Procedure to Clean Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered Wood Floors refers to a flooring type that consists of several layers in which surface layer is made of genuine wood and all underlying layers are either made of high-density fiberboard or plywood. The procedure to clean engineered wood floors is divided into several parts as mentioned below:
Dirt & Debris Cleaning
The dirt and debris can be cleaned from engineered wood floors by following the below-given ways:
- Sweep With Broom Regularly:
The user can clean the small stones and loose pieces of dirt from the engineered wood flooring by sweeping it regularly with a soft-bristled broom. It is necessary for the user to focus more on the areas that are likely to collect rocks & dirt such as corners, entryway, etc. - Use Vacuum:
Once the engineered wood flooring is swept with a broom, the user can vacuum it afterward in order to be sure that there is no dirt left. The vacuum cleaner must be set on the hard floor mode as it will stop the rotating bristle bar that can scuff and scratch the veneer surface. The damage caused by the rotating bar on the engineered wood flooring is irreversible. - Use Dry Microfiber Mop:
After that, the user needs to mop the entire engineered wood flooring by using a dry microfiber mop. The step will ensure the user that he has cleaned all the dust from the flooring that has been blown or tacked on to it. It has been recommended by the experts to mop the flooring minimum once a week. - Use Slightly Damp Mop:
In case, the user may not have a dry microfiber mop or he may not prefer to use it, he simply needs to use a traditional yarn mop. The user needs to dip the yarn mop into the bucket of water, wring out excess liquid, and then apply it on to the engineered wood flooring. The excess water from the flooring must be wiped out immediately with a clean dry towel.
Use Liquid Cleaner:
The steps to clean the engineered wood flooring with liquid cleaner are as follows:
- Purchase Cleaner:
First, the user needs to purchase the liquid cleaner that has been recommended by the manufacturer to be used on engineered wood floors. There are different types of cleaners available in the market that can be used on engineered wood floors but different types of engineered wood require different types of cleaners and using some random cleaner can damage the entire flooring. The user can contact the flooring manufacturer by phone or email to get the suitable cleaner details. - Use Liquid Cleaner:
The stains and spills can be scrubbed off the engineered wood flooring by using a liquid cleaner. First, the user needs to apply a small amount of liquid cleaner directly over the stains & spills on the engineered wood flooring. After that, the user needs to wipe it off with a clean cloth or a sponge mop. It has been recommended to wipe the flooring until the spills and stains are removed. The user need not to leave the excess liquid cleaner on to the floor after removing stains & spills rather he has to wipe it by using a cloth or paper towel. The traces of liquid cleaner should be rinsed with clean water.
Protective Measures
The below given protective measures can be followed to increase the durability of engineered wood flooring:
- Avoid Using Vinegar & Ammonia:
Vinegar & Ammonia are used to clean different types of flooring but both the liquids are likely to harm the engineered wood flooring. - Avoid Using Tile Or Vinyl Flooring Cleaners:
The liquids used in tile or vinyl flooring cleaners are very harmful that can damage the engineered wood flooring permanently. - Avoid Using Steam Cleaner:
Steam cleaners are mostly used for carpet cleaning but should not be used on engineered wood flooring. The steam cleaner can force water into the veneer along with a top layer of wood that can eventually damage the engineered wood flooring. - Avoid Using Abrasive Cleaning Brush:
The user need not to use a wire-bristled cleaning brush or steel wool on engineered wood flooring as it can scratch or damage the top layer of wood.