Engineered hardwood floors are a popular and durable choice for homes and businesses, offering the elegance of an engineered hardwood floor, with added stability. But like any flooring, cleaning engineered hardwood floors properly is essential for maintaining their beauty. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about cleaning and caring for engineered wood floors, using the right tools and techniques to protect their finish for years to come.

Engineered hardwood flooring combines the aesthetic of real wood with a multi-layer core that offers superior stability. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered wood is less likely to warp or swell in humid conditions, making it a great choice for laminate flooring both homes and commercial spaces.

Maintaining engineered hardwood is essential not just for looks but for ensuring the longevity of the floor. A consistent cleaning routine removes dirt and debris that can scratch or dull the engineered floor part’s finish over time, keeping the floors looking vibrant and new.

Understanding Engineered Hardwood: What Makes It Different?

Engineered hardwood floors differ from solid hardwood floors in both structure and resilience. Here’s a quick comparison to understand why engineered wood flooring is a popular option:

Engineered wood floors are ideal for high-traffic areas, commercial properties, or homes where humidity may fluctuate, as they offer the warmth of wood without the maintenance challenges of solid hardwood flooring.

Why Regular Cleaning Is Essential for Engineered Hardwood

Regular cleaning of engineered hardwood floors helps preserve their beauty and durability by removing dirt and grime that can damage the wood’s surface. Here’s why routine and cleaning engineered hardwood flooring matters:

• Improves Indoor Air Quality: Dust and allergens on the floor can affect the air quality, especially in homes with pets or in busy commercial spaces.
• Prevents Scratches and Wear: Dirt and debris act like abrasives on the floor’s finish. Regular cleaning helps avoid scratches and keeps the finish smooth.
• Prolongs the Floor’s Lifespan: With consistent care, engineered wood floors can look fresh and last longer.

Basic Cleaning Tools and Supplies Needed

To clean engineered hardwood and clean floors effectively, use tools and supplies that won’t harm the floor’s finish. Here are some essentials:

• Soft-bristled broom or vacuum cleaner with a hardwood setting to trap dirt and avoid scratches.
• Microfiber mop: A microfiber mop provides a gentle clean, capturing dust and fine particles without excessive water.
• pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner: Choose a cleaner specifically designed for wood floors to avoid damaging chemicals.
• Microfiber cloths or sponges for spot cleaning.

Avoid: Harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, steam mops, and a steel wool brush, which can damage the wood’s surface.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Engineered Hardwood Floors

Daily Maintenance: Sweeping and Vacuuming

Sweeping or vacuuming the entire floor daily is essential to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris, which can scratch the floor’s finish. Use a soft bristle broom or vacuum on the “hard floor” setting to prevent scratches.

Weekly Routine: Damp Mopping with Safe Cleaners

Once a week, mop the floor with a damp microfiber mop and a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner. Avoid excessive moisture by wringing out the mop well. If you prefer, you can make a homemade wood floor cleaner with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap or essential oil.

Monthly Deep Clean: Ensuring Long-Term Shine

For a monthly clean, consider using a wood-safe polish or protective coating that restores the floor’s shine. Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s instructions, as some floors may require specific products.

Handling Stains and Spills on Engineered Hardwood

Promptly dealing with stains and spills prevents water damage and staining:

• Food and drink spills: Wipe spills immediately with a damp microfiber cloth, then dry the area to prevent moisture buildup.
• Tough stains: For stubborn stains, use a cloth dampened with a bit of hydrogen peroxide, placing it on the stain for a few minutes before wiping.
• Grease stains: Use a small amount of mild dish soap on a damp cloth and wipe gently.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Engineered Hardwood Floors

Avoid these common mistakes to keep wood surface on your engineered wood floors looking their best:

• Excessive moisture: Using too much water can cause swelling and damage. Always use a damp mop rather than a wet mop.
• Harsh chemicals: Ammonia and bleach can damage the floor’s finish. Stick to pH-neutral wood floor cleaners.
• Steam cleaners: The high heat and moisture can warp engineered hardwood, so it’s best to avoid steam mops.

Protecting Engineered Hardwood in High-Traffic Commercial Spaces

High-traffic areas require added protection to maintain the finish of engineered floors:

• Use area rugs: Place rugs in entryways and high-traffic zones to reduce wear. Rugs help trap dirt and debris before they reach the floors.
• Furniture pads: Attach felt pads to furniture legs to prevent scratching.
• Rearrange regularly: Rotating furniture can prevent dents and wear patterns in specific areas.

Best Practices for Extending the Life of Engineered Hardwood

With proper care, engineered hardwood floors can withstand high foot traffic while maintaining their appearance and integrity. Here are the essential steps to follow:

1. Control Humidity and Temperature

• Why it matters: Engineered wood is more resistant to humidity changes than solid hardwood, but it can still react to extreme fluctuations.
• Best practices: Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%. During dry winter months, a humidifier can help prevent the wood from drying out, while air conditioning in summer months can control excess moisture.
• What to avoid: Avoid drastic temperature changes and prolonged exposure to excess moisture, as this can lead to expansion, contraction, or warping.

2. Protect Against UV Damage

• Why it matters: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade or discolor engineered hardwood over time.
• Best practices: Use window coverings like blinds, curtains, or UV-protective window films to shield floors from direct sunlight. For areas with intense natural light, consider rotating rugs or furniture occasionally to minimize uneven fading.
• What to avoid: Avoid using rugs with rubber backings, as they can trap heat and moisture, potentially damaging the floor’s surface.

3. Clean Spills Immediately

• Why it matters: Engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture than solid hardwood, but standing water can still penetrate through seams, causing damage.
• Best practices: Wipe up spills immediately with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth. For tougher spills, use a mild dish soap diluted in water, followed by a dry cloth.
• What to avoid: Do not let water or cleaning solutions pool on the floor. Excessive moisture can seep into the core layers and cause swelling or warping.

4. Use Felt Pads and Floor Protectors

• Why it matters: Scratches and dents are common in high-traffic areas, especially if furniture is frequently moved.
• Best practices: Apply felt pads to the legs of chairs, tables, and other furniture to prevent scratching. Regularly check and replace these pads as they wear down.
• What to avoid: Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor. Instead, lift or use a dolly when moving larger items.

5. Place Area Rugs in High-Traffic Zones

• Why it matters: High-traffic areas, like entrances, hallways, and kitchen floors, are more prone to scratches and wear.
• Best practices: Use area rugs and runners to protect floors from dirt and debris in these high-traffic zones. Choose rugs with non-slip backings, but avoid those with rubber bottoms as they can trap moisture.
• What to avoid: Steer clear of using mats with harsh or sticky adhesives, as they can damage the floor’s finish when removed.

6. Regularly Check for Wear and Repair Minor Damages

• Why it matters: Small scratches and dents can worsen over time if left untreated.
• Best practices: Address minor scratches with a floor repair kit or a touch-up pen that matches the floor’s color. For deeper scratches, wax-based fillers or wood putty can help restore the surface. Apply a protective polish or finish as recommended by the flooring manufacturer to refresh the floor’s appearance.
• What to avoid: Avoid refinishing engineered floors with thin wear layers. If the wear layer is less than 3mm, refinishing could risk penetrating the surface layer.

7. Establish a Consistent Cleaning Routine

• Why it matters: Regular cleaning keeps the floor’s surface free from abrasive dirt and dust that can dull or scratch the finish.
• Best practices: Sweep or vacuum daily with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum cleaner designed for hardwood. Mop weekly with a pH-neutral cleaner and a damp (not wet) microfiber mop, being careful not to saturate the floor.
• What to avoid: Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and excessive moisture. Stick to products specifically designed for engineered wood floors to ensure compatibility with the finish.

8. Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners

• Why it matters: Some cleaning agents can degrade the floor’s finish, leading to discoloration or dullness over time.
• Best practices: Choose a wood floor cleaner that is pH-neutral and safe for engineered wood. You can also use homemade options, like a mild solution of water and white vinegar (use sparingly).
• What to avoid: Refrain from using bleach, ammonia, or oil soaps, as these can erode the finish or leave a cloudy residue.

These practices help ensure that your engineered hardwood floors retain their original beauty and strength. By keeping your cleaning routine gentle and consistent, controlling indoor conditions, and addressing small issues early, you’ll get the most value out of your investment.

Commercial Floor Cleaning Services: Why Professional Care Matters

For businesses with large areas of engineered wood flooring, professional cleaning services offer many benefits:

• Deep cleaning expertise: Professionals use specialized equipment to clean deeply without risking damage.
• Longevity: Regular commercial cleaning can help engineered wood last longer, making it a worthwhile investment.

Scher Flooring Services specializes in commercial engineered wood floor cleaning, a flooring manufacturer providing tailored solutions to maintain the integrity and beauty of your floors.

Keeping Your Engineered Hardwood Floors Pristine

Cleaning and maintaining engineered hardwood floors ensures their lasting beauty and functionality. With daily care and occasional professional maintenance, these clean engineered hardwood floors can stay beautiful and perform well for years, even in high-traffic areas. Consider partnering with a professional cleaning service like Scher Flooring to maximize the value of your engineered wood investment.