How To Clean Engineered Wood Floors – Top Tips for Success

Though engineered wood is often touted as the sturdier, eco-friendlier version of its traditional counterpart, the material still requires a lot of care and looking after if you want it to last a long time.

If you’ve just had your engineered hardwood flooring installed and are looking for ways to keep it sturdy and clean for years to come, you’ve come to the right place.

This article gives a step-by-step guide on how to clean engineered wood floors.

To clean engineered wood floors, start by sweeping or vacuuming them. Then, use a microfiber mop and a cleaning solution that’s been specifically made for this purpose to get rid of more stubborn stains or debris. Tough stains need to be spot-treated. Make sure to also take preventative measures.

This article is for you if you’re trying to learn how to best clean your engineered wood floors.

Below, I’ll explore my top tips on conducting daily maintenance, cleaning deep stains, and looking after this popular material by taking preventative measures.

1. Sweep or Vacuum the Floor

Sweeping or vacuuming will help remove loose dirt, dust, or debris. However, make sure to use the gentlest brush attachment you can. Though engineered wood is sturdy, it can still get scratched pretty easily.

In the same vein, ensure that your movements are also gentle – don’t apply too much pressure.

2. Mop the Floor

Those stubborn stains will need a mop, so take a soft, microfiber mop and use it with a cleaning solution specifically designed for engineered wood floors. While mopping, only use a conservative amount of water, as excessive moisture can damage the material.

3. Spot-Treat Tough Stains

Here’s how you can spot-treat tough stains:

1. Take a slightly damp cloth.
2. Saturate it with a gentle cleaning solution approved by your manufacturer.
3. Remove excess water once more.
4. Gently and carefully rub the affected area until the stain is removed.

For especially stubborn stains, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Head over to this article to learn how.

4. Protect High-Traffic Areas

Last but not least, remember that prevention is always better than cure. So, take action by protecting any high-traffic areas that might be more susceptible to dirt, debris, or spillages.

To do so, place rugs, mats, or other types of furniture on top of these areas so that you don’t have to clean them as often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before wrapping everything up, let’s quickly answer some of your most frequently asked questions.

• Is it OK to mop engineered hardwood floors? Yes, it is OK to mop engineered floors. Just be careful not to use excessive amounts of water, and always work in a well-ventilated area so the space can dry quickly.
• Is Swiffer Wet safe for engineered hardwood floors? Swiffer Wet is generally safe for engineered hardwood floors; however, it’s best to err on the side of safety and check the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand, just in case.
• How do you naturally shine engineered wood floors? Mix olive oil and vinegar in a spray bottle to naturally shine engineered wood floors, spray the solution onto the floor, and buff it out using a soft cloth.
• How do you rejuvenate engineered hardwood floors? Sand and refinish the surface using products designed specifically for this purpose. Ensure your flooring can be sanded this way first because you can’t do this with all engineered wood floors.
• What is the best cleaner for engineered wood floors? The best cleaners for engineered wood floors are pH-neutral ones specifically designed for this purpose.
• What should you not put on engineered hardwood floors? Avoid harsh chemicals, excessive water, and abrasive cleaners on engineered hardwood floors.
• Is Murphy’s Oil Soap good for engineered hardwood floors? No, it isn’t.
• Can you use Dawn soap on engineered hardwood floors? Unfortunately, dawn soap isn’t recommended for use on engineered hardwood floors.
• Can you use dish soap on engineered hardwood? Again, dish soap isn’t the best choice for engineered hardwood.
• Should I oil my engineered wood floor? It’s not always necessary, but if the surface doesn’t have a lacquered finish, you can try it. Test it first on an inconspicuous area to ensure the results are good.
• How often should you clean engineered hardwood floors? Perhaps three times a week, depending on how much traffic they get.
• How often should I oil engineered wood floors? If you oil engineered wood floors, do so once every year or every other year. Check with the manufacturer first that this kind of treatment is appropriate; you can also test this on an area that’s not too prominent.
• Are steam mops OK for engineered wood floors? Unfortunately, they’re not the best choice and could damage certain types of floors.
• Why is my floor still dirty after steam mopping? That’s because sometimes steam isn’t enough to get all of the residue and debris off.
• Do engineered wood floors scratch easily? They’re sturdier than traditional wood but can still scratch relatively easily.
• Does water damage engineered hardwood? Yes, excessive water can damage engineered hardwood.

Final Thoughts On The Best Way To Clean Engineered Wood Floors

Though engineered wood tends to be sturdier than its traditional counterpart, if you want it to last a long time, you’ll have to learn how to properly take care of it.

The cleaning process is one of the most important aspects of the material’s maintenance routine.

Luckily, by following the tips outlined above, this job should feel like a breeze, and you’ll be left with clean, durable, well-looked-after engineered wood floors that’ll last for years to come.

If you found this article useful, why not check out our other blog post that goes into greater depth for more information on engineered wood floors.