Unlike solid wood flooring with only one component, engineered hardwood floors are consist of multiple layers of flooring products.
The top layer of engineered hardwood flooring is made using solid wood. The layers underneath it are typically either plywood or high-density fiberboard.
Since the composition of solid wood floors and engineered wood floors are different, it also means they require different approaches when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. This is important to know – especially if you have engineered wood floors installed in your property.
You wouldn’t want to accidentally damage the floors, which could lead to costly flooring repairs, or worse, a replacement. Thus, it’s essential to know how to maintain and clean engineered hardwood flooring properly.
Recommended Floor Cleaner
Not all engineered wood floors will require the same type of cleaner. When you’re picking out a liquid cleaner for your floors, check what the flooring manufacturer recommends type or brand.
You can usually find this information on their website. You can also reach out to whoever installed the flooring.
If the flooring was already there before you owned the property, you could have a professional flooring company check your floors and see what you need.
Flooring companies usually offer a complimentary in-house estimate for their services.
You can take advantage of this offer to get their recommendations for a flooring liquid cleaner.
Once you know what type or brand of flooring cleaner you need, you can typically buy it at your local supply or hardware store. You can also try your luck ordering online.
Flooring manufacturers highly recommend liquid cleaners. They are specifically created to remove stains and dirt left on the floor.
Before you use the cleaner, make sure to read the instructions carefully.
You can then use a sponge or mop to wipe it up. Start with a small amount and use more as needed until you don’t see the stain anymore.
If you have areas or corners in the home that a mop cannot reach, use your hands. Pour a tiny amount of the cleaner on a clean rag and clean the dirty area.
Don’t Use Too Much Water
Too much water or moisture is not suitable for engineered hardwood floors. Water could cause irreversible and costly damage to the floors, especially if it sits for too long.
Of course, some spills are inevitable. When that happens, just make sure to wipe it up as soon as you can. Don’t put too much force or pressure as you wipe; you can press the water into the layers of the floor with forceful wiping.
Clean the Engineered Hardwood Floors Daily with a Dry Mop
Use a dry mop to wipe away dirt, dust, and grime. Doing this type of cleaning daily will help prevent a build-up of dirt. Cleaning the floors should be part of your daily maintenance routine for your floors.
We recommend a microfiber mop to clean dirt on the floors. Microfiber effectively picks up tiny quantities of dirt and debris from the floor, without damaging the surface.
If you prefer to vacuum the floors rather than mopping them, don’t use the beater bar. It would be better if the vacuum model you’re using has an option for bare floors cleaning.
If it doesn’t have that option, turn the beater bar to the highest setting, so it’s not touching the floor as much as possible. Doing so will prevent the vacuum from scratching or denting the flooring.
Engineered Hardwood Floors: Key Takeaway
Engineered wood is a popular flooring choice for many homeowners. It’s a durable and beautiful option. Preventive maintenance and regular cleaning help extend your engineered hardwood floors’ life, so make sure to practice it.
