Prolong the Life of Engineered Hardwood Floors

In this article: Care tips that can help prolong the life of your engineered hardwood floors and keep them looking their best.

Engineered hardwood flooring is a product made up of a core of hardwood, plywood or HDF and a top layer of hardwood veneer that is glued on the top surface of the core. These floors are not as resistant to moisture or as durable as solid hardwood floors, so they require special attention that can prevent damage. Proper care can also help keep them looking like new.

Engineered hardwood flooring is different than laminate, which is typically made of High-Density Fiber (HDF). The top layer is a photographic layer that should appear identical to the product it replicates, such as wood, vinyl, tile, etc. If you’re specifically looking for help on cleaning laminate floors, please read the article How To Clean and Care for Laminate Floors on the Cheap.

The following tips can help you prolong the life of your engineered hardwood floors and keep them looking their best.

Routine Maintenance

Sweep or dust mop regularly

Dirt and debris can scratch the surface of your flooring. Use a soft-bristled broom or a dust mop to regularly remove loose dirt.

Vacuum

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Make sure the vacuum is set to the ‘hard floor’ setting to avoid damaging the flooring surface.

Wet Cleaning

Avoid excess water

Engineered hardwood floors are less sensitive to moisture compared to solid hardwood, but they still can be damaged by too much water. Never let puddles form or stand on the floor.

Use a damp mop…

Instead of a wet mop, use a damp mop for cleaning. This ensures that you are not flooding the floor with water.

and a pH-neutral cleaner

Use a cleaner specifically designed for engineered hardwood floors. Avoid using vinegar, as its acidity can break down the finish on the floor.

Spray and wipe

A good method is to spray the cleaner lightly onto the floor (or onto a microfiber mop head) and then wipe it clean. This controls the amount of liquid on the floor.

Deeper Cleaning

Spot cleaning

For tougher stains or sticky spots, you may use a small amount of hardwood floor cleaner on a soft cloth and gently rub the affected area.

Avoid steam mops

Steam mops can cause warping and delamination, so it’s best to avoid them.

Extra Tips for Prolonging the Life of Engineered Hardwood Floors

• No wax, no polish: Do not use wax or polish on engineered hardwood floors, as they can dull the surface.
• Use protective pads: Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching.
• Rugs and mats: Consider using rugs and mats in high-traffic areas to help protect the floors.
• Prompt attention to spills: Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains and water damage.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Always check what the manufacturer recommends for cleaning and maintaining your specific flooring.

Advice From Our Readers for Caring for Engineered Hardwood Floors

Don’t use Murphy’s Oil Soap

I am a professional housekeeper. A question I am often asked is, “Can you use murphy’s oil soap on engineered hardwood floors?” No, please don’t use Murphy’s Oil Soap on wood floors. I know your mom used to use it, but the wood finishes have changed over the years. The oil soap can penetrate into the wood, and when you have to have them refinished, they have to be sanded down past the oil so the new finish will adhere. Murphy’s Oil Soap also reacts with the finish and softens it so it becomes dull over time.

The worst thing for wood floors is dirt and sand brought in from outdoors. It will sand the finish and make it dull. Use a good dust mop or vacuum every day. We use plain water or water with a drop or two of liquid dish detergent in the bucket. Wring out mop until almost dry. Never leave standing water on the floor.
Judy in Ohio

editor’s note: Where hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished many times, engineered floors may be refinished only once or twice. The manufacturers provide the number, which varies depending on the thickness of the top layer and recommend that refinishing be done by a professional.

Never leave standing water on engineered hardwood floors

I clean my engineered hardwood floors about every other day. I use a sponge mop with a wringer apparatus and plain hot water for light cleanups. For heavier cleaning, I use a little anti-bacterial dish detergent in the hot water. This generally takes off everything except dried-on spots, and those respond well to a fingernail.

Use a damp mop and never leave water standing on these floors. The manufacturers will claim the floors are waterproof, but this is not true. A cooler was left on the living room floor and it had a leaky drain tap. We now have a swollen board where the water entered the particle board, and it will never entirely flatten.

Replace mop heads before they get low enough to scratch the floor. The finishes do scratch and they do chip.
Margaret

Mop to clean engineered hardwood floors

I do the same thing that I use on my tile kitchen floor. I have a spray bottle about half full of water. I add approximately one teaspoon of liquid detergent. I spray it lightly on the floor and use a flat “mop” with a terry cloth cover. I find this gets the dirt as well as dust bunnies, doesn’t streak, and makes my floors look pretty good.
Stephanie G. in Centralia, WA

Related:

• Cleaning No Wax Floors: Frugal Tips, Tools, and Techniques
• Frugal Homemade Floor Cleaner Recipes and ‘Ready Mop’ Alternatives
• 7 Ways To Save on Carpet Cleaning

Reviewed August 2023