If you have an engineered hardwood floor, you may think it requires a different cleaning method than a solid hardwood floor. Well, you don’t need to overcomplicate the situation. The top layer of your engineered hardwood floor is the same as that of a solid hardwood floor.
What makes an engineered hardwood floor different from a solid hardwood floor is the layers underneath. Engineers construct an engineered hardwood floor with many layers of plywood and a top layer of solid hardwood. Thus, it allows for cleaning with the same process as a solid hardwood floor.
Spot Cleaning – Wipe up food and spills immediately with a damp cloth or paper towel. Make sure you don’t overwet your floor and dry it completely.
Regular cleaning—We recommend doing it every week or every other week. This cleaning should be done with a NON-WAX floor cleaner (sold by The Ohio Floor Company or at your local hardware store). Cleaners are sold in ready-to-use or concentrated forms. The latter must be diluted in water. Follow the directions on the concentrated bottle. The cleaner should be applied with a microfiber mop, and it is recommended that the floor be buffed dry after cleaning.
Vacuuming – Your hardwood floor can be vacuumed; this is good to do in high traffic areas where sand and grit accumulates. Removing the sand and grit will help prevent wear. Make sure you use your vacuum's setting for hard surfaces. This cleaning can also be done with an untreated dust mop.
Waxes & Oils – Never clean or treat your hardwood floors with a wax or oil-treated solution. Waxes and oils can contaminate your floors, creating adhesion and other problems with future re-coats.
Important things to remember – Clean up spills as soon as possible. It is okay to use water on your floor if you do not oversaturate your floor or let water stand on your floor over time. Sand and grime are an enemy to your floor; keep high-traffic areas clean and free from sand and grime.
Tips to keep your floor from scratching – Make sure chairs and other furniture have felt floor protectors on them. Use area rugs and floor mats in high-traffic areas and entryways.