Engineered hardwood floors are popular with homeowners due to their durability and appearance. Unlike traditional solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers of wood, making it more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Despite its resilience, we recommend proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure its longevity and keep it looking pristine. With the appropriate cleaning techniques and tools, you can protect your investment and enjoy the beauty of your engineered wood floor for years to come.
What is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is an easy flooring material comprising multiple comprising multiple layers of wood, with a solid hardwood top layer and a core of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). This construction adds stability to engineered hardwood floors, making them more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations than solid hardwood.
The top layer, made of natural wood, provides the authentic look and feel of hardwood, while the core layers offer structural strength. This combination makes engineered hardwood a popular choice for homeowners looking for the beauty of wood floors in areas that may experience changes in humidity or temperature, like basements or kitchens.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Maintaining the beauty of engineered hardwood floors starts with a simple daily cleaning routine. Dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface, causing tiny scratches that dull the finish over time if not regularly removed.
To prevent this, it’s important to dust or sweep your floors daily. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristle broom to capture dust without causing scratches. If you prefer vacuuming, ensure the vacuum is set to a hard floor setting to avoid using a beater bar, which can damage the surface. Regular sweeping or vacuuming keeps your floors free from debris and helps maintain their natural shine.
Weekly or Bi-Weekly Deep Cleaning
In addition to daily dusting, engineered hardwood floors benefit from a deeper clean on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. When mopping, you must use a damp, not soaking wet mop. Excess moisture can seep into the layers of engineered hardwood and cause warping or swelling over time. For the best results, use a cleaning solution specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid harsh chemicals or overly acidic cleaners, as these can strip the finish and damage the wood. Take the following steps to clean your engineered wood flooring:
- Lightly mist your engineered hardwood floor with a hardwood-safe cleaner.
- Use a well-wrung, damp mop or microfiber mop to clean the surface gently.
- Always mop in the direction of the wood grain for a streak-free finish.
Remember, less is more when it comes to water, so dry any excess moisture immediately with a clean towel to avoid water damage.
Materials We Recommend for Cleaning Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Using the right cleaning tools is essential for maintaining the integrity of your engineered hardwood floors. Here are some of the best materials to use:
- Microfiber Cloths and Mops: We highly recommend microfiber for dusting and mopping. It traps dust and dirt effectively without scratching the surface. When mopping, use a microfiber mop with just a small amount of water to prevent excess moisture on the floor.
- Soft-Bristle Brooms: A soft-bristle broom is gentle enough to avoid scratching the finish of your engineered hardwood floors while efficiently sweeping away dirt and debris. It’s a good option for quick, daily cleanups.
- Hardwood-Compatible Vacuums: If you prefer vacuuming, ensure your vacuum is set to the hardwood floor setting or use one without a beater bar. This prevents any damage to the floor’s surface, as rotating brushes and strong suction can cause scratches.
The Best Cleaners We Recommend for Engineered Hardwood
Choosing the correct cleaner is as important as selecting the proper cleaning tools. Engineered hardwood requires cleaners specifically formulated for hardwood floors to maintain its beauty and prevent damage.
- pH-Balanced Hardwood Cleaners: Choose pH-neutral cleaners that are gentle on your floor’s finish. Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can strip away the protective layer and cause discoloration or damage.
- Water-Based Cleaners: Water-based solutions are often preferred as they dry quickly and leave little to no residue. Always ensure the cleaner is safe for hardwood surfaces to avoid buildup or streaking.
Harmful Products and Practices We Recommend Avoiding
While engineered hardwood floors are durable, using the wrong products or cleaning methods can cause lasting damage. Knowing what to avoid can help protect your floors.
- Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using cleaners with ammonia, bleach, or abrasive ingredients. These can strip the protective finish and cause discoloration over time.
- Wax or Oil-Based Cleaners: While wax and oil-based products can make floors shine, they may create buildup over time, dulling the finish and making future refinishing more difficult. Stick to products specifically designed for engineered hardwood to maintain a clean, polished look without harming the floor’s surface.
- Abrasive Tools: Steer clear of steel wool, scrub brushes, or any tool that could scratch the surface when you clean engineered wood floors. Stick to soft-bristle brooms, microfiber cloths, or mop heads for cleaning.
- Excessive Water: Water is the enemy of engineered hardwood. Too much moisture can lead to warping and swelling. Always ensure your mop is only damp and never soaking wet when mopping, and clean up spills immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
- Preventing Scratches: To protect your floors from scratches, use felt pads under furniture legs and place area rugs in high-traffic areas. These simple steps can preserve the smooth finish and reduce wear over time.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips for Engineered Hardwood Floors
Beyond regular cleaning, taking a few extra steps can help preserve the appearance and durability of your engineered hardwood floors over the years.
Refinishing
Engineered hardwood can be refinished, but only a limited number of times, depending on the thickness of the top layer. Refinishing can help restore the floor’s shine and eliminate light scratches. However, a professional should handle this process to avoid damaging the wood. If your floors appear dull or worn, consult a flooring expert to assess whether refinishing is suitable.
Protecting Against Sun Damage
Over time, direct sunlight can cause your engineered wood floors to fade or discolor. Use curtains or blinds in areas with heavy sunlight exposure to prevent this. Alternatively, you can apply UV-resistant finishes to protect the wood from sun damage, keeping your floors vibrant and even-toned for longer.
Humidity Control
Maintaining stable humidity levels is crucial for the longevity of engineered hardwood. Too much humidity can cause the wood to expand, while dry conditions may cause it to contract, leading to gaps or warping. Using a humidifier or dehumidifier during seasonal changes can help preserve your floors’ condition by keeping the indoor environment consistent.
Contact Us for More Engineered Hardwood Flooring Advice
Keeping your engineered hardwood floors in top condition is all about using the right cleaning techniques and products. Establishing a simple daily routine, conducting regular deep cleans, and avoiding harmful practices can extend the life and beauty of your engineered floors. Long-term maintenance, such as protecting against sun damage and managing humidity levels, further ensures your floors will last for years.
Always use hardwood-safe cleaning products for the best results and consult professionals when needed. At Builders Interiors, we offer a variety of engineered hardwood floors designed to help you easily maintain your investment. Contact us today to explore our products and find the perfect flooring for your home.