The engineered hardwood floors are currently one of the top choices of the homeowners. They are cost-effective, easy to install, and straightforward to maintain. Besides, this type of flooring is also very imposing in appearance. However, engineered hardwood floors can also become dull and cloudy if not adequately maintained.
If your hardwood flooring is becoming dull and cloudy, then keep reading the article. Below, we will let you know how to shine engineered hardwood floors in some easy steps.
How to Shine Engineered Hardwood Floors?
There are several ways and products are available that can help you to shine an engineered hardwood flooring. Below, we will let you know about some easy and flexible ways to bring back the floor’s polished look.
Vacuum Regularly
Dirt and dust are two things that are the main reasons behind the cloudiness in your engineered hardwood floors. They can arrive in your house through the shoes and windows and stick in the tiny crevices of the seams. They make the floor look ugly and dull quickly. Besides, they can even damage the floor if it gets wet; vacuuming will be the best way to eliminate the sticky dust and dirt.
Make sure to utilize the vacuum cleaner with proper floor cleaning attachments to prevent scratch. Also, get rid of the spare items on the floor like toys, books, and small furniture to work on the entire area smoothly.
Mop in the Right Way
The hardwood-engineered floors can produce grit builds-ups with the time to demolish the floor’s shininess. Mopping can help you to get rid of the layer. Make sure to use suitable microfiber or sponge mop for the hardwood floors along with warm water. You may also add a small amount of dish soap for better cleaning. Such a cleaning solution will help to lift the grime for a smooth clean.
If you want to add dish soap, then include one ounce of it in a gallon of water for cleaning. Make sure that the dish soap you are employing doesn’t contain any oils or wax. Begin with putting the mop head on the solution and then squeeze it properly. After that, start cleaning the floor from one end and cover the entire surface. Dry the floor with a microfiber cloth as soon as possible to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead milky finish.
Spray Plain Wood Floor Cleaner
The engineered hardwood floors will typically lose their shininess after using a long time, even if you clean them regularly. If your engineered hardwood floor is pretty old and losing the shininess, you may try the plan wood cleaner. It is basically a spray that can bring back the Polishness of the floor instantly. Note that the cleaning solution may include wax or oil.
Make sure that you are not purchasing the one that arrives with these ingredients. After applying the cleaner, let it dry, then utilize a lambswool floor buffer to revive the shininess.
Refinish the Damages
If the hardwood engineered floor of your surface is cracked and damaged, then the usual procedures mentioned above will not come in great help. You will require screening and recoating the floor to make it look better. The process consists of buffering the floor with appropriate sand and finishing with the new coating. Make sure to check with the manufacturer to be assured about which coating to use.
As the entire screening and recoating procedure will be pretty complex, it is recommended to use professional service for the best result.
Tips to Maintain Hardwood Floors
As we said earlier, the hardwood floor can offer you a long-lasting performance if maintained accurately. Here are some tips that will help you to maintain the hardwood floors:
Avoid Acidic Cleaner
The engineered hardwood floors are pretty sensible, and they can be easily get caught permanently damage if you use the wrong cleaner. Especially, acid-based cleaning products are highly unsuitable for your beautiful engineered hardwood floors. The same thing is applicable for wax or oil-based cleaners. Oil-based cleaner attracts the dust and encloses moisture, while waxing can cause issues while recoating the floor.
Never Use Ammonia
You may think of using ammonia, a widely popular cleaning agent, to clean the hardwood floors. However, we will recommend you not to use the high pH cleaner as it also has the power of damaging the floor. Instead, you can use white vinegar, which is robust but less acidic. Even when using the vinegar, you should use it on a small amount to avoid damages.
Make Use of Steam Cleaner
The vacuum cleaner can be an excellent way to clean the hardwood floors without chemicals. Vacuum cleaners are designed to utilize the power of high-temperature steam to clean things effectively. Apart from cleaning the floor, the cleaner device can remove mold, stains, and other things. Steam cleaners can also kill harmful germs and viruses, leaving a thoroughly sanitized floor.
You will require to be a bit cautious while cleaning the floor with a steam cleaner. As the device use high-temperature steam, it may damage the floor if used in the wrong way. While using the steam cleaner on engineered hardwood floors, make sure to run in the lowest settings. Also, don’t hold the device on the exact spot for a long time as the high-heat can damage the floor.
Select the Right Cleaner
Selecting the right cleaning solution for the hardwood can be very daunting as most of these are oil, wax, and acid-based. Make sure to select the water-based cleaner which is non-abrasive and marked safe for the hardwood floors. You can also ask the floor manufacturer to suggest a quality commercial cleaner which will not cause any damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a steam mop to clean my engineered hardwood floors?
It is not recommended to use a steam mop on engineered hardwood floors. The high heat and moisture can damage the wood and cause it to warp or buckle.
How often should I shine my engineered hardwood floors?
The frequency of shining your engineered hardwood floors depends on the amount of foot traffic and wear and tear they receive. Generally, it’s recommended to shine them every 3-6 months.
Can I use vinegar to clean my engineered hardwood floors?
It is not recommended to use vinegar to clean engineered hardwood floors. The acid in vinegar can damage the protective finish and cause discoloration over time.
Can I use a floor buffer to shine my engineered hardwood floors?
Yes, a floor buffer can be used to shine engineered hardwood floors. However, it’s important to use a buffing pad that is appropriate for hardwood floors and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How long does it take to shine engineered hardwood floors?
The time it takes to shine engineered hardwood floors depends on the size of the space and the method used. Generally, it can take several hours to a full day.
How do I remove scratches from my engineered hardwood floors?
The method for removing scratches from engineered hardwood floors depends on the depth and severity of the scratch. Light surface scratches can often be removed with a hardwood floor cleaner and a soft cloth, while deeper scratches may require sanding and refinishing by a professional.
Conclusion
Caring for hardwood floors is not that much confusing as it seems. You can keep the beautiful appearance of the floor for a long time simply by cleaning it regularly in the correct way. We hope the above tips and suggestions will help you preserve or bring back your engineered hardwood floor’s shininess.
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