How to Cure Slippery Wood Floors

It might seem like fun to go sliding across a wood floor in stocking feet, but slipping and sliding unintentionally is no laughing matter. Slippery wood floors can cause serious injury to people and their pets. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, research based on insurance industry data states that 55 percent of trips and falls are directly attributable to flooring. There are several steps that homeowners can take to lower the risk of slips and falls due to slippery wood floors.

Vinegar
Anti-slip floor coating
Medium-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool
Walk-off mats

Instructions

- 1
  Mix together a solution of 1 cup vinegar and 4 cups water. Mop the floors with the vinegar solution. Vinegar acts to cut through oil and wax buildup which can make wood floors slippery.
- 2
  Coat the floors with a commercial anti-slip coating. Check the label to be sure that the product is formulated for wood flooring. These types of products are used on boats to provide both slip-resistance and luster to the wood. Test the product in a small area and check the results before applying it to the entire floor.
- 3
  Place throw rugs or walk-off mats at entrances to rooms with wood floors to prevent slips and falls on entry.
- 4
  Roughen the treads on wooden stairs to give them some traction by lightly applying medium-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool. Alternatively, install a carpet runner or individual floor treads.

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