Engineered wood flooring is a popular choice among homeowners for its durability, versatility, and elegant appearance. However there are some points to keep in mind when it comes to taking care of your engineered wood floor to ensure that it will stay looking as good as new for many years to come.  

Keep cleaning regular and light

Regularly sweep or vacuum your engineered wood flooring to keep it free of dirt and dust. This will ensure that grit and dirt particles do not get bedded into the floor or cause unnecessary scratching to the top protective surface. 

Keep mopping to a minimum and when you do use a mop ensure that it is wrung out mop (never overly wet) with a quality hardwood floor cleaner. It's important to never saturate the floor as this can lead to further damage (see below). Avoid products containing lemon, vinegar or other acidic substances as they may damage the protective finish on your flooring.

Finally ensure that you promptly address any accidental spills with a cloth to keep the floor in optimal condition, ensuring that it stays beautiful and damage-free for years to come.

Protect from furniture

Despite the robustness of engineered wood flooring, it can suffer damage from furniture if not properly cared for. Scratches, dents, and even gouging can occur when heavy or sharp-edged furniture is dragged, pushed, or placed on the floor without proper protection. To avoid such damage, it is crucial to implement a few preventive measures. Firstly, using furniture pads or felt protectors under the legs of tables, chairs, and other heavy items can help distribute the weight and prevent scratches while moving them around. Secondly, lifting furniture instead of dragging it across the floor can significantly reduce the risk of scuffs and dents.

Avoid exposure to sunlight

It's essential to consider the effects of sunlight exposure on this type of flooring. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the colour of engineered wood flooring to fade or change over time, diminishing its visual appeal. This is often due to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which break down the organic compounds found in the wood, leading to discolouration. To maintain the beautiful appearance of engineered wood flooring, homeowners should take preventive measures such as strategically placing area rugs, closing curtains on particularly bright days, or applying a UV-protective finish. Regular maintenance, including sweeping and cleaning, can also help to minimise the effects of UV radiation on the flooring, ensuring that it remains vibrant and beautiful.

Avoid moisture buildup and changing humidity levels

Moisture buildup can cause the wood to warp or buckle, resulting in costly repairs and diminishing the overall appearance of your floor. To prevent this from happening, never saturate your engineered wood flooring with water and clean up any spills as soon as they occur. If a spill isn’t cleaned up right away, use a dry cloth or mop to soak up any moisture.

Also monitor the humidity levels in your home as this can have an effect on your engineered wood flooring. Keeping these levels at around 45-55% is ideal for preventing warping and other damage caused by humidity changes. Make sure you maintain a consistent temperature in the room where your engineered wood flooring is installed. Avoid extremes of temperature as this can cause warping and cracks in the wood over time.

Annual maintenance

Most engineered wood floors sold today will not require regular surface treatments or maintenance since they are pretreated in the factory with lacquer or oils. However it may be necessary to treat your flooring every 1-3 years, depending on foot traffic and personal taste. If you do wish to treat your floor, use a quality hardwood wax to maintain shine and lustre on your engineered wood flooring, and protect it from dirt and dust buildup. Make sure to test any wax and cleaner on a small, discrete area before using it on the whole floor to ensure it won't damage the wood.

Following these steps can help you keep your engineered wood flooring in perfect condition for many years to come. Make sure to consult with a professional if you have any questions or concerns about caring for your flooring. With the right care, your engineered wood flooring will look beautiful and last for a long time.

Image shows Salcombe Oak parquet flooring, The Wood Flooring Co.