No matter whether you’ve just finished installing your engineered hardwood floor or you’ve been enjoying the benefits of one for a while now, you are pretty well aware that in a while, it will start showing its age. You will need to develop a few good strategies to keep it looking brand-new and maximize its lifespan in the process.
On that note, if you are interested in hardwood floor installation or want to learn the ins and outs of cleaning engineered hardwood floors, this article from Triad Flooring & Bath experts will hook you up with the knowledge you need.
Vacuum and Sweep Daily
The best way to clean engineered hardwood floors is to clean them daily. Vacuuming or swapping the dirt, dust, and debris away every day is the best thing you can do to keep your floor clean. Regular cleaning also helps prevent these contaminants from eating into the floor, creating scratches and dents and ultimately leading to premature wear.
For Heavy-Duty Cleaning, Stick With The Recommended Cleaner
The contractor team or the manufacturer has probably left you notes about the best way to clean engineered hardwood floors right after installation. Even if they didn’t, it’s essential to test the following first in a secluded spot to ensure that the cleaner solution doesn’t leave any spots or damage the finish. Also, most experts won’t recommend using steam vacuums or steam mops for the purpose of heavy-duty cleaning.
Be Extra Careful With High-Traffic Areas
How to clean hardwood-engineered floors the smart way? Using welcome mats, rugs, and runners is a great way to protect high-traffic places like kitchens, entry points, and hallways. Covering these areas can help prevent grit development, resulting from shoe bottoms finding into the floor, causing damage to the finish.
Use Water and Vinegar
To maintain your engineered hardwood floors with routine cleaning, the most effective method involves using a mixture of white vinegar and lukewarm water (for two gallons of water, around one cup of vinegar). The natural acidity of vinegar aids in removing dirt and impurities, all while being gentle on your engineered wood floor and eco-friendly. It’s important to use a slightly damp mop or cloth, avoid excessive moisture, and promptly attend to any standing water. To achieve optimal results, ensure that you mop in alignment with the grain direction of the floorboards.
Refinish If Necessary
Occasionally, floor damage may still occur despite employing cleaning techniques and protective measures. For instance, if your engineered floor sustains scratches due to furniture being dragged across it, restoration may be necessary to bring back its original charm. The viability of this option hinges on the quality of your floor and its finishing. While certain engineered floors feature an exceedingly thin top layer that permits refinishing only once, others may require board replacement to maintain an even appearance. This underscores the importance of keeping some spare flooring, often referred to as “attic stock,” from your initial installation. This reserve can be utilized to replace damaged boards when needed.
If You Need More Tips
There are plenty of other things you can do to keep your engineered hardwood floors clean and in their best shape. If you are looking for more info on their maintenance, feel free to contact us today.
