How to Clean Engineered Wood Flooring

If you’re considering installing an engineered wood floor and want to know how to keep it looking beautiful, our expert advice on how to clean engineered wood flooring will help you keep it free of smudges, scuffs, and dirt.
Why choose an engineered hardwood floor?

If you’re looking for high-quality, durable flooring that brings immediate character and warmth to your room, engineered wood is an excellent choice. Engineered wood floors offer the look and texture of hardwood without the expense. In addition, they are easy to install and keep clean.

Engineered wood flooring consists of several layers. The decorative top layer is natural wood and can vary in thickness. The thicker the top layer, the longer the floor will last, as you can sand it more times.

The top layer is stuck to a core board made of compressed high-density fibers that can handle heat and moisture better than traditional hardwood flooring. Some types of engineered wood have more core layers than others. Whichever you choose, the layered construction provides stability and strength to your floor.

Even better, cleaning wood floors is a breeze: keep reading for our top tips on how to clean engineered wood flooring!

1. Prevention is better than cure!
If you’re wondering how to clean engineered wood flooring, a few simple housekeeping measures will reduce the amount of time you spend on the chore:
Have a doormat at each entrance to remove any mud and dirt before it gets tracked into the room.

Opt for doormats without rubber backing, as they can trap moisture underneath the mat that could damage the floor. This is essential in fall and winter when your footwear is often wet or snow-caked. Take wet shoes off before entering a room with a wood floor.

Try to avoid walking on engineered wood floors in high-heeled pumps, as they may damage the top layer. Adding furniture pads under plant pots, table legs, and other furniture helps prevent scuffing.

2. Avoid moisture
Moisture is one of the most common difficulties associated with wood flooring. Wood expands and contracts according to the levels of humidity in the atmosphere, which can lead to blemishes and cracks in the wood – it may even buckle or bend. Engineered wood floors are more resistant to moisture than hardwood floors. But the top layer is natural wood, so you can’t use too much water when you clean.

If you want to put an engineered wood floor in a room with a lot of moisture, like a basement or bathroom, you should take a moisture reading of the subfloor as a safety measure. Another tip to reduce the risk of damage is to leave the planks of engineered wood for a week or two in the room where they will be installed. Doing this gives them time to acclimatize to the surrounding environment.

3. Watch out for spills.
Engineered wood is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s essential to clean up any spillages as soon as possible. Puddles of water left standing can cause the floor to warp or buckle. It’s even more important to clean up spills of chemicals or other liquids; they could cause permanent damage or stains if not mopped up before they dry.

4. Clean regularly
To keep your engineered wood floors looking their best, implement a consistent cleaning schedule. Debris and dust can cause scratches, so sweep floors two or three times a week. Mop once a week; always sweep it first. If you prefer to vacuum your floor, be careful that the brush head does not cause scratches. Use a lightweight vacuum in hardwood mode.

5. Use the correct products
Mop your floor with warm water that has a few drops of a cleaner made for engineered wood floors added to it. Whether you use a microfibre mop or a regular mop, it’s essential to wring it out as thoroughly as possible so that the mop head is barely damp. You don’t want to make the floor too wet.

For a stain that’s very hard to remove, try dabbing gently with a 50/50 mixture of hot water and white vinegar – once again, be careful not to leave the floor wet.

What to avoid when cleaning engineered wood floors

Engineered wood floors are extremely durable, but like traditional wood floors, there are a few things to avoid if you want them to look their best:
Steer clear of ammonia and harsh cleaning agents that could damage the decorative top layer. Steam cleaners must also be avoided as they will force moisture into the engineered flooring, causing the layers to separate.
Steel wool and scouring pads can scratch the surface, so use only soft brushes, cloths, and mops.

When a floor has been oiled or lacquered, there may be additional guidance on the best cleaning products. Your supplier can advise on how to clean engineered wood flooring with special finishes.
Why choose Cavendish deVere to supply and fit your engineered wood flooring?
Cavendish deVere is an award-winning company that sells and installs carpets and engineered wood flooring in London. They have a lot of experience with both residential and commercial wood flooring. We offer a 12-month warranty on all installations and use specialist, highly-trained wood floor installers who take care of the process from start to finish.

Call the team today at 020 8798 3011 to find out more, or send us a WhatsApp at 07723 467 119 to arrange a free, no-obligation quotation, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Ray Brosnan is the owner of Brosnan Property Solutions. They are a facility management business based in Ireland.

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