The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the place where we spend time gathering together with family, cooking our everyday meals, and making core memories that stick with us for years to come.

While kitchens are an important part of our lives, these spaces are also wet areas. Just think of all the steam from cooking, constantly running sink, appliances, rogue ice cubes, and beverages that float around this indoor space on an average day. This makes them a weak point in the home when it comes to preventing water damage. The best thing we can do to avoid this costly issue is by adding layers of “insurance or protection” in case of a water-filled event.

When it comes to protecting wood floors specifically, the best way to tackle this watery dilemma is to prevent bulk water from pooling on the floors.  

Here are some things we can do to prevent water damage on our kitchen floors and maintain healthy humidity levels within the kitchen:

1. Invest in a silicone mat that’s placed under the sink to protect the wood cabinet from plumbing leaks and keep the space clean so that you can tell if there’s a leak, monitor regularly.
2. Clean and maintain your dishwasher regularly to make sure it’s in good working order (and to prevent mold in the unit). It’s also a good idea to find a dishwasher with a leak detection device or add an aftermarket dishwasher leak detection device to your machine.
3. Turn your main water valve off when you leave the house for a long weekend or vacation.
4. Buy a whole-home leak detection device that detects a leak and automatically turns the water off. 
5. If you have pets, consider using a diatomaceous earth mat beneath their water bowls and a wool rug to prevent dripping on the wood floor.
6. Regularly maintain your refrigerator. Check the condensing coils and be careful not to puncture the water lines. It’s also best to avoid a water maker if possible in the refrigerator.
7. Use your kitchen exhaust when you’re cooking food, especially when boiling water.  This will pull out some of the excess moisture so it’s not just hanging out, dampening your kitchen. If you don’t have a kitchen exhaust that vents out of the home, open a window, use a dehumidifier, or consider an air purifier to help regulate the moisture and particulate matter in the air from cooking. 
8. Monitor the indoor humidity and make sure the kitchen stays between 30-45% relative humidity (RH). It’s a great idea to invest in a hydrometer to help you keep track.