Floors take up the most space in our homes and commercial offices, meaning they are subjected to the harshest everyday challenges. That is why proper engineered wood flooring maintenance is crucial to ensure your planks serve you well for years while looking flawless.
If looked after well, engineered wood floors will perform optimally and look gorgeous for a lifetime. However, poor maintenance can result in lasting damage, decreasing both the lifespan and performance of the floor. To help you manage your floors better, our team of experts has put together a comprehensive guide full of tips on cleaning, protecting, and maintaining your planks.
Jump to a section:
- Routine Cleaning for Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance
- Scratch Prevention as Part of Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance
- Dealing with Scratches
- Long-Term Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance Tips
- Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance FAQs
Routine Cleaning for Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of engineered wood floors is that routine engineered wood flooring maintenance is incredibly easy, provided you take a few simple precautions. Always remember to consult your manufacturer about the best way to clean your specific flooring.
Always remember to sweep first before mopping to ensure there is no grit that can scratch the planks. For regular cleaning, simply use a broom or vacuum lightly without using steam or hard brushes. Sweeping three or more times a week is ideal for keeping dirt and debris away.
When mopping, use a slightly damp mop rather than one that is soaking wet. Water that sits on top of the planks can seep into the seams and cause long-term damage.
If you plan to use a cleaning agent, ensure it is completely compatible with the particular finish of your floor. This is a crucial element to verify, as some cleaners can actually strip or damage your finish. Contrary to what you may have heard, DIY cleaners may not be a good idea for your floors. Stay away from harsh cleaners that contain ammonia or vinegar.
Although a tad more expensive, we highly recommend investing in specialist cleaning agents specifically meant for engineered wood to maintain the pristine look of your planks. This works out a lot cheaper in the long run, as you will not have to deal with repairing or replacing damaged areas.
Scratch Prevention as Part of Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance
Like with any real wood flooring, scratches are inevitable. Although marks only add more character and charm to your wood flooring, you might still want to avoid having one too many. Proper engineered wood flooring maintenance involves a few tried and tested ways to protect your planks from scratches as much as possible:
Place an Entrance Mat
In order to prevent dirt, grit, and debris from entering your home, place entrance mats outside your doors. You can take extra precaution by sweeping regularly to ensure hidden debris does not scratch your floors underfoot.
Say No to Stilettos and Heavy Boots
Sharp, spiky footwear or very heavy boots are especially bad for engineered wood floors, as they can quickly dent or damage the top layer. Avoid wearing them as much as possible in your living spaces.
Furniture Pads to the Rescue
The dragging around of furniture is another major threat to your planks. To prevent scuffs and scratches, place heavy-duty felt pads underneath your furniture legs and heavy plant pots. As much as possible, lift items when moving them around, and never slide or drag them across the floor.
Choose a Good Finish
Prevention is always better than cure. To protect your engineered wood flooring from lasting damage, always opt for a durable, high-quality finish, whether lacquered or oiled. An oiled finish is highly recommended if your floor is repeatedly subjected to scratches, as more oil can simply be rubbed into the marks to hide them.
Dealing with Scratches
In case a scratch does occur on your engineered wood floor, there is no need to panic. One of the biggest benefits of the real wood top layer is that marks can be easily sanded down or refinished. If you have an oil or lacquer finish, you can often simply apply more of these treatments to successfully hide the surface marks.
Long-Term Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance Tips
Below are some of our top tips for ongoing engineered wood flooring maintenance to ensure your floors perform perfectly for years to come:
Maintain a Stable Environment
An often-overlooked but important part of maintenance is keeping a stable environment in terms of heat and humidity levels. Although engineered wood—with its robust and multi-layered construction—is far less prone to warping, contracting, and expanding than solid wood, it is always better to exercise caution.
This is especially true because the top veneer of solid wood can still be vulnerable to extreme changes in temperature. The ideal room temperature for engineered wood floors is between 18°C and 28°C. Depending on the manufacturer’s specific guidelines, most spaces should keep the humidity level between 40% and 70% RH.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
Unlike solid wood, engineered wood floors can be used confidently in places prone to spills, such as kitchens, as they have excellent moisture resistance built into their core. However, it is always best practice to prevent any kind of damage by cleaning up spills as soon as they occur.
Add Extra Moisture Resistance
If your floors are in a space prone to a higher level of moisture, it would be prudent to choose engineered wood floors with a lacquered finish for an extra coat of protection. This is especially true if you opt for a matt lacquered finish, as it provides an even heavier protective layer than a standard lacquered plank.
Engineered Wood Flooring Maintenance FAQs
Can I use a steam mop on engineered wood floors?
No, we strongly advise against using a steam mop. The extreme heat and moisture forced into the seams can cause the top veneer to peel, warp, or permanently damage the core board.
How often should I re-oil my engineered wood floors?
If you have an oiled finish, re-oiling should be part of your engineered wood flooring maintenance routine every 1 to 2 years, depending on foot traffic. This will replenish the wood and keep it looking fresh.
Are supermarket floor cleaners safe to use?
Many generic supermarket floor cleaners contain harsh chemicals or waxes that can leave a dull residue or strip the protective finish off your wood over time. It is always best to use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for engineered wood.
Refresh Your Space with Flooring Factory Outlet
Whether you have mastered your engineered wood flooring maintenance routine and simply need a few matching accessories, or you have decided it is time for a completely new look, Flooring Factory Outlet is here to help.
Visit our Croydon showroom on Purley Way to browse over 270 lines of premium engineered wood flooring—including highly sought-after herringbone designs—with savings of up to 70% off typical high street prices. Our friendly experts are on hand six days a week to ensure you find the perfect match for your home.
