even the most expensive and expertly-treated tree will shed needles eventually and the important thing is to clear them up as soon as possible. Vacuuming is many people’s preferred method for removing needles from their floor, as it is quick, effective and tidy. Just be aware that your vacuum bag – or compartment if you use a bagless model – can quickly fill up, as needles are bulkier than they look. Keep your vacuum clean and clear for the best results. The hose attachment is generally the best way to suck up stubborn needles, as the suction is more concentrated.

Sweeping is also an option if you have smooth flooring and this can be done extremely quickly if you just need to do one room.

Dealing with sap

Tree sap can be a real problem for your flooring – sticky, unsightly and hard to remove. Luckily, it is easy enough to deal with any pesky sap with a simple warm soapy water solution and a soft cloth if your floor is wood, tile, vinyl or laminate. Just be sure to wring the cloth out before tackling the stain and dry the floor with a separate cloth afterwards. This is particularly important if you floor is wood or laminate, as these can’t deal with too much moisture.

Removing sap from carpets is a little more time consuming, but it needs to be done to maintain the appearance of your flooring. The best way to deal with Christmas tree sap on a carpet is to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser – the everyday kind you can pick up at any supermarket is fine – and gently rub the stain until it has gone.