How to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors
This article was co-authored by Ashley Matuska. Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University.
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An engineered hardwood floor—as opposed to a traditional hardwood floor, made of only wood—comprises several layers. While the surface of the engineered hardwood is genuine hardwood, the underlying layers are typically made of plywood or high-density fiberboard. [1] X Research source To prevent an engineered hardwood floor from being permanently scuffed or stained, you’ll need to clean it regularly. You can begin with a dustpan and broom, and then step up to manufacturer-recommended liquid cleaners.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Care and Maintenance
Homeowners value engineered hardwood flooring for its easy installation, years of durability, and—of course—the elegance and style it adds to a room. However, there’s no such thing as a mess-proof floor. Even your brand-new engineered hardwood flooring is going to show signs of life: pet hair, scratches, dirt, and more. Fortunately, it doesn’t take a professional cleaning service to keep your floors looking great. Once you know what to do, which tools to use, and how to minimize mess and damage, you can settle into a care and maintenance routine that works for your life and your home. To help you achieve that routine, here’s our guide to engineered hardwood flooring care and maintenance.
How to Clean Your Engineered Hardwood Floors
Every floor collects messes—it’s just a part of a lived-in home. Unfortunately, engineered hardwood floors tend to show off dust and dirt more than others. With no grooves or fibers for the debris to hide in, it becomes obvious when your pet sheds or your kids track in dirt from playing outside. While this can certainly get obnoxious, it also makes it easy to know when it’s time to clean the floors. Instead of letting dust, hair, and dirt remain in your carpet or tile for weeks, you can quickly take care of any messes. Not only will your home look cleaner, but it will also contain fewer allergens and other irritants that can cause health issues. Your cleaning routine doesn’t have to be a hassle, either. Once you know the steps and build a habit, it’s easy to deal with the messes and keep your floors gleaming like the day you installed them.
Sweep Regularly
Fortunately, the most common step to cleaning your engineered hardwood floors is also the simplest: get familiar with your broom. Sweep regularly to keep loose dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris under control. You can also use a lightweight vacuum, but avoid using one with a rotating bristle bar, which can damage your floors. If your vacuum has a beater bar, be sure to set it to a bare floor setting or use a floor-brush attachment instead. How often you sweep or vacuum changes depending on how much traffic your floors see. For more active areas like hallways or entryways, you might have to sweep every day or every other day. Areas with less foot traffic might only need your attention once a week.
Use a Damp Mop
It’s also important to mop your floors periodically. Again, how often you do this depends on the activity your floors see. Rooms with higher foot traffic could use a mop about once a week, while less-used areas probably only need it once a month. Additionally, if your engineered hardwood floor begins to dull, it’s time to bring out the mop. Always keep your mop or cloth slightly damp rather than wet. While engineered hardwood flooring is more water-resistant than solid hardwood, you should still take care to not let moisture seep into the wood. Avoid creating standing water and instead use just enough that it will evaporate within a few minutes. After mopping, check your floors and dry off any remaining moisture.
Deep Clean Occasionally
Even with a regular cleaning routine, dirt and grime can build up over time—that’s just part of using your floors. There are a few deep cleaning products and methods to use on occasion with your engineered hardwood floors. Make sure the cleaning agent you use is designed specifically for engineered hardwood flooring—such as From the Forest’s hardwood flooring cleaner. Avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals, as these can damage the finish on your floors. Apply your cleaning agent with a rag, mop, or sponge. Like with regular mopping, it’s important to keep your mop or rag damp but not wet. Once you’ve applied your cleaning product, rinse your floors with water, then wipe them down with a clean, dry towel to eliminate any excess moisture.
Taking Care of Scratches
Apart from a cleaning routine, you also have to protect your floors from dents and scratches. While it’s impossible to have a truly scratch-proof hardwood floor, there are a few tricks and solutions you can use to keep damage to a minimum. If your hardwood floors suffer from scratches, there are several ways to make the damage less noticeable—and less likely to cause further issues. Use a scratch concealer to eliminate the obvious white lines that come from scratches. This will also seal the area, preventing further scratching and keeping moisture from seeping into the wood.
Things to Avoid
Part of proper engineered hardwood flooring care and maintenance is simply knowing what not to do. As mentioned above, it’s important to avoid cleaning products with harsh chemicals, such as ammonia. You should also steer away from wax-based cleaners and oil soaps. Use only soft materials to apply your cleaners—never use a steel wool brush or scouring pad to buff out marks or scratches. A microfiber cloth or mop works great to collect dust and debris without damaging your floors. Because excessive moisture can damage your floors, avoid using floor steamers, wet mops, or other cleaning methods that would allow water to seep between the planks and cause warping or other damage.
Other Tips and Tricks
Dirt, scratches, and other minor damage is an inevitable part of living with engineered hardwood floors. However, several tricks and tips can help you prevent potential damage—no matter how many pets, kids, or unexpected events your floors face. Do your best to stay on top of messes. Wipe up any spills immediately, before the moisture has a chance to get into the wood and cause damage. Floor mats near doorways are a great way to trap dirt, gravel, and other outdoor debris that might make its way inside. You can also get a floor rug or runner for your entryway, hallway, and other high-traffic areas. Avoid using mats with latex or rubber backing, as this can damage the finish on your floors. You can also place protective mats under chairs or tables with wheels to prevent scratching. Similarly, make sure all the furniture in your house has felt padding on the bottom of the legs. This will help you avoid damaging your floors whenever you move or rearrange furniture. Taking care of your engineered hardwood floors might seem like a hassle at first, but once you build a routine, you’ll have the reward of gleaming floors and rooms. From the Forest is here to help by providing quality, nationally sourced maple, walnut, hickory and oak engineered hardwood flooring, along with the cleaning products and information you need to make them last. With a little care and effort, you can maintain the luxurious and traditional style that drew you to these floors in the first place.
How to Clean Engineered Wood Floors for Optimal Maintenance and Longevity
Do you find yourself struggling to keep your engineered wood floors looking pristine? Picture this: You’ve invested in beautiful flooring, but daily wear and tear are starting to show. What if we told you there’s a simple way to maintain their luster effortlessly?
In this article, we’ll share easy-to-follow tips on cleaning engineered wood floors, helping you restore their natural beauty without the hassle. You’ll discover practical techniques that not only remove dirt and grime but also prolong the life of your floors. Ready to say goodbye to dull and dirty surfaces? Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to keeping your engineered wood floors sparkling clean.
Key Takeaways
- Regular cleaning of engineered wood floors is essential to maintain their natural beauty and longevity.
- Benefits of cleaning include enhanced durability, improved indoor air quality, prevention of damage, safeguarding the finish, and maintaining appearance.
- Cleaning frequency should include daily maintenance, weekly cleaning, monthly maintenance with specialized wood floor cleaner, and periodic professional treatments.
- Necessary tools and equipment for cleaning engineered wood floors include microfiber mop, soft-bristled broom, vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment, wood floor cleaner, white vinegar, furniture pads, area rugs, steam mop (low heat), and humidifier or dehumidifier.
- Effective cleaning steps involve daily sweeping or vacuuming, using a microfiber mop, weekly mopping with wood floor cleaner, spot cleaning, periodic white vinegar solution cleaning, and using area rugs and furniture pads.
- Tips for preventing damage while cleaning include using gentle cleaning tools, wiping spills immediately, avoiding excess water, protecting floors from furniture with pads, using area rugs strategically, and maintaining optimal humidity levels.
The Importance of Cleaning Engineered Wood Floors
To maintain the natural beauty and longevity of your engineered wood floors, regular cleaning is crucial. Dust, dirt, and other particles can accumulate on the surface, causing scratches and dullness over time. By incorporating a consistent cleaning routine into your maintenance plan, you can preserve the luster of your floors for years to come.
Benefits of Cleaning Engineered Wood Floors
Keeping your engineered wood floors clean offers a range of benefits beyond just aesthetics. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Enhanced Durability: Regular cleaning prevents dirt and debris from grinding into the floor’s surface, minimizing wear and tear.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Removing dust and allergens through cleaning promotes a healthier environment for you and your family.
- Prevention of Damage: Spills and stains can harm the wood if left uncleaned, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Safeguarding Finish: Proper cleaning helps protect the floor’s finish, preserving its shine and color vibrancy.
- Maintained Appearance: A clean floor looks visually appealing, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your living space.
Cleaning Frequency
For optimal results, it’s recommended to clean your engineered wood floors regularly. Here’s a simple guide:
- Daily Maintenance: Lightly sweep or dust mop the floors to remove surface dirt and prevent scratches.
- Weekly Cleaning: Use a damp microfiber mop or cloth to give your floors a deeper clean, focusing on high-traffic areas.
- Monthly Maintenance: Consider using a specialized wood floor cleaner to remove grime and buildup effectively.
- Periodic Treatments: Schedule professional cleaning or refinishing as needed to revitalize the wood’s appearance.
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By understanding the significance of cleaning your engineered wood floors, you can protect your investment and enjoy beautiful, well-maintained flooring for years to come. Incorporate regular cleaning into your routine to reap the benefits of a pristine living environment and prolong the lifespan of your floors.
Tools and Equipment Needed for Cleaning Engineered Wood Floors
To properly clean your engineered wood floors, you’ll need the following tools and equipment. Make sure to have these items on hand for efficient and effective cleaning.
Essential Tools:
- Microfiber Mop: This gentle tool is ideal for dry mopping to remove dust and debris without scratching the floor.
- Soft-bristled Broom: Use this to sweep away larger dirt particles and pet hair before mopping.
- Vacuum Cleaner with Soft Brush Attachment: Opt for a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to clean hard-to-reach areas and crevices without causing damage.
Cleaning Solutions:
- Wood Floor Cleaner: Choose a specialized cleaner recommended for engineered wood floors to effectively remove stains and maintain the finish.
- White Vinegar: A natural alternative to commercial cleaners, white vinegar diluted in water can be used for light cleaning.
Protective Items:
- Furniture Pads: Place these under furniture legs and heavy objects to prevent scratches and dents on the floor.
- Area Rugs: Protect high-traffic areas with rugs to minimize wear and tear on the wood surface.
- Steam Mop (Low Heat): If approved by the floor manufacturer, a steam mop can be used occasionally for a thorough clean.
- Humidifier or Dehumidifier: Maintain the right indoor humidity levels to prevent warping or damage to the engineered wood.
By having these tools and equipment ready, you can ensure that your cleaning routine for engineered wood floors is both effective and safe. Following these guidelines will help preserve the beauty and longevity of your floors for years to come.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Engineered Wood Floors
To maintain your engineered wood floors and keep them looking their best, follow these simple steps for effective cleaning:
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin cleaning your engineered wood floors, ensure you have the necessary supplies ready. You’ll need a few items to get started:
- Microfiber mop
- Soft-bristled broom
- Wood floor cleaner
- White vinegar
- Furniture pads
- Area rugs
Daily Maintenance
- Sweep or Vacuum: Start by removing dust, dirt, and debris daily using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner on the hardwood setting.
- Use a Microfiber Mop: For a quick clean, use a microfiber mop to pick up any remaining particles and give your floors a shiny finish.
Weekly Cleaning
- Mop with Wood Floor Cleaner: Dilute your wood floor cleaner as per the manufacturer’s instructions and mop the floor in the direction of the wood grain.
- Spot Clean: For stubborn stains, dampen a microfiber cloth with a mixture of water and wood floor cleaner, and gently wipe the affected area.
Periodic Treatments
- White Vinegar Solution: Mix a small amount of white vinegar with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Dampen a mop, wring it out well, and clean the floors.
- Use Area Rugs and Furniture Pads: Place area rugs at high-traffic areas and add furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratching and scuffing.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Engineered wood floors are sensitive to water, so ensure you don’t leave any liquid on the surface for an extended period.
- Maintain Humidity Levels: Use a humidifier in dry climates and a dehumidifier in humid environments to keep the wood stable.
By following these steps and incorporating these tips into your cleaning routine, you can ensure that your engineered wood floors remain beautiful and durable for years to come.
Tips for Preventing Damage While Cleaning Engineered Wood Floors
To maintain the beauty and longevity of your engineered wood floors, it’s essential to take preventive measures while cleaning. Here are some valuable tips to help you prevent damage:
1. Use Gentle Cleaning Tools
Opt for soft-bristled brooms, microfiber mops, and wood floor cleaners specifically designed for engineered wood floors. Avoid harsh chemicals, steel wool, or abrasive cleaning tools that can scratch or damage the wood surface.
2. Wipe Spills Immediately
Accidents happen, and spills are common. To prevent moisture from seeping into the wood, clean up spills promptly using a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid leaving water or liquid spills unattended, as they can cause warping or staining.
3. Avoid Excess Water
When mopping your engineered wood floors, remember that less is more. Excess water can penetrate the wood’s layers, leading to swelling, warping, or cupping. Wring out your mop thoroughly and ensure it’s just damp, not dripping wet.
4. Protect Floors from Furniture
Place furniture pads or felt protectors under the legs of heavy furniture to prevent scratches, dents, or marks on your floors. Regularly check these protectors for wear and tear, replacing them as needed to maintain the floor’s surface.
5. Use Area Rugs Strategically
Strategic placement of area rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entryways or under furniture, can help minimize wear and tear on your wood floors. Rugs act as a protective barrier against dirt, debris, and potential scratches.
6. Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels
Engineered wood floors are sensitive to humidity levels. To prevent expansion or contraction of the wood planks, keep indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to maintain a stable environment.
By following these practical tips, you can ensure that your engineered wood floors remain in top condition, preserving their beauty and durability for years to come.
Conclusion
Taking care of your engineered wood floors doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the simple yet effective cleaning tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your floors remain in top condition for years to come. Remember to be gentle with your cleaning tools, act promptly when spills occur, and maintain the right humidity levels. By incorporating these practices into your cleaning routine, you’ll not only preserve the beauty of your floors but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. So, go ahead and give your engineered wood floors the care they deserve – it’s worth it in the long run!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my engineered wood floors?
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain engineered wood floors. Daily upkeep with gentle tools like microfiber mops and weekly cleanings with wood floor cleaners are recommended. Periodic treatments like polishing or refinishing should be done as needed.
What preventive measures can I take for cleaning engineered wood floors?
To prevent damage, wipe spills immediately, avoid excess water, and use furniture pads to protect floors from scratches. Strategically placing area rugs in high-traffic areas can minimize wear and tear. Maintaining optimal humidity levels in your home can also prevent warping or cracks in the wood.
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Hi, I’m Chris! I’ve been passionate about woodworking for years, and I enjoy turning ideas into functional and beautiful creations. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, I’m here to share tips, techniques, and project inspiration to help you on your woodworking journey.
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How to Clean Engineered Wood Floors for Optimal Maintenance and Longevity
