Engineered hardwood floors are a durable, beautiful option for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their home, though they tend to be especially popular choices for bathrooms and kitchens. This is because, unlike traditional hardwood floors, they can withstand humidity, so you can have that stylish look of hardwood without having to worry about warping in these high-traffic areas of your home.
While warping may not be an issue, you do still need to do a certain amount of cleaning and maintenance to make sure your engineered hardwood floors stay in good condition. Follow along to learn how to clean engineered hardwood floors.
Cleaning Up Everyday Dirt and Debris
Sweep or Vacuum
You may be able to get away with cleaning other types of floors a few times a week, but if you want to keep your engineered hardwood floors in good condition then you should be cleaning up daily, especially if they’re in high-traffic areas. Leaving dirt and debris on this type of flooring may cause it to get ground into its surface, damaging or scuffing the hardwood.
For everyday cleaning, use a soft-bristled broom and dustpan to collect and dispose of all the dirt on your floors. Or, if you’re not a fan of brooms, consider vacuuming the floor instead. Just be sure to put it on the “hard floor” setting so you don’t damage your floors.
Mop
Once you’ve collected all the bigger pieces of debris on your floors, you may then choose to go over them again with a mop to get anything that may have been left behind. While you can use a traditional mop and bucket for this, it’s best to use a dry microfibre one if you have one on hand. They tend to be less abrasive, plus you don’t need to worry about water pooling and damaging your floors.
For a Deeper Clean
Daily or almost daily sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping can only do so much. If dirt and grime are started to build up on your floors, then it’s a good idea to use a liquid cleaner on them every so often. Don’t just use any old cleaner, though – there are certain ones that are specially made for certain types of engineered hardwood floors. If you’re not sure which one to use, then it’s best to contact the manufacturer for their recommendation.
Once you’ve determined the correct cleaner, apply a small amount of it to the floor as directed and scrub with a cloth or sponge mop until clean. After you’re finished, be sure to clean up any excess liquid with a dry cloth or paper towel.
Preventing Stains and Damage
To help keep your floors in good condition while cleaning, keep the following tips in mind:
- Immediately clean up any spills. If you let liquid sit, it may soak into the hardwood and cause damage. Blot the spills gently for best results.
- Don’t use vinegar or ammonia, as they can erode the veneer on the floors.
- Don’t use abrasive cleaning brushes, as they will likely scratch the veneer.
