Care And Cleaning Of Engineered Hardwood Floors? (Explained)
As the winter months roll in and the holidays approach, I find myself reflecting on how much time we spend indoors. The cozy atmosphere of our home becomes even more inviting, especially when we gather around with family and friends. During this time, one aspect of our home that often gets overlooked is the flooring beneath our feet—specifically, engineered hardwood floors.
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate engineered hardwood for its beauty, durability, and versatility. However, what I’ve really learned is that taking care of these floors is essential to maintaining their charm and longevity. Let me share my journey through the care and cleaning of engineered hardwood floors, along with some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
Understanding Engineered Hardwood Floors
Before diving into care practices, I think it’s helpful to briefly mention what engineered hardwood is. Unlike solid hardwood, which is a single piece of timber, engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers of wood veneers. This construction gives it stability and resistance to moisture, making it a great choice for various environments.
The top layer, which is made of real hardwood, provides the aesthetic appeal while the underlying layers are typically made from plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This layered structure not only helps reduce the impact of humidity but also provides better structural integrity than solid wood.
Daily Care Tips
Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
I’ve found that one of the simplest yet most effective ways to care for my engineered hardwood floors is to sweep or vacuum regularly. Dust and debris can scratch the surface over time. I usually recommend a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hardwood setting to avoid any damage.
Pro Tip: I keep a small broom and dustpan in my hallway for quick clean-ups after family activities or when my kids come running in with muddy shoes.
Use the Right Cleaning Products
When it comes to mopping or deep cleaning, I’ve learned that not all cleaners are created equal. Many commercial products contain harsh chemicals that can damage the finish of the floor. Instead, I opt for a pH-balanced cleaner specifically designed for engineered hardwood.
My Go-To Recipe: For a DIY solution, I mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bucket. It’s gentle yet effective at removing sticky spots.
Deep Cleaning Methods
Damp Mopping
Every few weeks, I damp mop my floors to remove any lingering dirt or grime. I use a microfiber mop because it’s gentle on the surface and really effective at picking up dust. Just remember—never soak the floor! Excess moisture can seep between the planks and cause warping.
Tip: Wring out the mop until it’s barely damp before applying it to the floor.
Spot Cleaning Stains
Inevitably, spills happen—especially in a busy household like mine. For sticky messes like juice or food, I gently blot the area with a soft cloth soaked in warm water. If that doesn’t work, I use a bit of my pH-balanced cleaner on a cloth and follow up with water.
Personal Experience: One time, my son accidentally spilled grape juice on the floor during dinner. Thankfully, I was quick to act and managed to clean it up without leaving a stain!
Seasonal Considerations
Winter Care
During winter, we track in snow and salt from outside, which can be harmful to the finish of engineered hardwood floors. To combat this, I place mats at all entrances and ask everyone to wipe their shoes before entering.
Advice: A little preventive effort goes a long way. I also make sure to promptly clean any wet spots to avoid moisture damage.
Summer Care
In summer, humidity can be a concern. A dehumidifier can help maintain a consistent environment in your home. I’ve found that keeping indoor humidity levels between 30-50% helps prevent expansion and contraction of the wood.
Long-Term Maintenance
Refinish When Necessary
Over time, even with proper care, engineered hardwood can show signs of wear. Depending on traffic levels, I recommend refinishing every 5-7 years. It’s not as intensive as solid hardwood refinishing because engineered wood typically has a thinner veneer layer.
Personal Insight: The first time I refinished my floors, I was amazed at how much brighter my home felt afterward!
Protecting Your Floors
Furniture can also be tough on floors. I always use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving pieces around.
Quick Fix: If you do end up with scratches, there are touch-up kits available that can blend in nicely with your existing floor color.
Cost Consideration in Maintenance
Let’s talk about finances for a moment. When I’m estimating costs for maintenance or installation projects, I rely heavily on tools like FloorTally. It provides accurate cost estimates by pulling local material and labor rates, allowing me to present realistic budgets to clients.
Example: Recently, while discussing refinishing options with a client, FloorTally helped me outline potential costs based on their specific floor type and project scope. This transparency built trust and set clear expectations.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Humidity Issues
One challenge I’ve faced is dealing with humidity fluctuations that can lead to gaps or buckling. A consistent humidity level helps mitigate this.
Solution: Using a humidifier during dry seasons and ensuring proper ventilation in damp areas has worked wonders in my experience.
Mismatched Repair Colors
Another issue I encountered was mismatched colors when trying to repair areas. Over time, wood can fade due to sun exposure.
Tip: When using touch-up kits or stains, test them on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure they match well.
Detailed Cleaning Routines
Weekly Maintenance Routine
- Day 1: Sweep or vacuum all high-traffic areas.
By breaking it down into daily tasks, it feels less overwhelming and helps maintain cleanliness effortlessly.
Monthly Maintenance Routine
Every month, I take care of deeper cleaning tasks:
- Inspect for scratches: Look over high-traffic areas closely; if any scratches are found, treat them accordingly.
- Dust furniture and decor: Dust settles on surfaces; keeping everything clean helps reduce overall dirt on the floor.
- Check humidity levels: Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels and adjust as needed.
This monthly routine keeps everything in check without requiring too much time at once.
Professional Cleaning Services
Occasionally, I’ll hire professional cleaners who specialize in hardwood floor maintenance—and it’s worth every penny! They have access to equipment and products that go beyond my home cleaning supplies.
Experience Share: Once, after hosting a big family gathering, I decided to call in professionals for a deep clean. They managed to get out tough stains that I thought were permanent!
Protective Measures During Installation
If you’re considering installing engineered hardwood floors in your home or advising clients on installation practices, here are some protective measures I’ve found useful:
Acclimation Process
Before installation, allow the flooring planks to acclimate in the room where they’ll be installed for at least 48 hours. This helps minimize issues related to moisture content.
Underlayment Matters
Using an appropriate underlayment can provide additional cushioning, sound absorption, and moisture protection. I’ve noticed that choosing the right underlayment can significantly affect how the floor feels underfoot.
Expansion Gaps
During installation, always leave expansion gaps around edges where flooring meets walls or fixed structures. This prevents buckling as temperatures change throughout the seasons.
Seasonal Preparations for Floors
I always prepare my floors according to seasonal changes. Here’s how:
Spring Cleaning Tips
When spring arrives, it’s time for deep cleaning:
- Remove rugs: Take them out and shake them off or wash them if possible.
- Inspect finishes: Look for any wear spots that may need attention before summer heat kicks in.
Summer Maintenance Tips
In summer months:
- Ventilation is key: Keep windows open when safe to do so; fresh air circulation helps combat humidity.
- Sun exposure: Consider using curtains or shades during peak sun hours; UV rays can fade floors over time.
Fall Preparations
- Leaf debris: Regularly check for leaves that might be tracked inside; these can scratch if left unattended.
- Prepare for winter: Ensure mats are ready at entrances for snow season!
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
I’m always looking for ways to maintain an eco-friendly home. Here are some solutions I’ve turned to when caring for my engineered hardwood floors:
Vinegar Solution
I mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with a gallon of water for an effective cleaning solution that’s also gentle on my floors.
Note: Always test it out first since some finishes may react differently!
Essential Oils
For added fragrance while cleaning, consider adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or lemon to your cleaning solution. It leaves a pleasant aroma without harmful chemicals.
Conclusion and Comparisons
Caring for engineered hardwood floors doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With regular maintenance and a few simple strategies, you can keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come.
In my experience working with various flooring options—laminate, tile, and solid wood—engineered hardwood stands out due to its combination of aesthetic appeal and practicality. While laminate may offer affordability and tile offers durability in wet areas, nothing compares to the warmth and beauty of real wood fibers beneath your feet.
So what do you think? Ready to give your floors some extra attention this season? Whether you’re enjoying family gatherings during the holidays or simply relaxing on a quiet evening at home, taking care of your engineered hardwood floors ensures they remain an elegant backdrop for life’s moments.
With each passing season, remember that proactive care will ultimately reward you with an inviting space that feels great underfoot—no matter what life throws at you!
Cleaning Mistakes That Will Ruin Engineered Hardwood Floors
Engineered hardwood floors give you all the beauty of solid hardwood with a hidden secret: beneath the veneer made of hardwood is durable plywood. The result is beautiful hard-surface flooring that looks like solid wood while offering increased performance in certain areas. Your engineered wood floors hold up better than solid wood against moisture and temperature fluctuations, which reduces the chances of warping and buckling that can happen in those situations. That’s why engineered hardwood is a better alternative in areas where you should avoid installing hardwood floors like bathrooms and kitchens.
But that doesn’t mean your engineered hardwood floors are impermeable and immune to damage. Your cleaning routine could expose your warm, inviting floors to harsh damage that leaves them looking dull or completely destroyed. Water and steam are particularly hard on engineered hardwood, but using harsh chemicals and tools or failing to clean the floor regularly can also damage the surface.
Don’t let the fear of damage keep you from cleaning your floors regularly. It’s an essential maintenance task that lets the natural beauty of the floors shine through. If you avoid cleaning, the floors will become dirty and dull, but they could also pose a health risk to your family. Allergens and bacteria can build up on the surface as can chemicals like pesticides that you pick up on your shoes. Cleaning regularly and avoiding common mistakes help you create a healthier environment while preventing damage to your floors.
Forgetting to sweep or vacuum
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Skipping routine cleaning tasks like sweeping, vacuuming, and cleaning up spills puts your engineered wood floors at risk. Ignoring those crumbs and dirt piles could increase the risks of scratches if hard particles get dragged across the surface. Failing to clean up regularly also puts your floors at risk for damage or stains if the gunk gets ground into the surface. Any debris that’s damp can cause water damage to your engineered wood floor. If you’re not sweeping or vacuuming your floor at least three times a week and mopping at least weekly, you could notice dull, damaged floors. One of the downsides of engineered wood flooring is that it can’t be sanded and refinished repeatedly like solid hardwood, so preventing little scratches with your cleaning routine helps the floors last longer.
Before you grab just any tool to remove dirt from the floor, keep in mind that brooms, brushes, or vacuum attachments that are too hard or abrasive could scratch the surface. Avoid an overly stiff broom or brush, instead opting for softer bristles that can sweep effectively without destroying the finish. If you use a vacuum, switch it to the hardwood or bare floor setting to shut off the beater bar and prevent dings and scratches. Soft brush attachments help you reach nooks and corners with the vacuum.
Applying too much water or using steam
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Engineered wood flooring has a slight edge over solid hardwood when it comes to moisture resistance. But that doesn’t mean you should slap a sopping wet mop on it when you clean. Your engineered wood floors will still expand, contract, and warp if they’re exposed to too much water. Since it’s not solid, engineered wood can also delaminate or pull away from the backing material if it becomes too wet.
Water damage often comes when homeowners use too much water on the mop or cleaning cloth. The mop should just be damp enough to clean the floor well. Wring the mop out well before you put it on the floor and watch for drips or spills from your mop bucket. After cleaning, dry the floor immediately to remove any excess moisture that’s left behind by the mop.
Add rooms with engineered wood floors to the areas to avoid when steam cleaning your home. Despite being a handy tool, a steam mop can allow moisture to penetrate deep into the flooring. Steam might seem like it applies less moisture than a wet mop, but it can also cause the wood to swell and warp. Plus, adding heat into the mix causes more potential damage because it can break down the adhesives that hold the flooring together, and heat with moisture can cause expansion and contraction. It can also remove the finish on the flooring that protects it from scratches and other types of damage.
Using harsh cleaners and tools
If you reach for the strongest cleaner you can find, you could be putting your engineered wood at risk. Bleach and ammonia are two cleaners you should avoid, whether you use them straight on the floor or choose a cleaner that contains them. They’re too harsh for engineered hardwood and could cause discoloration, strip the finish, make the floors dull, or cause other types of damage. Even vinegar can be too harsh, and wax-based products or oil soaps ruin engineered wood with the residue they leave behind. Instead, use a floor cleaning product formulated for engineered wood. Cleaners should be pH-balanced if they’re not made specifically for wood. The floor manufacturer may have specific product recommendations that work well with the finish used on your flooring.
Chemicals you use for other surfaces could also impact your floors. Say you’re using bleach in your laundry room and the liquid spills or splashes onto the floor. Even though you’re not using the bleach to clean the floors, it could still discolor or warp the material. Use caution when working with chemicals near your engineered wood floors and clean up any splashes immediately to minimize the damage.
If you notice a tough spot that doesn’t wipe up easily, you might be tempted to reach for an abrasive cleaning tool, such as steel wool or a sponge with a scouring side. While those tools will help remove the spot, they’ll also likely remove the protective coating and leave scratches in the surface. Patience and a little elbow grease with a soft cleaning cloth is a better approach to cleaning stubborn messes.
Ignoring preventative steps
You’ll create more work for yourself and increase the risk of damaging your engineered floors by skipping preventative maintenance. That includes spending more time sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping if you don’t take any steps to limit dirt and debris on the floors. Allowing family and visitors to walk through the house with dirty shoes could lead to staining and worn spots on the flooring. The shoe soles could be damaging on their own, but they can also grind or rub small particles against your flooring to cause wear or small scratches.
One rule you might want to implement to protect your floors is a no-shoe policy. Put a mat, tray, or shelf near each entrance where you can place your footwear as soon as you enter the house. This reduces how much dirt, slush, salt, and other debris from outdoors lands on your floor to minimize damaging moisture and keep potentially abrasive particles off the surface. It also helps reduce the amount of bacteria, chemicals, and allergens that enter your home.
Mats and area rugs throughout the house also minimize damage. For instance, if you have engineered hardwood in your bathroom, placing bath mats in key spots near the sink and tub cuts down on water puddles on the floor. The same is true with kitchen floor mats. If you don’t require people to take off their shoes inside your home, having mats at the entrances gives them a spot to wipe off water, slush, and other gunk that’s on their shoes before they walk across your engineered floors.
How to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors
Like any wood flooring, engineered hardwoods are an investment. So you want to take care of that high-quality investment.
That means giving your floors some love with regular cleanings and maintenance. But what’s the best way to go about that? We’ll give you some insights on how to keep your floors looking great. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about floor care.
But before we address how to care for engineered hardwoods, let’s refresh you on what makes them unique.
Why Use Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Engineered hardwood floors have become increasingly popular with homeowners. And why not? You get the same great looks of solid hardwood flooring but with an added advantage. Engineered wood floors have better water resistance than solid wood flooring.
That’s because their core consists of compressed plywood. That core adds stability to each plank, making it more stable. So, unlike solid hardwoods, engineered floors don’t expand and contract as much when exposed to moisture.
That allows you to use them more confidently in basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It also improves performance in high-humidity locations like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The hardwood veneer provides a genuine wood floor, whether oak, hickory, maple, or walnut. Typically, an aluminum oxide finish protects that wear layer. So you gain added durability to handle heavy foot traffic..
Caring for Engineered Hardwoods
Caring for engineered hardwoods is similar to caring for solid hardwoods. However, you have a little more flexibility. For example, you can use a damp mop more readily than on a solid wood floor.
Otherwise, you follow the same regimen when caring for engineered floors. That regimen looks something like this.
Sweep and Vacuum Your Floors Routinely
One simplest yet most effective way to keep your engineered hardwood floors clean is to sweep or vacuum them regularly. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hardwood floor attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris. This prevents small particles from scratching the surface.
Use a Microfiber Mop to Remove Debris
Invest in a microfiber mop for daily or weekly cleaning. Microfiber mops are gentle on the floor’s finish. More importantly, they have better cleaning power and more effective germ removal than a damp mop.
You can dampen the mop slightly. But avoid excessive moisture that could create water damage on your floors.
Selecting the Right Cleaning Products
Opt for a pH-balanced, hardwood-specific cleaner. You can use a homemade cleaner by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
Otherwise, you can select from ready-made cleansers like Bruce® Hardwood & Laminate Cleaner. It cleans and protects engineered hardwood floors without leaving residue.
You can dampen a microfiber mop with your cleaner for more stubborn stains and spills. Then, gently clean the area. But always remember, less is more. So avoid saturating the floor to prevent standing water.
Protecting Your Engineered Hardwood Floors
Regular cleaning keeps your floors in top-notch shape. It also avoids the buildup of dirt and debris that can scratch your floors. But you can protect your floors even more with some simple additions.
Place area rugs or mats at entrances and high-traffic areas. They’ll prevent the tracking of dirt and moisture onto the floors.
Attach felt or rubber pads to the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches and dents when moving chairs and tables.
Be careful with your footwear. Shoes with deep treads can easily pick up small stones that can scratch your floor. High heels, especially softer woods like pine and cherry, can dent or scratch your flooring..
What to Avoid When Cleaning Engineered Wood
First, remember that engineered hardwoods are water resistant, not waterproof. So avoid soaking your wet mop. Ensure you wipe up spills when they occur to prevent them from soaking into the wood.
Second, stay away from harsh chemicals, like ammonia-based cleaners. And despite what you might hear, vinegar-based solutions aren’t suitable for wood flooring. They can dull and even strip the finish.
Finally, don’t use wax and oil soaps. They can leave a sticky residue that dulls the top layer of your flooring.
Questions About Cleaning Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Here are some of the most common questions about cleaning engineered hardwoods. If you have other questions, we’d love to hear from you. Just call 1.866.243.2726.
What is the best thing to clean engineered hardwood floors with?
The best thing to clean engineered hardwood floors is a microfiber mop or a soft-bristle broom. These tools are gentle on the surface. They effectively remove dust and dirt without scratching.
What should you avoid when cleaning engineered hardwood?
Avoid using excessive water or harsh chemicals. Additionally, avoid abrasive scrub brushes and abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
Can you steam-clean engineered hardwood floors?
Steaming cleaning engineered hardwood floors is not advisable. Steam can introduce excess moisture into the wood. That can cause warping and damage. Stick to dry or damp cleaning methods to protect your floors.
Can you use Swiffer® wet pads on engineered hardwood?
You can use Swiffer® wet pads on engineered hardwood. They can clean most flooring surfaces.
Can you use Bona® on engineered hardwood?
Bona® is a popular and safe choice for cleaning engineered hardwood floors. Bona makes specific products designed for hardwood, which are pH-balanced and gentle on the finish.
Is Murphy’s Oil Soap® suitable for engineered hardwoods?
No. Murphy’s Oil Soap® isn’t suitable for engineered floors, despite what you might think. It can leave a residue that leaves floors looking greasy. It also can discolor and dull the shine.
What are some good homemade cleaners for engineered wood floors?
You make a homemade cleaner by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Use this solution sparingly, and make sure the mop or cloth is only damp, not wet. For tough stains, you can use vinegar and water (diluted in a 1:10 ratio). But, as mentioned, avoid using vinegar too frequently as it can be acidic and potentially damage the finish.
How do you make engineered hardwood floors look new again?
To make engineered hardwood floors look new again, follow these steps:
• Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and dust.
• Use a gentle wood floor cleaner to clean the surface.
• Apply a hardwood floor polish or refresher to restore shine.
• Address any scratches or damage promptly with touch-up kits.
• Refinish the floor if it has significant wear.
Bruce®: A Go-To Source for Engineered Hardwoods
If you’re thinking of installing engineered hardwood flooring, Bruce® has a selection of 175 products. You can select from popular species in various looks, including wire-brushed, hand-scraped, distressed, and traditional woods.
Bruce also has waterproof engineered hardwoods like Hydropel™ and Dogwood®. You can use them anywhere in your home.
Bruce products are available at flooring retailers and home centers throughout the country. Find one near you using the store locator.
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