Planning to head out for a much-needed summer vacation? While you’re packing your bags and double-checking your itinerary, don’t forget to prepare your home—especially your floors—for your time away. From summer storms to unexpected leaks and dirty shoes coming and going, your flooring can take a hit if left unchecked.
In this blog, we’ll share practical flooring tips to help you leave your home worry-free and return to floors that look just as great as when you left. Whether you’ve got hardwood in Conway, luxury vinyl in Little Rock, or carpet in Searcy, a little prep can go a long way.
Why Your Floors Need Vacation Prep
You might not think much about your floors before a trip, but they’re just as vulnerable to summer hazards as the rest of your home. Humidity, dust buildup, water damage, and even unexpected pet accidents (if you have a sitter or indoor pets) can impact your flooring while you’re away.
These easy flooring tips will help you:
- Prevent moisture damage and staining
- Keep dust, debris, and odors to a minimum
- Extend the life of your flooring
- Return to a clean, fresh-smelling home
1. Give Your Floors a Pre-Vacation Deep Clean
Before heading out, take time to clean your floors thoroughly. Not only will it leave your home smelling fresh when you return, but it also helps prevent long-term staining and buildup.
- Carpet: Vacuum thoroughly and consider spot-treating stains. If you have time, a professional carpet cleaning can reset your space.
- Hardwood: Sweep and mop with a wood-safe cleaner. Avoid excess water, and make sure floors are completely dry.
- Tile & Vinyl: Wipe down with a pH-neutral cleaner to remove dust, grime, and any summer allergens.
Pro Tip: Clean floors also reduce the risk of insects or pests making themselves at home while you’re away.
2. Set Your Thermostat to Prevent Humidity Damage
Arkansas summers can be humid, and excess moisture can wreak havoc on hardwood, laminate, and even carpeted floors.
- Set your thermostat to a moderate temperature (around 75–78°F) to reduce humidity while conserving energy.
- If your home is prone to dampness, consider using a dehumidifier in areas with sensitive flooring, like basements or rooms with natural hardwood.
3. Roll Up Rugs and Area Mats
Leaving for more than a few days? Roll up area rugs and store them in a dry, elevated space to prevent fading, moisture trapping, or curling at the corners.
- This is especially helpful for natural fiber rugs like jute, seagrass, or wool, which can absorb humidity and odors if left unattended.
- For bathrooms and entryways, remove small floor mats that could trap dampness or develop mildew.
4. Check for Potential Water Hazards
Water leaks are one of the biggest flooring enemies—especially when no one’s home to catch them in time.
- Inspect under sinks, near dishwashers, and around washing machines for slow drips or weak hoses.
- Turn off your water main if possible, or shut off individual water lines to appliances.
- Make sure all windows and doors are tightly closed to keep out summer storms or wind-blown rain.
Taking this extra step can help prevent serious damage to laminate, engineered wood, carpet padding, or subflooring.
5. Secure Pet Areas and Food Bowls
If your pets will be staying behind with a sitter or friend, be sure their designated areas are safe for your flooring.
- Use waterproof mats under water bowls to prevent spills or puddling.
- Block off areas with sensitive flooring like carpet or hardwood where accidents might occur.
- For long-haired pets, consider a quick trim to reduce shedding and tracked-in debris.
6. Use Curtains or Blinds to Prevent Sun Fading
Direct sunlight can bleach and fade certain flooring types over time, especially hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and carpet.
- Close blinds or curtains in rooms that get direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
- Consider applying UV-blocking film to windows in rooms with high-end flooring.
This small step can help preserve the color and finish of your floors, especially during extended trips.
Let Carpet Center Help You Get Vacation-Ready
Getting ready for your next trip doesn’t have to stop at the suitcase. With a little proactive care and these expert flooring tips, you can leave your home knowing your floors are protected and prepped for your return.
At The Carpet Center, we’ve helped families across Arkansas choose, maintain, and protect their floors for over 30 years. Whether you’re updating a guest room before summer visitors or prepping your home before you hit the road, our team can recommend the right solutions for every season and surface.
📍Located in Conway, we proudly serve Little Rock, Mayflower, Searcy, and surrounding areas.
📞 Call us at (501) 327-0924 to learn more flooring tips, maintenance hacks, protective coatings, or upgrade options that are perfect for summer and beyond.
From prep to polish, the Carpet Center has your floors covered—so your next vacation really feels like one.