How to Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors

Why Use Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered hardwood floors have become increasingly popular with homeowners. And why not? You get the same great looks of solid hardwood flooring but with an added advantage. Engineered wood floors have better water resistance than solid wood flooring.

That’s because their core consists of compressed plywood. That core adds stability to each plank, making it more stable. So, unlike solid hardwoods, engineered floors don’t expand and contract as much when exposed to moisture.

That allows you to use them more confidently in basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It also improves performance in high-humidity locations like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

The hardwood veneer provides a genuine wood floor, whether oak, hickory, maple, or walnut. Typically, an aluminum oxide finish protects that wear layer. So you gain added durability to handle heavy foot traffic..

Caring for Engineered Hardwoods

Caring for engineered hardwoods is similar to caring for solid hardwoods. However, you have a little more flexibility. For example, you can use a damp mop more readily than on a solid wood floor.

Otherwise, you follow the same regimen when caring for engineered floors. That regimen looks something like this.

Protecting Your Engineered Hardwood Floors

Regular cleaning keeps your floors in top-notch shape. It also avoids the buildup of dirt and debris that can scratch your floors. But you can protect your floors even more with some simple additions.

Place area rugs or mats at entrances and high-traffic areas. They’ll prevent the tracking of dirt and moisture onto the floors.

Attach felt or rubber pads to the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches and dents when moving chairs and tables.

Be careful with your footwear. Shoes with deep treads can easily pick up small stones that can scratch your floor. High heels, especially softer woods like pine and cherry, can dent or scratch your flooring..

What to Avoid When Cleaning Engineered Wood

First, remember that engineered hardwoods are water resistant, not waterproof. So avoid soaking your wet mop. Ensure you wipe up spills when they occur to prevent them from soaking into the wood.

Second, stay away from harsh chemicals, like ammonia-based cleaners. And despite what you might hear, vinegar-based solutions aren’t suitable for wood flooring. They can dull and even strip the finish.

Finally, don’t use wax and oil soaps. They can leave a sticky residue that dulls the top layer of your flooring.

Questions About Cleaning Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Here are some of the most common questions about cleaning engineered hardwoods. If you have other questions, we’d love to hear from you. Just call 1.866.243.2726.

What is the best thing to clean engineered hardwood floors with?
The best thing to clean engineered hardwood floors is a microfiber mop or a soft-bristle broom. These tools are gentle on the surface. They effectively remove dust and dirt without scratching.

What should you avoid when cleaning engineered hardwood?
Avoid using excessive water or harsh chemicals. Additionally, avoid abrasive scrub brushes and abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.

Can you steam-clean engineered hardwood floors?
Steaming cleaning engineered hardwood floors is not advisable. Steam can introduce excess moisture into the wood. That can cause warping and damage. Stick to dry or damp cleaning methods to protect your floors.

Can you use Swiffer® wet pads on engineered hardwood?
You can use Swiffer® wet pads on engineered hardwood. They can clean most flooring surfaces.

Can you use Bona® on engineered hardwood?
Bona® is a popular and safe choice for cleaning engineered hardwood floors. Bona makes specific products designed for hardwood, which are pH-balanced and gentle on the finish.

Is Murphy’s Oil Soap® suitable for engineered hardwoods?
No. Murphy’s Oil Soap® isn’t suitable for engineered floors, despite what you might think. It can leave a residue that leaves floors looking greasy. It also can discolor and dull the shine.

What are some good homemade cleaners for engineered wood floors?
You make a homemade cleaner by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Use this solution sparingly, and make sure the mop or cloth is only damp, not wet. For tough stains, you can use vinegar and water (diluted in a 1:10 ratio). But, as mentioned, avoid using vinegar too frequently as it can be acidic and potentially damage the finish.

How do you make engineered hardwood floors look new again?
To make engineered hardwood floors look new again, follow these steps:

• Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt and dust.
• Use a gentle wood floor cleaner to clean the surface.
• Apply a hardwood floor polish or refresher to restore shine.
• Address any scratches or damage promptly with touch-up kits.
• Refinish the floor if it has significant wear.

Bruce®: A Go-To Source for Engineered Hardwoods

If you’re thinking of installing engineered hardwood flooring, Bruce® has a selection of 175 products. You can select from popular species in various looks, including wire-brushed, hand-scraped, distressed, and traditional woods.

Bruce also has waterproof engineered hardwoods like Hydropel™ and Dogwood®. You can use them anywhere in your home.

Bruce products are available at flooring retailers and home centers throughout the country. Find one near you using the store locator.