Cleaning Engineered Wood Floors

Manufactured flooring can go by many names, like Pergo, laminate, or even engineered wood floors. Whatever the name you may know it by, it is all pretty much the same thing—some type of pressed board or particleboard material surrounded by a veneer that is pressed and glued into place. Cleaning engineered wood floors is easier than cleaning hardwood floors because the wood veneer is just that, a veneer.

The next time you need to clean your engineered wood floors follow these simple step-by-step instructions to get it right the first time, every time. Why waste time doing something more than once, when you can get it done correctly the first time?

1. Sweep. Engineered wood floors need to be swept a minimum of two or three times a week. This helps to reduce the amount of dust and dirt on the floors and to protect the flooring from getting damaged and scratched from that dirt and dust. When sweeping, the best type of broom to use is a soft bristled broom, or even a dust mop.
2. Vacuum. One of the best ways to help reduce the amount of wear and tear on your engineered wood floor is to vacuum it once a week. By vacuuming your engineered wood flooring with a soft brush attachment, you can remove most of the fine dust and dirt that builds up in the cracks and floor joists that you simply can't reach with your broom.
3. Light mop. When you notice that your engineered wood floor is moderately soiled, it is then time to lightly mop the mess. The best thing to use is either the Swiffer Wet-Jet or a similar product. When using the Swiffer use the spray button sparingly; just press it enough to be able to get the dirt and grime up. Ideally, when you are finished, the mop head should be only slightly damp.
4. Heavy mop. For those times that your kids or pets traipse through the house looking like Dennis the Menace you will need to do a little heavy moping. Use a traditional mop, but with your own cleaning solution of one part white vinegar to four parts hot water. The white vinegar works as a natural cleaning agent, that won't smell too strongly, and the heat will help break up the dirt and grime easier.
5. Clean spills. Just as with regular wood floors, liquids spills are probably engineered wood floors' biggest enemies. Protect your floors by cleaning up any spills as quickly as possible.