Engineered wood is a popular flooring material among homeowners because of its easy installation, years of durability, versatility, sustainability, and the style and elegance it adds to a room. But what about their cleaning and maintenance? In this article, you’ll find tips on how to clean engineered wood floors properly. Follow them, and your floors will remain gorgeous for many years to come.
How to Clean Engineered Wood Floors
Every type of floor collects messes because it’s just a part of a lived-in home, and engineered wood flooring is no exception. Luckily, engineered wood floors are incredibly easy to clean. Whether you’ve just installed a brand-new prefinished wood floor or you’re hoping to improve the look of white oak flooring that’s starting to show its age, our tips can help you get maximum shine with minimal effort.
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Sweep or Vacuum Regularly
Work on your floor a little bit every day. Sweep regularly to keep loose dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris under control. This way, you will prevent these contaminants from being ground beneath your feet into the surface of the floor, creating scratches and causing premature wear. You can also use a lightweight vacuum, but you should avoid using one with a rotating bristle bar because it can damage your floors.
Use a Damp Mop
Mop your floors periodically. Rooms with higher foot traffic may need a mop about once a week, and less-used areas probably only need it once a month. Just be sure to use a damp mop or cloth – rather than something soaking wet. Although engineered wood flooring is more water-resistant than solid hardwood or laminate wood flooring, you should still take care not to let moisture seep into the wood. Wipe up any standing water immediately.
Deep Clean Occasionally
Use a recommended cleaner for heavy-duty cleaning because dirt and grime can build up over time, even with a regular cleaning routine. You should avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish on your floors. It’s better to test a cleaner first in a discrete spot to make sure it won’t damage the finish.
Protect High-Traffic Areas
Use rugs, runners, and welcome mats in high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and entry points. They can help prevent the grit on the bottom of shoes from grinding into the engineered wood floor and damaging the finish.
Things to Avoid
- Avoid using cleaning products that include vinegar, soap-based cleaners, or wax.
- Never clean your floor with steel wool and melamine sponges because they could also leave behind irreversible wear and tear.
- Avoid using floor steamers, wet mops, or other cleaning methods that would allow water to seep between the planks and cause warping or damage to the underlayment.
- Never leave spills for too long as you risk damaging your floor.
Looking for more tips on how to keep your floors and walls clean? You may want to check out our recommendations on
how to take care of natural stone surfaces.
