Hardwood floors | How to Clean Your Home Like a Pro

Welcome to our blog post on the best floor cleaner for engineered hardwood!Floors are one of the most important areas of a home, and they need to be kept clean to ensure a healthy environment Also, as a home or business owner, it is important to keep your wood floors looking their best. Not only do wood floors add beauty and character to any space, but they are also a vital part of any building’s infrastructure. That’s why it is important to find a floor cleaner that can maintain both the aesthetic and structural needs of your wood flooring. In this post, we will provide details on 5 of the best floor cleaners for engineered hardwood, and how they can help keep your floors looking great. Looking for the best engineered hardwood flooring cleaner? Then you have to check the list of cleaners below Here are the best engineered hardwood floor cleaners to chose from: Black Diamond Stoneworks Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill, 128 Fl Oz Begley’s Best Earth Responsible Natural Plant-Based Hardwood Floor Cleaner Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner Engineered hardwood is a beautiful and popular choice for many homeowners. However, it can be difficult to find the right floor cleaner for this type of material, especially if you don’t know much about different floor types and how to take care of them. In this post, we will discuss 8 of the best floor cleaners for engineered hardwood,floors and how they can help keep your floors looking great. We will also provide some tips on how to properly clean them. What is an engineered hardwood floor? Engineered hardwood flooring is created by combining several layers of wood. Each layer is designed to be more durable than the solid hardwood it’s made of. Engineered wood flooring is made to look and feel like hardwood flooring. However, its design only makes use of a thin covering of hardwood and has a plywood backing. This means that it is not as strong as traditional hardwood flooring and can potentially suffer from more damage From the outside, both the look and feel of engineered wood flooring are made to look like hardwood flooring. However, its design only makes use of a thin covering of hardwood and has a plywood core. Construction made of engineered hardwood has a long lifespan and excellent performance. It is made of many layers of wood, and each layer is put together in a different way. Because of how it is made, engineered hardwood is resistant to the buckling and bending that can happen when wood floors get wet. It has an advantage over solid hardwood because it has a protective moisture barrier that allows it to be installed in almost all home grade levels, including below ground. Similar to the way a true hardwood floor does it, the hardwood veneer gives an engineered floor the beauty and look of natural wood. Engineered hardwood is simple to maintain and care for. Why should you clean your engineered hardwood floor? Cleaning your engineered hardwood floor on a regular basis can help keep it looking its best and prevent dirt, dust, and other allergens from accumulating over time, which can cause premature wear on the wood fibers and potential damage to the finish. Not only that, but dirt and grime often bring in ants and other insects that can bring in unwanted pests. What to Consider When Choosing a Hardwood Floor Cleaner Because of their inherent beauty and resilience, engineered hardwood floors are rapidly gaining popularity. in mind that in order to keep them looking their best, they need to be cleaned and cared for in a particular way. There are factors that need to be taken into account before a purchase is made such as: Consider how each cleaning product is utilized before making a purchase. You can use a range of products, such as mops, vacuums, and liquids, on hardwood floors. You can remove debris from the floor with mops and vacuums, while liquid cleaners can get rid of even the smallest dirt particles and restore the shine. To clean your hardwood floors, you’ll probably require a variety of floor cleaners, including a vacuum that is effective on hardwood floors and has setting for bare floors as the beater bar would scratch and dent the floor, a good mop, and liquid cleaner. Utilization method Certain liquids need to be diluted. Some need to be rinsed. If ease is a top priority for you, think about the cleaner’s application method before buying. Even though floor cleaning concentrate, which is often sold in 1-gallon containers, may be cheaper, you’ll need to mix it with water in a bucket or other container. T o apply the cleaner to the floor, you’ll also need to get a mop. There are numerous “squirt-and-clean” products on the market that don’t need to be rinsed or diluted. Some people will additionally require a mop or other tools, like towels, to wipe the cleaner off their flooring. You won’t need to buy extra supplies if you use a vacuum or a robot mop, for example… but you’ll probably have to forego convenience. Ingredients Ingredients: For instance, you shouldn’t use bleach-containing products on hardwood floors. EPA Safer Choice products like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner may be prioritized in households with small children or animals. To give a sense of freshly cleaned surfaces, some floor cleaners are also made with potent perfumes. If you are sensitive to strong smells, try a floor cleaner that doesn’t have a scent or one that has natural scents like essential oils. Product Quality Think about the product’s quality before you spend money on its purchase. After all, spending money on a low-quality cleaner will only backfire in the long run. It’s important to consider more than just the price when choosing a cleaner; you should think about the effectiveness of the ingredients, the safety of the chemicals used, and how quickly and thoroughly it works. You should do your homework before settling on a cleaner because you want one that is both harmless and efficient. Ultimately, you can keep your engineered hardwood floors looking great and well-maintained for years to come by selecting the appropriate cleaners for them. No Traces of residue When looking for the best way to clean your engineered hardwood floor, you should think about a number of things. Foremost among these is whether or not the product leaves behind any form of sticky residue. The residue on the floor not only makes it look messy and dirty, but it also makes it more likely to get worn down by all the amount of foot traffic. Furthermore, residues can attract dust and grime, leading to an unsightly and difficult-to-clean buildup. Ready to be used Now that you have brand new, expensive engineered hardwood floors installed, you naturally want to make their maintenance as easy as possible. In that case, think about how simple the cleaner is to use before you rush out and buy a bottle. To be claear, it’s important to have a cleaner that is ready and easy to be used i.e. no rinsing necessary products Since there is no need to mix or dilute, or sometimes rinse the floor,, cleanup is easier, accidents or spills are less likely to happen. On the other hand, this means that you don’t have to rinse the floor after cleaning it. Therefore, if you want a quick and simple method to keep your floor looking like new, you should search for a cleaner that can be applied directly from the bottle. Having such a tool on hand will make it easy to keep your engineered hardwood floor looking like new. Subsequent Refills Are a Breeze It’s crucial to think about how simple it will be to restock your engineered hardwood cleaner before you make your purchase. This is because, in the long run, it will be easier and more convenient to use a cleaner that can be refilled quickly and conveniently. Having to buy new bottles or refill old ones every few weeks or months because a cleaner needs to be refilled frequently can be an unnecessary headache. What the pH Value of the Carrier cleaner Is The acidity or alkalinity of a substance can be quantified by its pH value. Before you buy the first cleaning product that catches your eye, consider the pH level of the product. It is possible to find a floor cleaner that is both safe for your floors and effective in removing filth and grime using a pH neutral formula. The acid in the cleaner will also gradually wear down your floor’s polish, making it appear lifeless and gray. Also, acid can damage engineered hardwood floors, which can break down the glue that holds the planks together and cause the floor to fail in the long run. To keep these issues at bay, use a neutral-pH cleaner or one made especially for engineered hardwood floors. Investing some time in finding the right cleaner will pay off by keeping your floor looking great for years to come. The Fresh Clean Scent If you’re looking for a floor cleaner, you should take into account more than just how well it cleans. For instance, if you have engineered hardwood floors, you may want to choose a cleaner that not only leaves the floor looking and smelling clean, but also leaves no residue behind. Accepted Worldwide for Safety Certification Despite the fact that many floor cleaners make the claim that they are safe for hardwood floors, only a select number have really been verified as such by authorities such as the USDA or Safer Choice. You can be sure that this product won’t hurt your floors or your family’s health because it has been tested and approved to do so. Plus, hardwood cleaners that are certified are typically more effective than cleaners that are not certified. Therefore, you can be confident that your floors will be restored to their original beauty. Always check for certified products when shopping for a hardwood floor cleaner. Biodegradable or Biobased Cleanser The biodegradability or biobased nature of the cleaner is something you might want to look into. When something is biobased, it means that it is made from living things like plants or animals. Eventually, a biodegradable material decomposes and returns to its natural state. From an environmental point of view, both of these options are better than cleaners made from fossil fuels. It’s comforting to know that you’re helping the planet when you use a cleaner that’s biobased or biodegradable. Organic and non-toxic It’s important to look for a cleaner for your engineered hardwood floors that is both safe for children and pets to use and created with organic components. This is significant because, over time, damage to your floors can be caused by cleaning agents containing harsh chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, you and your family’s health could be in danger if you use non-organic cleaning. Considering all of this, it’s clear that choosing an organic and non-toxic way to clean your hardwood floors and your health as a whole is the best choice. The Crucial Art of Striking a Balance Maybe you believe that all cleaning products are made the same. To keep engineered hardwood floors in pristine condition, though, you’ll need to exercise caution. The ideal cleaner would be both powerful enough to remove stubborn stains and mild enough to avoid damaging your expensive flooring. Budget Think about how much money you can set aside. Cleaning products come in a wide range of styles and prices. The rule of thumb is that you get what you pay for. One further thing to think about is how often you’ll be utilizing the cleaner. Having a large family or multiple pets will increase the frequency with which you utilize it, relative to a single person’s needs. Finally, take into account the unique requirements of your engineered hardwood flooring. Different floor cleaners are made for different kinds of wood, but some work on all of them. If you think about the above features, you can find the best engineered hardwood floor cleaner for your home. Best engineered hardwood floor cleaners of 2022 When it comes to engineered hardwood, cleaners, and cleaning products, there are a variety of different brands and products to choose from including homemade natural cleaners, so finding the right one can be a bit overwhelming. However, with a little research, and based on the above considerations,, it is easy to find the best product for your needs. You need to be using the right cleaners and cleaning products. This is because using the wrong products can actually damage your flooring. In order to avoid this, you need to make sure that you are using cleaners and cleaning products that are specifically designed for engineered hardwood. even the ones that are homemade. Store bought Engineered Hardwood Cleaners Black Diamond Stoneworks Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner Each time it is used, it leaves no streaks; no rinsing is required. Hypoallergenic formula best way to clean your engineered hardwood floors. The no-rinse hypoallergenic formula is safe for your family and pets, and it leaves your floors streak-free and looking like new. Great on all types wood or laminate, engineered flooring This powerful, yet gentle cleaner will quickly remove dirt, dust, and grime from your floors, leaving them looking really clean. Plus, it’s safe to use on all types of wood and laminate floors, so you can rest assured knowing your floors are being cleaned without being damaged. Removes spills, stains, dirt, dust, oil, footprints-easy to use just spray and wipe Whether you have a small spill or a big stain, the Black Diamond Stoneworks Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner can handle it. Just spray and wipe away dirt, dust, oil, footprints, and more. Plus, it’s easy to use, so you’ll be done in no time. It is safe to use around children and pets, making it a great choice for families. The eco-friendly and biodegradable formula is also gentle on your floors, keeping them clean. You can feel good about using it, knowing that it’s not harming the environment. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill, 128 Fl Oz Bona Unscented Hardwood Floor Cleaner Spray Because of its ready-to-use economy size refill, you can clean more floors in less time, which will allow you to save more money by cleaning more ground. A smoother pour is ensured by splashless technology Splashless technology, which guarantees a smoother pour and less mess, is included. This lessens unintentional spills that may make cleaning more challenging. This residue-free, water-based cleaning solution is odorless and safer for use around humans, animals, and the environment. It dries quickly. Additionally, it is simple to use—just spray and mop! aids in a quick drying of your floor and prevents moisture buildup. It is safe for all polyurethane-finished wood floors with an unwaxed, unoiled finish . This water-based formula can be used on wood floors that are waxed, oiled, or finished with polyurethane without any problems. There is no need to rinse; just spray and mop. It also leaves a clean aroma in its wake. Begley’s Best Earth Responsible Natural Plant-Based Hardwood Floor Cleaner Natural Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner: – extremely efficient natural citrus-based solvent effortlessly cleans and melts away grease and filth without dangerous fumes, posing less risk to people, pets, and the environment. It effectively cleans all types of flooring, including wood, tile, concrete, and marble, while leaving behind a refreshing citrus aroma and zero waxy film or shine-dulling residue. What is the reason for plant-based ingredients? – The volatile organic compounds in cleaning products are let out into the air when they evaporate. You, your children, your dogs, and even your houseplants are all exposed to the toxic air on a daily basis, and you shouldn’t have to choose between a clean environment and safe home. Simple to Use—Ideal for Sweeping Away Dirt. The substance should be well shaken before being poured onto the floor. Use a microfiber mop to thoroughly clean the floor. Whenever the mop picks up dirt while you’re using it, just rinse it off. Made in the USA with 100% plant-based ingredients. Biodegradable. Recyclable This bottle does not contain any aerosols. Toxin-free; can be used around humans and other animals. Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner and Restorer RENEWS AND SHINES FINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS: Restores natural suppleness and a beautiful sheen to hardwood floors, extending their life and making them seem brand new in no time. This Micro-filling technology is used to repair high-traffic hardwood floors by filling in the scratches and leaving a scratch-resistant layer behind. It has a micro-filling technology that not only hides existing scratches but also stops new ones from appearing. A REVITALIZING SHINE that leaves no sticky residue; for use on any finished hardwood surface. SAFE FOR USE IN HOMES WITH KIDS AND PETS There is no need to worry about using this “ready to use” mixture in the presence of children or pets. FOR OPTIMAL OUTCOMES : Weiman’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner is something you need for long-lasting shine. Weiman is a company whose products are entirely made in the United States. How to clean engineered Hardwood floors: Basic Cleaning Now that we have identified the different hardwood cleaners, we can now start the actual cleaning process. Engineered hardwood floors are made-up materials that looks and feels quite similar to real hardwood. However, engineered hardwood flooring has many advantages over its solid hardwood counterparts, including lower cost, faster installation, and increased resistance to water damage. While the structure of engineered wood floors is nearly as sturdy as that of solid wood, the surface is quickly damaged by chemicals included in some cleaning solutions. For this style of flooring, just the top layer is made of solid wood. The thin veneer of ornamental wood used for this wear layer accentuates wood floors’ inherent fragility. Therefore, even the most experienced floor cleaner will have a hard time keeping engineered hardwood floors clean. But with some research determination, hadwork and focus. You can get the job done. In order to get the job done effectively, you need to have the right equipment before you even begin cleaning hardwood floors. The top wear layer of your flooring can be destroyed within just a handful of cleanings if you use the wrong equipment. Basic Equipment You’ll Need to Get Started Dust mop Wet mop Dustpan Soft cloth Microfiber cloth soft-bristled broom Vacuum cleaner The cleaning process Step 1: Sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly Buildup of dirt and grime is a significant challenge when attempting to clean wooden surfaces. It’s crucial to maintain a clean floor. When you step on dust, it scratches the floor just like sandpaper. Also susceptible to damage is textured hardwood’s top layer, which they can penetrate. Daily sweeping or vacuuming of heavily traveled areas is strongly suggested. Use your Roomba vacuum cleaner in high-traffic areas like the kitchen,family room, dining, living area, etc. It’s sufficient to run the vacuum or sweep once or twice a week in low-traffic areas. If you don’t plan on mopping after doing a daily sweep with a broom, a dry mop or dust mop can be used to collect any dust or debris that was missed. Dry (microfiber) cloths can be used to sweep up the fine dust that the broom missed. Clean along the grain and use a soft-bristled broom. Make sure the brush roll of your vacuum isn’t scratching the floor by switching to the hard floor setting. The Swiffer Sweep + Vac is fantastic if you don’t want to vacuum or broom the floor and then use a dry mop to finish the job. It does double duty as a cleaner and sweeper, so your engineered hardwood floor is left spotless. The floor will remain cleaner in between sweepings and moppings. Step 2: Choose the right cleaning products To properly care for your engineered hardwood floors, you must be aware of which products can be used on them. Engineered hardwood has a thin hardwood veneer on top . Finding the correct cleaning product is essential for achieving a spotless floor. Always keep in mind that various finishes call for different products. In order to locate a product that works with your current finish, you need to contact the manufacturer or installer. Experts say that you shouldn’t use harsh chemicals to clean hardwood floors because they can cause haze. Straight ammonia, alkaline chemicals, and abrasive cleaners can all dull and harm the surface, so it’s best to stay away from them. Another effective do-it-yourself option is to combine a capful of vinegar and a few drops of dish soap (about the size of half a pinky nail) with a gallon of warm water. Vinegar can cut through oil and filth without leaving any streaks, and it also serves as a moderate disinfectant. Instead of using cold water, which dries it up, use warm water. Step3: Remove furniture Any moveable items that will get in the way of you mopping the floor should be moved before you begin mopping. Keep in mind that the more nooks and crannies there are in a space, the greater the likelihood that anything will become trapped there. Remove the furniture if you can. And finally, block the house’s entrances to keep kids and dogs from walking on the wet carpet. Step 4: Use a damp mop to clean the floor It’s important to remember these five points for the best mopping results on your floor: Mop with a damp cloth, not a wet one. Try a microfiber twist mop or a flat microfiber mop. Mop the floor in an “S” pattern, then use a fan or microfiber cloth to dry it rapidly. To clean the floor, you should mop along the wood’s natural grain. For mopping a large area, you must divide the floor into sections that are easy to handle. Wipe everything down with a microfiber cloth to ensure no water is left behind. The floors can be dried by turning on the ceiling fan as well. If the water gets messy, throw it out and get fresh water. As a general guideline, if you can’t see the bottom of the bucket, it’s time to replace the water. To prevent streaking, you should frequently rinse, re-wet, and dampen the mop. It’s recommended that you mop heavily used areas once or twice weekly. When it comes to cleaning frequency, less-frequently used floors can get away with once a month or once a season. If you want to get the best results from mopping, mop with the grain. step 5: Treat any scratch or scuffs In the fifth step, you’ll take care of any nicks or scratches. There will always be a few scuffs and stains that can’t be removed, no matter how often you sweep or mop. For engineered hardwood, you have to get on your hands and knees to clean individual scuffs and stains. Natural Homemade engineered hardwood floor cleaner There are many commercial cleaners on the market, but you may be interested in a natural, homemade engineered hardwood floor cleaner. There are a few simple ingredients that can be used to make one that you probably already have in your home. They are: White viegar Olive Oil (Optional) Lemon juice (Optional) Water For basic cleaning, you should– Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 gallon of warm water in a spray bottle. – Pour the solution over the floor and work it into the cracks and crevices with very a damp mop. – Rinse the floor with water to help remove any residual cleaner. For a good shine you should add 3/4 cups of olive oil, 1/2 cup of lemon juice to one gallon of warm water and repeat the moping process with a fair damp mop Deep cleaning to remove scratch or scuff Scuff marks and stain removal require deep cleaning. They can be removed by rubbing a damp sponge with dish soap. Try applying baking soda to the spot and rubbing it off with a microfiber cloth if that doesn’t work. Rinse the area thoroughly to get rid of any remaining baking soda, and then dry it off. Since the top layer of engineered hardwood is so thin, it will wear down quickly if there is too much friction, like from steel wool or hard bristle brushes, which should not be used on the material. Engineered wood cleaning common mistakes to avoid Avoiding harsh chemicals When cleaning engineered hardwood floors, it’s best to steer clear of chemicals that could potentially damage the flooring’s finish. Scrubbing with abrasive tools Engineered wood has a very thin hardwood veneer. When cleaning engineered hardwood floors, never use steel wool, scouring pads, or hard brooms, or brushes. Steam mopping Using a steam cleaner on engineered wood floor is not a good option. . Moisture from a steam mop might leak between the floor boards. The extra water might damage the subfloor or the engineered hardwood itself. Regular steam mopping can nevertheless distort or ruin the finish of engineered hardwood flooring, despite the fact that it is more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood. Using a lot of water when mopping Waterproofing is a widespread misperception concerning engineered hardwood floors. Although engineered wood can withstand moisture, it is not completely waterproof. Engineered floors should only be cleaned with a damp mop, and even then, you should try to remove as much of the moisture as possible. In addition to using a dry towel or a ceiling fan, you can hasten the drying process by using air circulation. Conclusion In conclusion, the best floor cleaners for engineered hardwood are the ones that are designed specifically for that type of flooring. These cleaners will not only clean your floors, but they will also protect them from damage. When choosing a cleaner, be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions for use. With a little care and attention, your engineered hardwood floors will look beautiful for years to come. FAQ Can you repair scratches on an engineered hardwood floor? One might be able to repair scratches on an engineered hardwood floor, depending on the severity of the scratch. If the scratch is only superficial, then it may be possible to use a wood filler or putty in order to fill in the scratch and make it level with the rest of the floor. However, if the scratch is more severe, then it may not be possible to repair it. if the scratch is deeper, then it may require more significant repairs, such as replacing damaged boards or refinishing the entire floor. Can engineered hardwood get wet? The engineered hardwood flooring is designed to be more resistant to moisture than traditional hardwood flooring. However, it is still possible for the engineered hardwood floor to get wet. The short answer is yes, engineered hardwood floors can get wet. However, it is important to note that water can damage engineered hardwood floors if they are not properly cared for. For example, if standing water is allowed to sit on the surface of the floor for an extended period of time, it can cause the wood to warp or swell. Additionally, if the floor is not properly dried after getting wet, mold and mildew can grow, which can also damage the floor. Should engineered floors be waxed? No, engineered floors should not be waxed. Wax can actually damage the flooring by making it difficult to clean and causing the finish to dull. How long does engineered wood flooring last? Engineered wood flooring is designed to last for many years. But the exact length of time your engineered wood floors will last will depend on a number of things, such as the quality of the product, how often people walk on them, and how well you take care of them. With proper care and maintenance, your engineered wood floors should last for about 30 years on the average. Can you refinish hardwood floors? As far as engineered hardwood flooring discussions go, this one just might top them all. People come up with different viewpoints, experiences, and expertise. But the simple answer is that you can refinish an engineered hardwood floor, depending on the type that you have. When shopping for engineered flooring, you can choose between refinishable and nonrefinishable options. The thickness of the wear layer, which is the top layer of solid wood, determines whether or not it can be refinished. The type you select will also have an impact on the total price of your engineered flooring. If the wear layer on your engineered hardwood floors is significant, refinishing is an option. If the thickness of the floor’s wear layer is at least 3 mm, it may be refinished about three times. Repeated refinishing can damage any surface with a wear layer that is less than 2 mm thick. The rule of thumb is that the thinner your wear layer, the longer you may go between refinishings If the flooring is at least 34″ thick, it can be refinished at least once, which greatly increases its lifespan. Assuming that’s the case, you should expect at least 70 years of use out of it. It’s possible that the wear layer on thinner layer, often those no thicker than 3/8″, is too thin to be refinished, limiting their useful life to only a decade or two. What’s the best way to keep dirt off of engineered flooring? Get everyone in your home used to the idea of taking off their shoes at the door.Make sure that the floor is vacuumed regularly. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the floor. Place mats at all of the entrances to the home. This will help catch any dirt or debris that may be brought in on shoes. You can put an area rug in high traffic areas like entryways , the dining room, and the TV room to help protect the floors from dirt and grit. You can also sweep or mop the floor regularly. What type of mat is the best? You’ll want to choose a mat that is thin and will not trap moisture. In a climate with less humidity, a thicker mat might be better because it won’t soak up as much water from the air. How can I protect my hardwood floors during the winter? One is to make sure that you keep the humidity levels in your home low. You can do this by using a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed. Another is to avoid putting any kind of wet or damp item on your floor, such as wet boots or umbrellas. If you must, make sure to dry them off as much as possible before putting them down. In the event of snow or melting ice, avoid leaving shoes or boots directly on the floor. You can use a plastic tray for your shoes, but make sure the area under it is completely dry. Is it OK to use a steam mop on engineered hardwood floors? No, you should not use a steam mop on engineered hardwood floors. The heat from a steam mop can cause warping and damage to the flooring over time. Moisture can get in between the layers, weakening the glue and causing damage to the floors that will last for a long time.