How to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors

Are your wood floors in need of regular cleaning? I know it might be due to the daily activities of your household.

Do you find yourself tired of the constant maintenance especially when pets and children are involved?

I can relate to this struggle.

When you’re having guests over to your house or if you’re enjoying quality time with your family, the last thing you want to worry about is food spills, stains, or nasty scratches on your engineered wood floors.

The maintenance of your flooring can be quite a difficult and time-consuming task.

Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through simple and modern methods on how to keep your engineered wood floors clean and well-maintained.

You’re up for effective remedies that might be new to you so get ready.

Before we get into details, here is a short version with the methods numbered, if you don’t feel like readin2g the entire article.

1. Vinegar and Dish Soap: First create a solution of equal parts of vinegar and water, add a few drops of dish soap mist it onto the floor, and gently scrub the stain or spill spot to clean it effectively.
2. Wood Cleaning Sprays: You should use a specifically formulated wood cleaning spray, apply it evenly onto the spot, and clean it with a microfiber cloth gently to ensure proper and protected cleaning.
3. Wood Cleaning Materials and Vacuum: Maintain your engineered wood floors by regularly using a soft-bristle broom for thorough cleaning. Vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment can be used with a dampened microfiber mop to clean the surface effectively.
4. Oil Soap: First, dilute the wood oil soap, apply it with a mop or a cloth, and use it to wipe away any excess moisture for proper cleaning and to keep the wood maintained at all times.

As I have discussed the methods above, now let’s get into more details.

Preparing for Cleanup

If you want to make sure that the cleaning process is successful and safe, preparation is the most important factor.

You should gather the materials i.e., mild dish soap, warm water, white vinegar, a clean spray bottle, soft cloths, a soft bristle brush, and a dry tower.

These tools are necessary whether you’re dealing with minor spots or with stubborn stains.

If you’re using specialized equipment like a steam cleaner or an upholstery cleaner, make sure that you have the appropriate attachments and solutions ready.

After this step, identify the type of your engineered wood floor i.e., Laminated, Hardwood, or Engineered Hardwood because each type has different care requirements.

Consult the guidelines for the most accurate information on cleaning and maintenance.

Also, inspect your engineered wood floor’s specifications. The code is often located in inconspicuous areas, which provides important details regarding the safest cleaning methods.

If it is not available, a swift online search can provide the necessary guidance.

You should also refer to expert advice. Conduct a preliminary test of your cleaning solution on a small area. This will show whether the solution will cause the color to fade or cause damage to the wood surface.

After checking everything, you can proceed with the most suitable cleaning method, whether it’s a soft and thorough cleaning, gentle vacuuming, a deep steam clean, or some creative DIY method involving homemade materials.

Method 1: Cleaning with Vinegar and Dish Soap

Preparing the Solution:

• Take your dishwashing liquid and put half your pinky nail’s worth of dishwashing soap into the bucket and a capful of vinegar, fill your bucket with hot water.
• For tough stains, use more vinegar, keep in mind excessive vinegar damages the floor so don’t add more than a capful of vinegar.

Initial Application:

• Soak the mop head for a few minutes, to absorb the water in the product. After soaking the mop, take it in the cone wringer and wring it out. Make sure that the mop should be dry before you start cleaning.
• Mop the floor in the “S” pattern. Starting at one corner, moving your way over to the other corner, and then coming right back down to create the pattern, this makes sure that the entire floor is getting cleaned.

Choosing your cleaning tools:

These tools are suggested for this method of cleaning your engineered wood floors:

• Mop Head: To mop the entire floor with the solution.
• Microfiber Cloth: To wipe any type of remaining solution from the floor.

Mopping:

• Gently mop the entire floor after wringing it. Before mopping make sure that the mop is almost dry and doesn’t have any water soaking from it.
• Mop the floor in a “S” pattern, in order to make sure that the entire floor is mopped with the solution.
• You should continue this process until the entire floor is mopped properly and thoroughly.

Repeat as Necessary:

• If the stain on the floor is stubborn, you’ll have to repeat the process of mopping as mentioned above.
• Remember to stop the process when you see that the stain has been wiped and the entire floor has been mopped.

Drying the Area:

• After mopping the floor completely and making sure that all the area has been covered, you can take out a microfiber cloth to wipe the entire floor with your hands.
• Wipe the entire floor with the dry microfiber cloth and make sure that the floor is dry and no moisture remains on it.

Follow-up Treatment (if needed):

• If the stains are stubborn, you will need a second day of treatment.
• Make the solution as before and then follow the same steps.

Final Inspection and Cleaning:

• When the area is dry, inspect the floor for any residual stains or odors.
• If any traces of the stain remain, you should repeat the cleaning process again.
• Often, a second or third application will completely remove the stain.

Additional Tips:

• Test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor to ensure that it doesn’t cause damage.
• Remember to apply this method once per week, to keep the floor cleaned and maintained.
• If the odor persists, consider using a wood floor freshener or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for additional odor neutralization.

Method 2: Cleaning with Wood Cleaning Sprays

Select the Right Wood Cleaning Spray:

• In order to clean floors, you should choose a wood cleaning spray specifically designed to clean your floor.
• Remember to read the product labels to make sure that it is compatible with your floor and you can use it with no fear of damaging your floor.

Prepare the Floor:

• You should clear the floor of any dirt particles or debris either by sweeping or vacuuming.
• Also, remove any type of furniture or objects that might become an obstacle for you in cleaning your floor.

Even Application:

• Thoroughly shake the wood cleaning spray properly, before spraying it on your floor.
• You should hold the spray nozzle at a distance of about 8-12 inches away from the floor.
• Apply the cleaning spray properly at all areas of the floor making sure that no area is left dry.

Choosing your cleaning tools:

These tools are suggested for this method of cleaning your engineered wood floors:

Mop Head: To mop the entire floor after spraying the solution.
Microfiber Cloth: To wipe any type of remaining solution from the floor.

Wipe with Microfiber Cloth or Mop:

You can use a microfiber cloth or a mop designed for wood floors.
Ensure even coverage and avoid excessive moisture.

Address Stubborn Stains:

If the stains are stubborn, you should spray a small amount of the cleaning solution directly onto the stain.
Allow the solution to sit on it for a few minutes before you gently wipe it with a soft cloth or mop.

Thorough Drying:

• After cleaning the stain, remember to wipe the floor dry with a clean cloth to get rid of any excess moisture.
• Make sure that the floor is completely dry the prevent streaks and to avoid water damage.

Method 3: Store Bought Wood Cleaning Materials and Vacuum

Regular Cleaning Practices:

• You can use the traditional method of sweeping with a broom or utilizing a vacuum with specific features.
• You can use the broom to clean away any dirt or debris particles from the floor.
• For sucking away dirt and debris, you can use a vacuum cleaner. Remember not to use brushes with the vacuum as it might cause scratches.

Damp Mopping Techniques:

• Since we move around the house a lot, Specific areas require extra attention.
• For this purpose, you can use damp mopping techniques. Keep reading to see what they are.
• Wet the mop and wring out most of the water so it is just damp. Avoid leaving any standing water on the floor. This can damage the wood.

Wood Care Products:

• You can add a diluted wood cleaning product when mopping to take care of the floor.
• Avoid using harsh detergents as they’ll dull the surface.
• Some products are simple sprays and mops. They dry quickly and remove dust, dirt, and grime from your wood floors in no time.
• For a quick clean, there are disposable wet pads. These are perfect for touch-up cleaning, but select the wet pads according to your floor’s type.

Specific Products for Restoration:

• There are specific products for restoration i.e., floor polishes and waxes.
• Floor polishes help restore shine and offer protection against scratches. These products will also help fill scratches and come in a variety of low and high-gloss finishes.
• To make the worn floors as good as new, use floor wax. These not only provide a deep clean, but they leave a satin finish that protects and beautifies hardwoods.

Application Tips:

• Always apply the products with the grain of the wood.
• If your product requires a mop application, rinse the mop often and wring it dry.
• You can speed up the drying process by turning on a ceiling fan or the floor can be dried using a soft microfiber cloth.

Dealing with Scratches:

• For dealing with scratches, you can use liquid scratch concealers.
• Always remember they dry up when applied and form a permanent seal that won’t come off during cleaning.

Long-Term Maintenance:

• As time passes by, your floor will start wearing off but you can maintain them.
• The floor’s beauty can be restored by lightly sanding it and applying a new and fresh finish.

Method 4: Cleaning with Oil Soap

Before Cleaning:

If there is dust or dirt on the floor, make sure to clean it off before the actual cleaning process.
As the dirt might make the floor look dirty.
You can clean the dust using a vacuum cleaner, a broom or even a microfiber cloth.

Testing before using:

Remember to test the solution on a small part of your floor, before completely applying it.
Notice any changes and stop if they cause any damage to the floor.

Choosing your cleaning tools:

The following tools are required:

Mop: For applying the solution.
Bucket: To store the solution.
Microfiber Cloth/Broom: To wipe any type of dirt from the floor before cleaning.

Cleaning Process:

• Dilute 1/4 cup of oil soap in 1 gallon of water, making sure it is diluted correctly.
• Take a mop and start using it to clean the floor thoroughly.
• All of the areas of the floor should be mopped properly.
• Make sure that the mop is dried completely of any water, before using it.

After Cleaning Process:

• As you finish mopping the floor with the oil soap, make the mop completely dry and use it on the floor.
• This process is to get rid of any water or moisture on the floor. You can use a dry microfiber cloth as well.

Polishing:

• For the polishing process, you can apply a glossy polish to the floor.
• Make sure that the floor is dry before applying the polish.

Importance of Polishing:

• Polishing improves the overall appearance of the floor
• Gives a deeper shine and wood texture.

Tips and Tricks for Long Life of Wooden Floors

Here are some tips and tricks that will help you in keeping your engineered floors clean.

A household with a lot of people and pets has an effect on our furniture and it endures a lot.
These simple, effective strategies will keep your wooden floor fresh and clean, so you don’t need to worry about it. Let’s dive into the details.

Daily Cleaning of Floor:

You should keep your floor clean on a daily basis.
If it is wet, you should clean it immediately, because if your floor doesn’t have a finish applied, it will get soaked.
For daily cleaning, you should use tools like brooms, microfiber cloth, or a vacuum.

What not to Use:

• You should not use heavy chemicals for cleaning because they will damage your flooring and also make it dull.
• Don’t use brushes of hard material, as it might cause scratches on the floor.
• Don’t use steam mops as they will damage your wooden floor.

Avoiding Scratches:

• You should avoid scratches at all costs to keep your floor maintained.
• Avoid using shoes that have rough bottoms as they will cause scratches.
• Don’t use hard surfaces on the floor.
• Avoid using high heels while you’re on the floor.

Protective Materials:

• To keep your floor protected, you should use protective mats and rugs.
• Keep high-traffic parts of your floor covered with mats and rugs, so the floor stays protected.

How to Maintain Hardwood Floors?

Protect High Traffic places:

You should protect the high-traffic places on your floor as much as you can.

This is because high-traffic places are more prone to getting damaged by scratches.

You should protect the doorway to avoid rain-soaked or cloaked in snow shoes and the hallway by using protective mats and rugs.

Also, apply a protective layer of finish to keep the floor protected.

Cleaning Tips:

For cleaning your floor, always remember to use clean water instead of damp water, because it causes stains on the floor. Keep your floor dry and free of any type of water and make sure that no moisture seeps in.
Don’t apply the cleaning methods of carpet on wooden floors, because they will cause damage to your floor.

Check with Floor Manufacturers:

You should remember to check in with the floor manufacturers if you think your floor has any scratches or wear damage.
These floors often come with a lifetime warranty therefore you only have to maintain them. Consult the manufacturers, if you want the floor to get fixed and refurbished.

Conclusion

In the end, I have provided a complete guide of how to clean your floor, keeping it protected, and tips, and tricks to keep it maintained.

All the methods have been explained clearly.

Here is a quick recap:

1. Vinegar and Dish Soap: Create a solution of water and vinegar, apply it on the floor, and gently scrub the stain spot to clean it.
2. Wood Cleaning Sprays: Apply the spray evenly onto the floor and clean it properly with a microfiber cloth.
3. Wood Cleaning Materials and Vacuum: You can clean your floor using a broom, microfiber cloth, dry mop, and vacuum to keep it maintained.
4. Oil Soap: Dilute the oil soap, apply it with a mop onto the floor, and dry the floor with the cloth to give that fresh look.

For a more detailed guide on how to clean floors and other materials read my other articles.