Engineered hardwood floors are a reasonably tried-and-tested and are a favourite type of solid hardwood flooring. Although real hardwood floors have thicker surfaces than artificial equivalents, engineered flooring is less expensive, easier to install, and more scratch-resistant.

The best of hardwood and laminate floors, engineered wood flooring comprises numerous hardwood or plywood layers, making it more water and heat resistant, contrary to a layer of solid wood, which can warp or bend. However, it’s also susceptible to maintenance, so you must routinely clean engineered hardwood flooring.

Some homes have family members who are hypersensitive to store-bought cleaning products due to their intense odors. Fortunately, there are homemade cleaners that work on almost all areas and surfaces of the home, including wood floors.

Clean your Engineered Hardwood Floors With Vinegar

Among the handiest condiments used for DIY cleaning recipes is vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic product, so it needs diluting. Never use vinegar directly on a surface. Many recipe options are highly effective in cleaning engineered hardwood floors with the necessity for a particular treatment for tough stains, dullness, etc.

Water, Vinegar & Essential Oils

When you want to add a pleasant scent to your cleaning solution, try this mixture of vinegar, warm water, and essential oil when you’re about to mop your hard floor. Essential oils come in various fragrances, so pick a few drops of your favourite scent to add to your mixture for an extra sense of cleanliness. Orange and lemon variations work best for engineered hardwood floors. The limonene in the orange is ideal for attacking germs and dirt as the hardwood floor adapts and shines.

Vinegar & Linseed Oil

This vinegar cleaning formula might be the answer to removing unsightly marks from your engineered hardwood floor. Make a solution with an equal ratio of vinegar and linseed oil. Mix it well and use the mixture with a rag to gently wipe the floor. You have to rub the spots properly. Once the spots are out, wash with clean water and dry thoroughly. This solution is an affordable and effective spot cleaner.

Water, Olive Oil & Vinegar

Olive oil naturally hydrates and polishes engineered floors without leaving residue typical with mass-produced products. It can clean engineered wood floors and simultaneously quickly buff dull areas back to a striking shine. Combine 1/4 cup olive oil with 1/3 cup white vinegar and five cups of water. Soak your mop or rag in the solution and apply it to buff your floors. If your engineered floor is too greasy after using it, pat any left oil with a dry cloth.

Dishwashing Detergent, Water & Vinegar

If the floor is rustic or classic wood, you can use dish detergent. Mix a ½ cup of distilled white vinegar and a gallon of water, then add some drops of dish detergent for a good and fresh smell. This also works on laminate flooring.

First, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and hair. Then mop the floors with a dry microfiber mop. With a spray bottle, spray the cleaning solution onto the microfiber pad until the pad is damp. Mop the floors with the wet mop. Then, rinse the mop frequently and reapply the cleaning solution.

Apple Cider Vinegar Alone

The apple cider vinegar recipe is intended for those who need to remain things a little safer. This is because apple cider vinegar is remarkably less powerful. Consequently, any damage threat to your engineered wood flooring is relatively low.

Use a gallon of water mixed with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar to make this solution. Grab a bucket to contain the mixture. Then, get a microfiber mop to wipe this mixture on the floor. You must dip and twist the mop several times because it will ultimately become dirty. After finishing, you have to wipe away the excess moisture with a dry towel.

Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors Without Vinegar

Liquid Soap

Liquid soap breaks down the links between the floor and dirt, degreases, and cleanses the floor. Avoid liquid soap with antibacterial ingredients, moisturizers, or oxygen bleach. Just add 2 to 3 drops, depending on the water you get. In a half-litre of water, you can have five drops at most.

If you add too much dish soap to the water, your homemade hardwood cleaner will be overly foamy, making it difficult to wash the foam and remains from the surface.
Use it wisely and spray sparingly. Dishwashing soap already has a great scent, so you can skip adding essence for aroma.

Black Tea

Like vinegar, black tea mixed with water is an effective homemade floor cleaner that polishes the engineered wood floors. The acidity of black tea budges dirt from the floor; however, it is not as potent as vinegar. The tannic acid in tea will deliver a nice sheen to your hardwood floors. Black tea will eliminate more excess dirt without damaging the finish on your floors.

Bring the 9 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then add eight black tea bags and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the mixture cool. Damp a mop cleaning pad or soft cotton cloth in the mix and apply it to the wood grain direction. Never drench your wood floors with too much water and use the tea mixture sporadically.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another efficient cleaner. The pH balance in this product is neutral, so it will not pose any damage to your flooring. Another significant advantage of alcohol is that it will disinfect as you clean. Alcohol that has 70% isopropyl disinfects the surface from germs and bacteria. Dilute the rubbing alcohol using distilled water.

Pour a cup of water into a 1-quart container, then mix in 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol. You can also add three or four drops of mild dishwashing soap. The soap will add a great scent and sever the dirt into particles, making it manageable to eliminate.

Floor Cleaners to Avoid On Engineered Wood

• Bleach
• Harsh chemicals, like ammonia
• Lemon juice
• Acetone
• Soap-based cleaners
• Wax

These cleaners wear away at the wood, deteriorating the top wear layer after a while to form splits, wrinkles, and a dull surface. If your kitchen has engineered flooring, be mindful of cooking with citric acid and acetic acid.

Before applying any new cleanser on your entire floor, test it on a secluded area, such as beneath a piece of furniture. Avoid soaking the floor and rinse with clean water. Dry with a towel.

Maintaining Engineered Hardwood Floor

Hardwood engineered flooring is an elegant choice, and it requires little effort and strength to maintain it satisfactorily. You should know how to clean engineered hardwood floors every week and ensure you’re not observing any incorrect cleaning methods.

If you want to learn more about the beauty of hardwood floors, feel free to call Supreme Flooring. Our expertise in various kinds of wooden floors allows us to deliver high-quality installation services in the Mississauga area.