Last Updated on June 20, 2023
Engineered hardwood floors are stunning. Their beauty is undeniable when kept clean and polished. Insufficient care can damage the finish and leave streaks and residue.
If you’re unsure how to care for them properly, you might damage the finish or leave unsightly streaks. But with the right tools and techniques, cleaning engineered hardwood floors can be a breeze.
To clean engineered hardwood floors, start cleaning by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove any loose dirt or debris. Next, damp mop with water and a pH-neutral cleaner to thoroughly clean the floors. If you encounter tough stains, you can spot-clean them with a specialized cleaner.
Today we’ll discuss cleaning and maintaining your engineered hardwood floors so that they stay looking beautiful for years. So keep reading for more information.
How to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors: Steps to Follow
– Gather the Cleaning Tools:
– STEP 1. Sweep or Vacuum the Floors
– STEP 3. Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner
– STEP 5. Clean Oil-Finished Floors
– Step 6. Dry the Hardwood Floor
When cleaning your engineered hardwood floors, you’ll want to gather the necessary tools first.
Gather the Cleaning Tools:
Before starting, let’s grab the tools needed to clean our engineered hardwood floors. You’ll need the following:
- A dry microfiber mop or a vacuum cleaner,
- A hardwood floor head,
- A damp mop,
- A bucket of water and
- A pH-neutral hardwood floors cleaner
After gathering all these tools and materials, follow these steps to clean your floor:
STEP 1. Sweep or Vacuum the Floors
First, grab your trusty microfiber mop or gentle vacuum attachment and get ready to remove any excess dirt or debris. When sweeping, be sure to use a soft-bristled broom to avoid any damage to the surface of the floors.
If you prefer a vacuum, use the hardwood floor attachment to prevent scratches and damage. Take your time and be thorough, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas.
STEP 2. Damp Mop With Water
To damp mop your floors, simply dip your mop into the bucket of water and wring it out until it’s just damp. Use a clean mop head to avoid spreading any dirt or debris around. Glide the mop in the direction of the grain, and avoid using any harsh cleaning chemicals that could damage the finish of your floors.
STEP 3. Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner
Consider using a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for your engineered hardwood floors (such as Bona or Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner) for a truly deep clean. These cleaners are formulated to remove dirt, grime, and stains without damaging the finish or leaving any residue.
When using these cleaners, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for proper dilution and application. Apply a small amount of the cleaner onto a damp mop and spread it evenly across the floor.
Don’t soak the mop or the floor with the cleaner, as excess moisture can cause damage to the wood. Once you’ve mopped the entire area, rinse the mop with clean water and go over the floor again to remove any excess cleaner.
STEP 4. Spot Clean Stains
Now that you’ve used a pH-neutral cleaner to clean your engineered hardwood floor, it’s time to tackle any stubborn stains or spills. It’s easy to spot and clean these problem areas with the help of some baking soda and water.
First, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply the paste directly onto the stain and gently scrub the area with a soft cloth or sponge. Then wipe the area dry with a dry cloth. This method removes tough stains such as coffee.
STEP 5. Clean Oil-Finished Floors
To keep your stunning oil-finished floors in tip-top shape, using WOCA Natural Soap is recommended. The soap is designed to clean and nourish the floor, leaving it looking beautiful and well-maintained.
Mix the soap with water and apply it to the floor with a mop or cloth. Then, rinse the floor with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish when cleaning oil-finished floors.
Step 6. Dry the Hardwood Floor
After cleaning, grab a soft towel and pat your beautiful wood floors down to ensure they’re completely dry and ready to shine. Any remaining moisture on the surface may cause the wood to warp or become discolored.
It’s best to avoid using a fan or heater to dry the floors as this may cause the wood to dry too quickly and crack. Simply air-drying the floors is the safest and most effective way to ensure that they dry evenly and without any damage.
What to Use to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors?
When cleaning your engineered hardwood floors, there are a few key tools and products you should consider.
#1 Dry Microfiber Mop or Vacuum Cleaner:
A dry method is best when wiping down your engineered hardwood floors. With a vacuum or dry microfiber mop, you can sweep dirt, dust, and debris without introducing moisture to the floor, which can damage it.
#2 A Damp Mop with Water:
Try using a damp mop with water to get your engineered hardwood floors looking their best. This method is perfect for periodic cleaning and will help remove any dirt or grime that has built up on the surface of your flooring. However, ensure your mop is well-wrung to avoid excessive moisture on the floor.
#3 Use Water-Based Cleaners:
Water-based cleaners are specifically designed for use on engineered hardwood, making them a great option for deep cleaning. These cleaners are designed to remove dirt and grime without damaging the floor’s finish, swelling, or warping it.
What don’t you use to clean your engineered hardwood?
Avoid using harsh cleaning products, oil soaps, and wax-based cleaners to keep your engineered hardwood looking its best. These products can damage the protective finish of the flooring and cause discoloration, fading, and warping.
Also, avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as these can damage the protective finish on your floors. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer for recommendations on the best cleaning products for your specific type of flooring.
Moreover, do not use excessive moisture when cleaning your floors. Excess water can seep into the floorboards and cause them to swell and buckle. Therefore, avoid using soaking wet mops or leaving any puddles of water on the floor.
What is the best cleaner to use on engineered wood floors?
When maintaining the shine of your engineered wood floors, a mixture of white vinegar and lukewarm water is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. This is the best cleaner for engineered wood floors, as it’s gentle yet effective.
The white vinegar helps to break down dirt and grime, while the lukewarm water helps lift it away from the floor’s surface. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 gallons of lukewarm water to use this cleaner.
Use a mop or microfiber cloth to apply the solution to the floor, being careful not to saturate the wood. Wring out the mop or cloth well before applying, and rinse it frequently in the solution to avoid spreading dirt around.
Is Murphy’s oil soap good for engineered hardwood floors?
Murphy’s oil soap may seem convenient for your floors but remember that it can cause damage over time. While the soap may clean well initially, overuse can lead to build-up and dullness on the finish of your engineered hardwood.
Also, the ingredients in the soap can break down the protective layer on your floors, leaving them vulnerable to scratches, stains, and other damage.
Does Bona leave a residue on engineered hardwood floors?
Bona-engineered hardwood cleaners are specially designed not to leave any residue on your floors. These cleaners are formulated to break down and lift away dirt and grime without leaving any buildup behind.
Also, Bona’s unique formula ensures that your engineered hardwood floors stay clean and shiny without dulling or hazy residue. In fact, Bona products are so effective that they’re recommended by professionals and trusted by homeowners worldwide.
Maintain Your Engineered Hardwood Floors – Carefully Clean Them
You’ve successfully cleaned your engineered hardwood floors using the right tools and techniques. By following the steps outlined above, you’ve preserved the beauty and durability of your flooring.
As you walk across your freshly cleaned floors, imagine yourself strolling through a serene forest surrounded by lush trees and peaceful streams. As nature requires care and attention to thrive, so do your floors.
With regular cleaning using the proper methods, your engineered hardwood floors will continue providing comfort and elegance for years. Remember to avoid harsh alkaline or acidic cleaning products, excessive moisture, and always use a gentle touch when cleaning.
