Keep your Engineered Wood Floor smudge and dirt free with this handy guide from the experts.For floors that add immediate warmth to a room without compromising on character, engineered floors are high quality, durable and incredibly easy to clean. Not to be confused with laminate flooring, engineered wood floors are the flooring type for the future: they sport the look and feel of real hardwood, without the disadvantages of cost and restrictions of placement. Engineered wood flooring is made up of a combination of laminate and hardwood, formed of a series of high-density layered fibres. This layering technology gives these floors greater support, meaning that they can tolerate greater fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels. Whether you’ve already taken the plunge, or are just browsing, if you’re are worried about how to maintain your new engineered wood floors, let us put your mind at ease. To keep your wood floors looking like when they were first installed, all you need to do is follow a few simple steps: mop up spills immediately, stick to a regular cleaning schedule and use the right cleaning agents. Go for easily maintained, stress-free engineered wood flooring – one of the many reasons why engineered floors are one of our most popular floor types. Read on to find out how to leave your floors spotlessly clean.
The Benefits
There are numerous benefits to installing engineered wood flooring as opposed to solid hardwood floors, lower cost being a significant one. Engineered wood floors are incredibly budget-friendly, and come in a variety of colours, finishes and board sizes. This means that you often have more options than if you chose a solid hardwood floor type. Engineered flooring is extremely long-lasting, made from multiple solid layers that give the floorboards the strength and finish of solid hardwood. These floors can also be re-sanded up to two or three times, and then re-varnished or lacquered, to remove signs of unsightly stains and scrapes. Engineered flooring has come a long way in the last few years – many people cannot tell the difference between solid and engineered wood. Engineered wood floors look just as good as authentic wood, without the costly disadvantages. This floor type can be laid down more easily, even as a beginner DIY project, and can be placed in bathrooms, kitchens and with underfloor heating as it doesn’t expand or contract. This is an affordable, durable, maintenance-friendly wood floor that will suit every home.
Preventing Moisture
One of the most common problems associated with wood flooring is moisture. Because wood is a natural material, it expands and contracts in response to levels of moisture in the air. This can lead to unsightly cracks and blemishes in the wood, and even buckling in some cases. While engineered wood flooring does not carry the same risk as solid wood, it still sports a hardwood upper and so care must be taken when it comes to maintenance. If you’re particularly concerned about the problems that high moisture levels can cause – for example, you’re placing new floors in a moisture-rich environment, such as an under-ventilated bathroom or basement – you might consider taking moisture readings of your subfloor for peace of mind. Another easy tip is to leave the planks of wood in the room where they will be laid down so that they acclimatise to the environment, reducing the risk of damage. Prevent stains by watching out for spills. While engineered floors may be laid down in kitchens and bathrooms, it’s important to clean up all spills quickly, particularly when they develop into puddles of standing water. This is even more important for chemical spills, which can cause irreversible staining and damage if not mopped up quickly before they have dried.
Regular Maintenance
Keep your floors looking as good as new by implementing a consistent cleaning routine. Sweep floors three or more times a week to remove debris and prevent scratches. Always sweep your wood floors before you mop for ultimate cleaning. Try to properly mop your floors at least once a week. Some experts recommend using a microfibre mop on engineered wood floors to stay ultra-gentle, but using a regular mop is also fine, as long as it remains damp and not soaking wet. Add a few drops of specialised engineered wood floor cleaner to water and submerge your mop, making sure to wring out as much water as possible before you begin. For very hard-to-remove stains, try mixing white vinegar and hot water in limited amounts – though always check with your manufacturer beforehand. It is also possible to carefully vacuum your new wood floors without causing damage. Just make sure that your vacuum is lightweight, with a hardwood-mode or recallable harsh bristle bar that may cause scratches.
What Not to Use
While engineered wood flooring is durable not delicate, there are some things that can immediately damage your beautiful new floors. Stay away from ammonia and other harsh cleaning agents that may damage the hardwood upper layer. Don’t use a steam cleaner on your floor as this will direct too much moisture into the layers of engineered flooring, leading them to separate. Avoid scratches by steering clear of scouring pads and steel wool. If your floor has been lacquered or oiled, there are more restrictions on what cleaning products may be used. Speak to your manufacturer about what product would work to best to keep your new floors looking spotless.
More Tips
There are other simple tips and tricks that will help preserve the luster of your engineered wood floor. Make sure that your have doormats at every entrance, ready to scrape off mud and dirt. Go for a doormat that doesn’t have a rubber back, as this can lead to trapped moisture and subsequent water damage. This is especially important in autumn and winter, where your shoes may be rain-soaked or caked in snow. Be sure to take them off before entering the house and placing them on a tiled surface. Try not to walk on your floors in high-heeled shoes, as this will damage the upper layer. To further prevent scuffing, install furniture pads under table legs, plant pots and other furniture. Don’t be put off wood floors by anticipated cleaning: using the right products and protecting the wood surface will leave you with a wonderfully-cleaned floor that needs very little upkeep. Engineered wood works well in all rooms and is an expert choice for most households. Engineered wood floors offer significant stability and quality of design, while remaining fairly hassle-free to maintain. If you’re looking for beautiful new floors that will last, you’re bound to find the floor for you in our vast and varied collection of floor finishes and wood types. FIND MORE TIPS ON OUR BLOG.
