Keeping your engineered flooring looking pristine can be a challenge, especially in Toronto’s diverse climate. In this blog, we’ll share some practical and effective maintenance hacks to help you keep your floors shining like new. Whether you’re dealing with daily dirt, seasonal changes, or long-term wear and tear, these tips will ensure your engineered floors stay beautiful for years to come.
“Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance.” – Kurt Vonnegut
Daily Maintenance Hacks
Keeping your engineered floors in top shape requires consistent, simple daily habits. Here are some effective hacks to ensure your floors remain clean and damage-free.
- Use Soft-Bristle Brooms: To avoid scratching the surface, use a soft-bristle broom to sweep daily. This helps remove dust and debris without damaging the finish.
- Choose Vacuum Attachments: Choose a vacuum with a hard floor setting or a soft brush attachment to gently pick up dirt. Avoid using a beater bar or rotating brush, as these can cause scratches.
- Place Felt Pads on Furniture: Place felt pads under the legs of all furniture to prevent scratches when moving them. Regularly check and replace these pads as they wear out.
- Position Rugs in High-Traffic Areas: Protect your floors in high-traffic zones, such as entryways and hallways, with area rugs or runners. This reduces wear and tear and adds an extra layer of protection against dirt and grit.
- Utilize Effective Cleaning Solutions: For common spills, a damp (not wet) cloth with a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner is best. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish.
- Take Immediate Action: Clean up spills as soon as they occur to prevent stains and moisture damage. Blot the spill rather than wiping to avoid spreading the liquid.
Seasonal Maintenance Hacks
Toronto’s climate can be quite variable, with humid summers and cold, snowy winters. These seasonal changes can affect your engineered flooring, but with the right maintenance hacks, you can keep your floors looking great all year round.
- Use Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers: In the dry winter months, use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels between 35-55%. This prevents the wood flooring in Toronto from drying out and cracking. During the humid summer months, a dehumidifier helps to reduce excess moisture, preventing the wood from swelling.
- Monitor Humidity: Invest in a hygrometer to regularly check indoor humidity levels and adjust your humidifiers or dehumidifiers accordingly.
- Schedule Spring and Fall Maintenance Routines: Twice a year, perform a thorough cleaning of your engineered floors. Move furniture and rugs to clean underneath and check for any hidden dirt or damage.
- Opt for Professional Cleaning: Consider having your floors professionally cleaned once a year to remove deep-seated dirt and grime that regular cleaning might miss.
- Deal with Salt and Moisture: Winter can be harsh on floors due to salt (commonly used to melt snow) and moisture from snow. Place mats both outside and inside entryways to catch most of the salt and moisture before it reaches your floors. Regularly shake out and clean these mats.
- Remove Salt Stains: If salt does get onto your floors, promptly clean it with a mixture of water and vinegar. Use a soft cloth to wipe the area and then dry it thoroughly to prevent water damage.
Long-Term Preservation Tips
To ensure your engineered flooring remains in excellent condition for years to come, it’s important to adopt long-term preservation strategies. These tips will help you maintain the beauty and integrity of your floors over time.
- Refinish Engineered Floors
Over time, the top layer of your engineered flooring may show signs of wear, such as scratches, dullness, or minor damage. Depending on the thickness of the hardwood veneer, you can refinish engineered floors 1-3 times. Typically, this is necessary every 5-10 years, depending on usage.Light sanding followed by the application of a fresh coat of finish can rejuvenate your floors. For a DIY approach, ensure you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, for best results, consider hiring a professional to avoid damaging the thin veneer layer.
- Prevent Water Damage
Excessive water contact can cause warping and damage to engineered floors. Always use a damp (not wet) mop for cleaning and promptly wipe up any spills.
- Use Proper Cleaning Products
Avoid abrasive cleaners, steam mops, and wax-based products, as they can dull or damage the finish. Stick to products specifically designed for engineered wood floors.
- Protect from Direct Sunlight
Long-term exposure to the sun can result in discolouration and fading. Use UV-resistant window coverings, drapes, or blinds to shield your flooring from the sun’s rays.
- Invest in Quality Maintenance Tools and Products
Choose high-quality cleaning products and tools from reputable brands to ensure they are safe and effective for engineered flooring. Look for products that are specifically labelled for use on engineered wood.Consider purchasing a maintenance kit that includes all the necessary tools and products for regular cleaning and care. These kits often include cleaners, microfiber cloths, and protective pads.
Eco-Friendly Maintenance Tricks
Caring for your engineered flooring doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Here are some eco-friendly maintenance hacks to keep your floors shining while being kind to the planet.
- Opt for Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Options
Choose cleaning products that are labelled eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic. These products are made from natural ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals that can harm your floors and the environment.
- Use DIY Natural Cleaners
Create your own natural cleaning solutions using common household items. A simple mixture of vinegar and water can effectively clean your floors without leaving harmful residues. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.
- Reduce Waste
Opt for reusable cleaning tools like microfiber cloths and mop pads instead of disposable ones. Microfiber is not only effective at trapping dirt and dust but can also be washed and reused multiple times.
- Recycle Old Flooring Materials
When it’s time to replace or renovate your flooring, consider recycling the old materials. Many recycling centres accept wood products, and some organizations even offer programs to repurpose old flooring for new uses.
- Support Sustainable Brands
Purchase maintenance products from companies that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Look for brands that use recycled materials, practice ethical manufacturing, and contribute to environmental initiatives.
Keep Your Floors Shining Bright!
By following these simple maintenance hacks, you can ensure your engineered flooring in Toronto remains beautiful and durable for years to come. For expert advice, professional cleaning, or any flooring needs, contact Capital Hardwood Flooring at (416) 536-2200. Keep your floors looking their best and enjoy the elegance they bring to your home!