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Caring For Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is the closest in feel and appearance to solid wood flooring there is, without sacrificing its classically stylish features. At Flooring Direct, we use layers of timber boards with real hardwood veneer, keeping our engineered wood flooring materials updated and versatile. It’s super easy to install and will leave your home looking stunning.
We want to make sure you are confident in caring for your engineered wood floor, so we’ve collected all of our helpful hints and tips here to advise you in looking after your new wooden floors.
Our number one tip is to prevent any water damage by not allowing water collect or sit and soak into your floor for a long period of time. To avoid this, we recommend investing in a flat-bottomed mop that is efficient in soaking up excess water. Also, using a dry microfibre mop after cleaning your engineered wood floor will help to pick up all the left-over dirt without scratching the surface. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals and abrasive materials that could potentially damage your floors, to ensure it retains its immaculate condition.
Keeping Your Engineered Wood Flooring Clean
Dirt Free Floors
To avoid scratching your wooden floors, its vital for you to remove any dirt or grit that has settled on the surface as soon as possible.
A dry, microfibre dust mop is the best way to do this, as it can remove all the debris without disturbing the finish of the floor.
Regularly sweeping and vacuuming your engineered wood floor using soft-head attachments will prevent damage and keep your home looking clean and tidy.
Using Cleaning Products On Engineered Wood Flooring
Of course, maintaining the pristine look and feel of your floors is the priority, so consistently keeping on top of the upkeep it requires is essential. But we want to ensure you are using the right products to care for your engineered wood floor.
So, here’s what NOT to use:
● Stay away from wax-based cleaners and harsh detergents. Be sure to check the label of all your cleaning products to confirm whether they are appropriate for engineered wood flooring materials.
● Do not use abrasive products like steel wool, as it could compromise the smooth texture and clean finish. Scratching the surface of wooden floors is the most common damage that occurs, so take precaution and only use soft materials.
● After cleaning your wood floors, rinse away any left-over product with clean water to prevent stickiness or staining.
Mopping Engineered Wood Floor
To keep your floor looking its absolute best, take our tips into consideration when mopping your wooden flooring.
● Flat-bottomed mop heads are much safer to use on scratch-prone flooring, so try to avoid using stringy mop heads that can drag dirt and grit around with them. Stringy mop heads are also known for their high measure of water accumulation which could damage your floor if not soaked up properly afterwards.
● Excessive liquid exposure can cause irreversible damage to wooden floors, so its important that the mop is rinsed thoroughly before using it to clean your flooring.
● Flooring Direct recommends you use two separate mop buckets, one filled with a wood-safe approved cleaning product and water mixture, and one with just clean water. This will allow you to safely clean your floor and rinse away any excess product that could cling to the surface.
Maintaining Your Engineered Wood Floor
Although engineered wood flooring replicates the style and appearance of solid wood flooring, the material itself is sturdier and more structurally stable, making it easier to maintain. It is not as prone to damage caused by changes in temperature or increased moisture levels as authentic hard wood flooring is. This allows for easier management and prevents small signs of wear and tear.
Moisture Protection For Engineered Wood Flooring
Although it is much tougher against moisture than solid wood, you should avoid soaking your engineered wood flooring with any kind of liquid. Take extra care when cleaning your floor by wringing out the mop and lifting any excess water with a dry towel beforehand. It’s important to clear up any spillages immediately to avoid causing long-term damage to your floor.
Dent And Scratch Protection For Engineered Wood Flooring
All wooden flooring is increasingly more susceptible to scratches and dents compared to its scratch-resistant counterparts, vinyl and carpet. While some may prefer the extra added character to their flooring, others want to preserve the pristine condition in which our floors arrive. Prevention of scratches and scrapes is easier to assure than curing damaged wood flooring, so take our advice on how to protect your floors.
● Regularly sweeping your floors will keep the surface free of dust and grit, preventing any build up of small scratches caused by repetitive exposure to dirt.
● Purchase one of our Flooring Direct door mats to limit the amount of dirt being brought into your house from outside. This initial prevention tool is more effective than you might first think!
● Attach furniture pads to the legs and castors of your tables and sofas to prevent the furniture from moving and scratching the floors.
● Minimise the risk of denting your engineered wood floors by avoiding contact with stiletto heels. They can cause a lot of damage to the top layer of the floor, making it uneven and distressing the overall appearance.
Repairing / Reworking Your Engineered Flooring
Due to the layered formation of materials used to construct engineered wood flooring, you can choose to refinish the surface of the floor. Wood floors can be sanded, re-vanished or waxed to change the colour and texture or remove any damage to the exterior.
In most DIY stores, you will be able to purchase a specialist wood floor repair kit, which will provide you with all the necessary equipment and information to refinish your floors. Alternatively, if you have purchased our ‘click-fit’ engineered wood floor, you can simply lift the damaged board and replace it with a new one.
However, as engineered wood has only a veneer of real wood, it can only be sanded off two to three times throughout its lifeline, compared to four to five times with hard wood.
Engineered Wood Flooring Tips
DO
• Use a microfiber mop to remove dirt
• Clear up spillages ASAP
• Use a soft-headed broom/hoover regularly
• Purchase a door mat
• Keep your pet's nails trimmed
• Use furniture pads under table legs and castors
DON’T
• Soak the floor with water
• Use wax-based cleaning products
• Scrub your floor with abrasive materials like steel wool
• Use harsh detergents
• Constantly walk across your wooden floor in stilettos
Engineered wood flooring is a hard-wearing and durable material that adds a natural, authentic feel to every room.
So, if you’re looking to replace your flooring, why not take a look at our complete range of engineered wood flooring.
If you are unsure of which type is suitable for you, then we have a helpful Buying Guide to aid you in choosing the perfect engineered wood floor for your home.