Wood flooring care guide
The closest thing to solid wood flooring, engineered wood will give you a classically high end finish, a luxurious feel underfoot and timeless styling. Made from layers of timber boards, topped with a real hardwood veneer, engineered wood flooring is versatile, easy to install and looks simply stunning wherever it is fitted. Keep it looking its absolute best by caring for it in the right way. We’ve pulled together this great care guide, packed with expert hints and tips on cleaning and maintenance to help you.
Top three care tips for wood flooring
Use a flat bottomed mop rather than a traditional stringy mop head as it won’t dribble water in the same way reducing the risk of surface water accumulating.
A dry microfiber dust mop can be used to pick up dirt and debris from the floor.
To ensure you don’t damage the surface, never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your engineered wood flooring.
How do you clean wood flooring?
Keeping your engineered wood flooring dirt-free
- If possible, sweep or vacuum your engineered flooring daily. Use either a vacuum cleaner with a soft flooring attachment, or a broom.
- Always vacuum or sweep an engineered wood floor before washing - this removes most of the dust and grit so avoids scratching. Alternatively a dry microfiber dust mop can be used to pick up dirt and debris from the floor.
Using cleaning products on engineered wood
It’s important to take care of your engineered wood flooring. While regular cleaning will keep your floor looking its best, there are some chemicals and materials to avoid.
- Never use wax-based cleaners or harsh detergents on your engineered wood flooring. Always check the label of any products you buy to make sure they are safe to use on engineered wood flooring.
- Abrasive materials, such as steel wool, should not be used to clean engineered hardwood flooring. These will scratch the surface and destroy the solid wood flooring appearance.
- Always finish cleaning by rinsing your engineered wood flooring with clean water.
Is it safe to mop engineered wood flooring?
While it is safe to mop engineered wood flooring, here are a couple of expert tips to keep in mind. Follow these to keep your flooring looking its best.
- Use a flat bottomed mop rather than a traditional stringy mop head, as it won’t dribble water in the same way, reducing the risk of surface water accumulating.
- Try and wipe up any spills or liquid as soon as they happen. Excessive water or liquid can cause irreversible damage to engineered hardwood flooring.
- When cleaning use two buckets; one with a safe detergent mix and one with clean water. Always rinse with the clean water.
How do you maintain wood flooring?
Although it has the same appearance as solid wood flooring, engineered wood actually has greater structural stability, which means it is easier to maintain. It is also better to deal with changes in temperature and moisture levels, but there are still lots of steps that need to be taken to ensure your flooring remains looking great.
Protecting your engineered wood flooring from moisture
While an engineered wood floor may cope better with moisture than solid wood, it should never be allowed to get soaking wet. When cleaning your engineered wood floor, make sure your mop has been well wrung out, so it isn’t too wet. Clean up any liquid from the surface as soon as it is spilled wherever possible.
Protecting your engineered wood flooring from dents and scratches
Wooden flooring is susceptible to dents and scratches, which some think add character to a floor, but others prefer to keep the wood in perfect condition. Prevention is better than cure, and there are some simple steps you can follow to avoid this damage:
- Use furniture pads under table legs and castors.
- Minute scratches can build up damage over time, so keep the floor free from dust and grit by regularly sweeping and vacuuming.
- Place mats at external entrances to limit the dirt being brought in from outside.
- Do not allow your floors to be walked on with stiletto or spike heels, as they cause considerable damage to the top wear layer of the flooring.
How do you repair wood flooring?
Hardwood floors can be sanded to remove any surface blemishes, so if you find a scratch or a mark on your flooring it can be sanded off then re-varnished or waxed. This can also be done if you want to change the colour of your floor.
Specialist wood floor repair kits are available in a variety of colours to match your flooring and are sold by DIY stores. If your engineered wood flooring is a click system, severe damage can be dealt with by replacing the relevant board. Even boards in the centre of your floor should be easy to replace.
Remember! Engineered wood flooring has only a veneer of real wood, so it can only be sanded two or three times.
What are the best tips to care for wood flooring?
DO's
Vacuum regularly
Clear up spills quickly
Use a flat bottom mop
Put doormats and rugs by doors
Keep pets’ nails trimmed
Use furniture pads under table legs and castors
DON'T
Over wet the flooring if attempting to remove stains
Use wax-based cleaners
Use steel wool
Use harsh detergents
Wear high heels
Place in direct sunlight
Read more
Wood flooring is both beautiful and durable. And if you use the expert tips and tricks in this guide to help you look after your flooring, it will stand the test of time.
But even with the best care, there may come a time when you want to refresh your floor covering. If you’re on the lookout for wood flooring ideas, our range of wood flooring is second to none. We’ve even created this helpful buying guide to help you figure out which wood flooring would best suit your needs.
And with options available in timeless oak, ash and maple, in a range of shades and finishes, you’re certain to find the perfect look for your room.