- Use a soft cloth to blot spills and spots as soon as they happen. Always avoid allowing liquids to stand on your hardwood floor.
- Sweep, dust or vacuum the floor regularly. ...
- Clean the floor with Shaw Floors Hard Surface Cleaner, specially formulated to wipe away dirt and soil without damaging your floor’s finish.
Full Answer
How do you care for Engineered wood floors?
Here are 14 tips to help you in caring for your engineered wood floors. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning hardwood or solid engineered flooring with a damp mop or cloth only. If you find you need a little more cleaning power, purchase a cleaner made specifically for finished wood flooring.
How do you clean hardwood floors with Shaw's r2x?
Specialty Hardwood Cleaning Remove sticky substances, such as candle wax or chewing gum, by applying ice to harden the substance and then gently scraping with a plastic scraper. (Tip: A credit card makes a good substitute.) Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Clean tough stains with Shaw's R2X Hard Surfaces Flooring Cleaner.
What is the best way to clean hardwood floors?
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning hardwood or solid engineered flooring with a damp mop or cloth only. If you find you need a little more cleaning power, purchase a cleaner made specifically for finished wood flooring.
How is engineered hardwood flooring installed?
There are four methods of installing engineered hardwood flooring, all of which can be accomplished by yourself or by an installation professional. Floating floor: The tongue and groove method is the most common installation method for engineered hardwood. Insert the tongue of one plank into the groove of another to attach the planks.
What is the best way to protect a floor from scratches?
How to protect hardwood floors from oxidation?
What is Shaw Floors Hard Surface Cleaner?
Can you use steel wool on a floor?
Can you use an air conditioner in the summer?
Flooring 101: From Floor Cleaning & Care to Maintenance
Keep your flooring beautiful with our Flooring 101 tips. Learn how to clean and care for your floors, as well as more about flooring construction & installation.
3 Ways to Care for Hardwood Floors - wikiHow
Taking proper care of hardwood floors is essential if you want them to last a long time. Routine cleaning is the key to protecting and maintaining your floor's appearance. Particular cleaning protocols need to be followed to prevent damage...
Hardwood
Shaw’s ScufResist™ hardwood floor finish provides superior resistance to everyday wear and easy, no-wax maintenance. To keep your floor looking like new, follow these simple care steps.
Care & Maintenance
Shaw’s ScufResist™ hardwood floor finish provides superior resistance to everyday wear and easy, no-wax maintenance. To keep your floor looking like new, follow these simple care steps.
What to avoid when cleaning engineered hardwood floors?
As mentioned above, it’s important to avoid cleaning products with harsh chemicals, such as ammonia. You should also steer away from wax-based cleaners and oil soaps.
How to protect hardwood floors from scratches?
If your hardwood floors suffer from scratches, there are several ways to make the damage less noticeable—and less likely to cause further issues. Use a scratch concealer to eliminate the obvious white lines that come from scratches. This will also seal the area, preventing further scratching and keeping moisture from seeping into the wood.
What is the best way to clean a floor?
A microfiber cloth or mop works great to collect dust and debris without damaging your floors. Because excessive moisture can damage your floors, avoid using floor steamers, wet mops, or other cleaning methods that would allow water to seep between the planks and cause warping or other damage.
How long can you leave dirt in your carpet?
Instead of letting dust, hair, and dirt remain in your carpet or tile for weeks, you can quickly take care of any messes. Not only will your home look cleaner, but it will also contain fewer allergens and other irritants that can cause health issues. Your cleaning routine doesn’t have to be a hassle, either.
What are floor mats?
Floor mats near doorways are a great way to trap dirt, gravel, and other outdoor debris that might make its way inside. You can also get a floor rug or runner for your entryway, hallway, and other high-traffic areas. Avoid using mats with latex or rubber backing, as this can damage the finish on your floors.
Do engineered hardwood floors show dirt?
Unfortunately, engineered hardwood floors tend to show off dust and dirt more than others. With no grooves or fibers for the debris to hide in, it becomes obvious when your pet sheds or your kids track in dirt from playing outside.
Is engineered hardwood water resistant?
While engineered hardwood flooring is more water-resistant than solid hardwood, you should still take care to not let moisture seep into the wood. Avoid creating standing water and instead use just enough that it will evaporate within a few minutes. After mopping, check your floors and dry off any remaining moisture.
What is the best way to clean engineered hardwood floors?
Remember, soft applicators are good, and take it easy on your engineered hardwood floors. Soft bristle broom and dustpan OR lightweight vacuum. Microfiber mop/ wool mop. Floor cleaner. Bucket.
What chemicals are bad for engineered wood floors?
Harsh chemicals: Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia, as well as any wax-based cleaners and oil soaps as these materials are harmful to the construction of your engineered wood floor. Steam mops: Too much moisture can warp your engineered hardwood planks.
Why does my mop leave streaks?
Another common cause for streaks and residue is not rinsing and cleaning your mop or mop pad often enough. You can use clean water and solution every time, but if your mop is dirty it will leave residue behind. Make sure you are properly rinsing and wringing out your mop while cleaning and after you’re done.
What to do with a swiffer dry refill?
Swiffer dry and wet refills are also great alternatives to pick up any loose dirt or handle those tough stuck-on spots. If there is any leftover water on your floors after using any Swiffer products, be sure to wipe it up with a clean towel to avoid any water damage or warping.
Why is it important to clean dirt off engineered wood floors?
That dirt, if not removed, gets ground into your floors and can cause damage over time. No one wants that! That’s why it’s important to sweep any dirt into a dustpan and out of your life.
How to hide scratches on wood floor?
Using a scratch concealer is a great way to make marks less obvious. For a more low-budget solution, you can use a felt tip marker that matches the wood color to help hide any scratches on your floor.
How to trap dirt in a house?
Use protective mats: Use floor mats and area rugs in entryways or busy areas around your home to trap dirt before you track it inside.
What is engineered hardwood floor?
An engineered hardwood floor—as opposed to a traditional hardwood floor, made of only wood—comprises several layers. While the surface of the engineered hardwood is genuine hardwood, the underlying layers are typically made of plywood or high-density fiberboard. To prevent an engineered hardwood floor from being permanently scuffed or stained, ...
What happens if you leave engineered hardwood on the floor?
If left on the engineered hardwood floor, these will be ground into its surface and can scuff or damage the top layer of hardwood. If left on the floor, dirt and rocks can also scratch the veneer on top of the hardwood flooring. To keep your engineered hardwood in good shape, clean them frequently.
How to clean hard to reach stains?
To clean small spaces that a mop cannot reach, or to wipe up hard-to-reach stains, you may need to scrub by hand. Pour a small amount of liquid cleaner onto a clean cotton cloth, and dab or wipe gently at the dirty area of your floor.
How does steam damage wood?
The steam can damage the wood surface by forcing water into the veneer and the top layer of hardwood. A steam cleaner can potentially cause more damage to the hardwood than other forms of cleaning that use excess water (such as an overly wet mop).
How to clean up spills on wood?
When you’re cleaning up spills, blot gently at the spills to wipe them up. Do not scrub at the spills, or use forceful pressure to clean the area. If you do, you’ll risk warping the hardwood veneer or pressing liquid down into the wood and causing damage.
What is the last job my tea towels do before they hit the laundry bin?
Towel-dry the area as you go. It's the last job my tea towels do before they hit the laundry bin.
How to maximize the durability of a floor?
To maximize the floor’s durability, aim to sweep or vacuum the floors daily. ...
How to protect engineered floors from UV?
Protect your engineered floors from UV damage by pulling drapes or blinds during peak sunlight hours to shield your floors from direct sunlight.
How to fill in nail marks on a wood floor?
You can choose to fill in nail marks created during installation by filling them with similarly colored wood putty. Simply wipe away any excess putty and gently clean the area with a small coat of urethane. Allow to dry for one hour.
Can you bleach white plank floors?
Caring for white plank floors may require a little extra TLC. Never bleach or use detergents containing bleach on your white plank engineered floors. To keep your floors white, avoid using well water (which may contain staining iron) and clean your floors daily.
Can hard water damage engineered wood floors?
Hard water can leave a dulling effect on your engineered floors over time. Use softened water or special hardwood floor cleaners to remove this mineral buildup and restore a natural luster your flooring.
Is it important to care for engineered wood floors?
Caring for your new engineered flooring is an important task to keep your floors looking great for years to come. Caring for engineered wood is very similar to caring for hardwood floors, but if you’re new to wood flooring, you may feel a little lost about which products to use and how to avoid damage during everyday use.
Is engineered hardwood flooring more susceptible to water damage than solid hardwood?
Clean up spills as soon as possible. While engineered hardwood flooring is less susceptible to water damage than Solid hardwood flooring, prolonged exposure to liquids can result in damage.
Can electronics be used on engineered hardwood floors?
Do not place electronics directly on your engineered hardwood floors. The heat generated from electronics can damage your flooring over time. Choose your engineered floor care products carefully. Be sure to read the entire label before using a product on your engineered floors.
What is the SKU for Jasper Engineered Hardwood?
This flooring highlights the natural and unique characteristics of a hardwood floor. Featuring Jasper Engineered Hardwood Arizona Collection in Tempe Taupe SKU : 15000649
How to keep sand off of the floor when fishing?
It is best to dry mop with a clean cloth when you fishing washing the floor. Keep mats and rugs at entranceways. This will keep pebbles, dirt, moisture, grains of sand, fragments of glass, and debris out of the house and off of the floor.
How to keep floors from scratching?
Watch what shoes you wear indoors. Avoid walking on your floors with high heeled shoes or shoes with spikes because they can cause severe damage to the upper wear layer of the floor.
Can microfiber be used on engineered hardwood floors?
Microfiber is perfect for gathering dirt and dust without the risk of surface damage. Spills must be wiped up as soon as they occur. Excessive water or liquid can cause irreversible damage to engineered hardwood flooring. To avoid this, be sure not to mop up any pools of liquid and not let them sit.
Can a beater bar damage engineered hardwood?
Use either a vacuum cleaner with a soft flooring attachment, or a broom. A vacuum beater bar can cause scratches and damage to engineered hardwood. If you can’t get away from using a beater bar, make sure to set your vacuum to the bare floor setting.
Why do people like engineered hardwood floors?
One of the reasons people love engineered flooring, is that its easy to care for! With proper cleaning and maintenance, your engineered wood floor should provide many years of high quality luster, and durability to your home. Not to mention, if you decide to sell your home, engineered hardwood floors go a long way in helping people decide to buy your home.
What to use to clean wood floors after cleaning?
If excess water remains on the floor after cleaning, use a towel to dry it. If you want/like to use a cleaning solution and add a shine to your floors while cleaning then you can use a bestselling product like the Bona range of wood floor cleaners, just lightly spray your floors before using your microfiber floor mop.
How long does 3/8" wood flooring last?
Thinner materials, often just 3/8”, may have a wear layer that is too thin to be refinished and will give you 10-15 years of wear. How heavy the traffic is on the flooring and how well you care for it will have a lot to do with how long it lasts. The different thicknesses give you options.
How to get snow off of wood floors?
A: Place a mat outside with tough bristles on, so snow and ice can be removed from the treads. Then, do not leave shoes or boots directly on the wood surface in case snow or ice melts from them onto the floor. A plastic shoe tray works well, but be careful to dry any moisture that might get beneath it.
Can engineered wood be refinished?
You’ve got two options when buying engineered flooring – material that can be refinished and that which must be replaced when worn. The thickness of the wear layer – the top layer of solid wood – will determine whether or not it can be refinished. Of course, the cost of engineered flooring is also effected by the type you choose.
Can liquid spills on engineered hardwood floors cause staining?
Liquids spilled on the floor, and not attended to quickly, can lead to damaged wood and staining. This guide to engineered flooring gives you an overview of what it takes to keep engineered hardwood looking great for many years. You’ll get the most from your investment with consistent floor care and maintenance.
Can you use a steam cleaner on engineered wood floors?
Avoid ammonia or other harsh detergents as cleaners. NEVER use a steam cleaner on engineered wood floors because moisture can be forced down into the wood and cause damage. Don’t use scouring pads or steel wool. Follow manufacturers instructions for your specific floor.
How thick should engineered wood be?
It’s recommended that an engineered wood wear layer is between 3mm – 5mm thick. To ever refinish your engineered hardwood flooring, the wear layer and real wood veneer should be 3mm or thicker.
What is the difference between engineered hardwood and hardwood?
The key difference between hardwood and engineered hardwood is the construction, installation process, and where they can be installed. While hardwood floors are wood logs cut into planks, each engineered wood plank is topped with a thin hardwood veneer to create a hardwood surface on top of an engineered core.
How to make engineered hardwood planks?
The process of creating engineered hardwood involves adhering the layers of the plank together. The layers for planks with an HDF core consist of the real wood veneer, a single, solid layer of HDF, and the backing layer glued together creating a sturdy flooring solution. For other cores, this process is accomplished by attaching the fiberboard plies on top of each other in opposite directions under the real wood veneer.
Why is engineered wood flooring so popular?
Engineered wood flooring is growing in popularity because of its realistic wood looks and eco-friendliness. But there’s so much more to love about this floor than just its looks. Here are even more reasons why you should choose engineered hardwood.
How thick should a veneer floor be?
Therefore, it’s standard for wear layers and veneer to range from 3mm-7mm thick to ensure long-lasting flooring beauty. Remember, the thicker the wear layer and real wood veneer the better.
What is a swiffer mops?
Swiffer mops are an appropriate tool for sweeping and damp-mopping your engineered hardwood. Products like Swiffer dry and wet refills are also great alternatives to pick up any loose dirt or handle those tough stuck-on spots. The Swiffer Wet-Jet in particular is one of the best tools for cleaning engineered hardwood.
How long does it take for engineered wood floors to acclimate to the new environment?
Regardless of the type of engineered wood floors you choose, it must acclimate to its new environment for at least 24 hours to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the area. While engineered hardwood does not expand and contract as much as hardwood, acclimation ensures proper installation and durability.
1. Clean Regularly
When it comes to engineered flooring, cleaning it regularly will do the trick. Regular sweeping will keep the hardwood floor clean and maintain it for a long time.
2. Do Occasional Deep Cleaning
Grime and hard-to-remove dirt will always build up on your floors and rugs. This is common for hardwood flooring, too, so you need a special way of cleaning it. The solution is an occasional deep cleaning to remove tough stains.
3. Handle Scratches with Care
Engineered hardwood floors are always advertised as scratch-proof flooring. The truth is, it’s impossible to have true scratch-proof flooring. It doesn’t mean that there’s no solution for scratches made on your hardwood flooring.
4. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents
When using cleaning agents for hardwood flooring maintenance, avoid strong chemicals. This includes wax-based cleaners, strong detergents, or steel wool. Using these items will degrade, damage, and dull your hardwood flooring.
5. Consider Your Indoor Footwear
Depending on what you wear indoors, it can damage the hardwood flooring. Footwear with spikes or heels can cause damage to the upper layer. When there’s damage on the flooring, water can seep through, making hardwood flooring maintenance all the more difficult.
6. Avoid Rubbery Mats
Floor mats and other floor covering are good to use with hardwood floors, but not latex or rubbery mats. Plasticizer content in rubber-based materials reacts to hardwood flooring, causing discoloration. This substance is good for stretchy materials like rubber but not hardwood.
Maintain Your Engineered Hardwood Floors Today!
Building a routine to maintain your engineered hardwood floors will reward you with a gleamy floor. When you stay consistent with your cleaning routine, expect to get a shine at the minimum effort. Follow these guides now and maintain your flooring today!
What is the best way to protect a floor from scratches?
Use floor protectors and wide-load-bearing leg bases or rollers to minimize indentations and scratches from heavy objects. ( Tip: As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector should be.)
How to protect hardwood floors from oxidation?
Protect the floor when moving by using a dolly for heavy furniture or appliances. Never try to slide or roll heavy objects across your hardwood floor.
What is Shaw Floors Hard Surface Cleaner?
Clean the floor with Shaw Floors Hard Surface Cleaner, specially formulated to wipe away dirt and soil without damaging your floor’s finish.
Can you use steel wool on a floor?
Don't use steel wool, scouring powders or other abrasive cleaners, which can scratch or damage your floor’s finish. Don't wash or wet-mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material. This could cause swelling, warping, delamination and joint-line separation, and void the warranty.
Can you use an air conditioner in the summer?
Non-Heating Season (Wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier or periodically turning on your heating system can maintain humidity during the summer months. Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather. Use care with sharp objects.
