Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular choice of wood floors for its stability, beauty, and versatility, particularly in environments prone to humidity shifts. Unlike solid hardwood, its multi-ply core offers better resistance to warping, making it suitable for smooth hardwood installation over concrete and in basements.
However, the floor’s top veneer layer is still real wood, and its factory finish, the part that protects the material, is susceptible to damage from moisture, abrasive grit, and improper cleaning agents. To ensure your engineered hardwood reaches its 25-50 year potential, a mindful wood maintenance routine is absolutely essential.
Here is the definitive guide on the care and maintenance of your engineered hardwood floors.
1. Daily Defense: Protecting the Surface Finish from Grit
The number one enemy of any hardwood finish, solid or engineered, is dry abrasive dirt (grit). Once grit is ground into the floor by foot traffic, it creates microscopic scratches that slowly dull and degrade the finish.
- DO Sweep or Vacuum Daily: Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hard floor setting (beater bar/brush roll turned OFF) to quickly remove abrasive particles.
- DO Use Walk-Off Mats: Place large, high-quality mats at all exterior entrances to capture dirt before it reaches the wood surface.
- DO Use Felt Protectors: Place felt floor protectors under all furniture legs (chairs, tables, sofas) and use protective rolling mats under office chairs. Inspect these pads frequently and replace them when worn.
2. Moisture Control: The Critical Balance
While engineered hardwood is more stable than solid wood, its core can still be damaged by excessive water. The wood veneer must also be protected from humidity extremes.
- DO Wipe Spills Immediately: Clean up any spills, especially standing water in kitchens or pet accidents, immediately with a soft, dry cloth. Never let liquid pool or soak into the seams between planks.
- DO Maintain Consistent Humidity: Although engineered floors are stable, extreme humidity swings can still cause the wood veneer to shrink and expand. Aim for a stable interior humidity level between 35% and 55% using a humidifier during dry winter months.
- DON’T Use Steam Mops: The high heat and steam can force moisture vapor into the core, damaging the glue bond and causing the plank layers to delaminate or warp.
3. Cleaning Dos and Don’ts: Protecting the Finish
The key to cleaning engineered hardwood is follow professional tips and protecting the factory-applied finish (usually aluminum oxide or polyurethane), as you have a limited window for refinishing.
- DO Use Approved Cleaners: Use only cleaning solutions that are pH neutral and specifically labeled as safe for polyurethane or pre-finished wood floors. Test any new cleaner in an inconspicuous spot first.
- DO Clean Damply, Not Wetly: When mopping, lightly mist the cleaner onto a microfiber mop head. The floor should only be damp and dry within seconds. Never flood the floor with water or cleaner.
- DON’T Use Harsh Chemicals: Never use ammonia, bleach, oil soaps, or cleaners containing wax or silicone. These products will strip the original factory finish or leave behind a dull, difficult-to-remove residue.
- DON’T Use Abrasive Materials: Avoid steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaning powders, as these will scratch and compromise the protective veneer.
4. Long-Term Protection and Refinishing
The care you take now directly relates to the need for future refinishing.
- Know Your Veneer: Engineered hardwood can typically only be sanded and refinished by flooring experts one to three times (depending on the veneer’s thickness). Protect the surface daily to maximize the time between refinishes.
- Periodic Screening/Re-coating: Instead of a full, deep sanding and refinishing, consider a professional “screening” and re-coating of the top finish every 7–10 years. This process roughs up the surface layer and applies a new protective coat without sanding down the wood veneer itself, extending the floor’s life safely.
By treating the top veneer with respect, minimizing grit, avoiding excessive water, and using the right cleaning products, your engineered hardwood floor will deliver the beauty of natural wood with the necessary durability for modern home life.
If you’re looking for premium engineered hardwood, our flooring showroom in Denver can help. Schedule a free appointment or stop by and visit us.
