Hardwood floors that are engineered are well-liked by homeowners because of their durability and attractive appearance. However, it is important to maintain them in order to preserve their looks.

This guide will help you with the cleaning methods to use as well as the appropriate products and important advice for safeguarding your investment.

What Exactly are Engineered Hardwood Floors?

Engineered hardwood flooring is crafted by bonding layers of wood veneer with adhesives to enhance durability and moisture resistance as opposed to classic hardwood flooring options.

The uppermost layer features a hardwood veneer, while the lower layers usually consist of dense fiberboard or plywood materials.

This unique construction enables engineered hardwood floors to withstand fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels, which makes them a versatile choice for settings.

Steps for Cleaning Engineered Hardwood Floors

Maintaining the shine and quality of engineered hardwood floors involves care to ensure they last long and look great over time. Here’s a helpful walkthrough on the most effective way to clean engineered wood floors and keep them looking their best:

Dust and Sweep Regularly: Make sure to sweep or vacuum them regularly by using a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber dust mop to get rid of dust and debris, as this helps prevent any scratches on the floor surface caused by grit.

Vacuum with Care: Handle your cleaning duties with caution by utilizing a vacuum cleaner equipped with a gentle brush attachment to eliminate dirt and debris from the floor surface efficiently without causing any harm to the finish of the floor material.

Selecting the Correct Cleaning Solution: To achieve a deeper clean of hardwood floors, opt for a cleaner made specifically for this type of flooring. Steer clear of chemicals or cleaners with ammonia, as they may harm the surface finish. Instead, choose a pH cleaner that strikes the balance between being gentle and efficient.

Mop with a Damp Cloth (Not Wet): Clean the floor with a slightly damp cloth using a microfiber mop. Make sure to wring out the mop well to avoid too much moisture getting into the seams and causing damage to the floor.

Dry Immediately: Immediately after you finish mopping the floor, dry it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to prevent any water from pooling on the surface.

Top Picks for Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

When taking care of your engineered hardwood floors, it’s essential to select the cleaning products and tools for the task at hand. Here are some suggestions to help simplify your maintenance routine:

The Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is designed to be safe for engineered hardwood floors. Efficiently cleans dirt without any leftover residue. It’s also GREENGUARD certified to meet standards for low chemical emissions.

Revive your hardwood floors with the Rejuvenate Professional Wood Floor Restorer, which not only cleans but also rejuvenates their shine, especially ideal for those high footfall zones that could benefit from some attention.

Swiffer Sweeper 2 in 1 Dry + Wet Floor Mopping and Sweeping Kit is a tool that helps to pick up dust and dirt using cloths, and you can also switch to wet cloths for a more thorough cleaning job on your floors, making it a user-friendly choice that is gentle, on your flooring surfaces.

Investing in a premium microfiber mop with pads is a choice due to its effectiveness in capturing dust and grime while being safe for regular use on your floors.

How often should the cleaning be done?

The frequency of cleaning hardwood floors that are engineered depends on how people walk on them and the surroundings they are, in. For most households, they should aim to clean them once a week as this is usually enough.

However, if the floors are in areas with lots of people moving around or having pets around, then they need to be frequently cleaned.

Cleaning and maintaining the floors helps to stop dirt from building up, which could otherwise lead to scratches, and make the finish look less shiny.

Special Care to Avoid Damage

Maintaining engineered hardwood floors is crucial for their longevity despite their durability. Special attention is still needed to prevent any damage.

Be cautious with water usage on engineered hardwood floors to prevent warping and finish damage. Excessive moisture or steam cleaners should be avoided at all costs.
Keep your floors scratch-free by placing felt pads under furniture legs to prevent any marks. Remember to lift items instead of dragging them across the floor.
Deal with spills quickly by wiping them up using a dry cloth to prevent any water from standing and causing the floor to swell and get damaged.
Don’t forget to put down rugs or mats near the doors to trap dirt and moisture, preventing them from getting onto the floor and causing damage over time.

Additional Suggestions

Make sure to inspect your floors for any signs of damage or wear and be sure to address any problems to prevent further damage.
Remember to use the right cleaning methods and steer clear of cleaners and scrubbing tools when cleaning your items at home!
Make sure to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning to guarantee you’re employing the techniques.
Make sure to keep the indoor humidity levels stable to avoid fluctuations that could lead to wood expansion or contraction.

Long-Term Care for Your Engineered Hardwood Floor

Maintaining the beauty and durability of engineered hardwood floors requires a strategy involving the tools and cleaning agents specifically designed for cleaning engineered floors while adhering to recommended cleaning methods and maintenance routines to ensure your floors stay pristine for an extended period of time.

If you need a house cleaning service, check out NW Maids. We have a team that can make sure your floors and entire house are spotless and well-kept.

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