Engineered wood flooring is the perfect alternative to expensive and less durable solid hardwood. It has been a staple choice in modern Victorian-style homes across Melbourne. These are sturdy, durable, moisture resistant and aesthetically appealing, elevating your home’s look and feel. The best part is that its multi-layer construction helps prevent water damage and warping, saving you costly repairs.
It offers a stylish, elegant, natural wood look with proper installation and regular maintenance. This means caring for engineered wood flooring is pivotal to maintaining its original glory. It is imperative to prevent dust and grime buildup to keep the flooring in top condition, especially when moving out of your rental apartment in Melbourne, Victoria.
Today, we'll unveil the best tricks and tips to care for your engineered wood flooring from scratch. This guide covers basic installation aspects, regular cleaning practices and the right products to provide long-lasting performance.
Let’s Get Started!
- Choosing the Right Engineered Wood is Crucial
- Regular Cleaning To Prevent Dust and Debris
- Mop With pH-Neutral Cleaning Products
- Act on Spills and Splatters Proactively
- Say No to Steam Cleaning
- Use Protectors To Layer Your Flooring
- Manage Humidity Level Indoors/li>
- Fill Cracks Immediately/li>
- Refinish and Polish For Timeless Beauty
- Wrapping Up
1. Choosing the Right Engineered Wood is Crucial
Purchasing the right engineered wood flooring can be a game-changer. It is always good to opt for premium quality plywood with formaldehyde-free glue for sub-flooring. Choosing a wood with a fire-retardant, UV-resistant, and hard-wearing coating ensures longevity and sturdiness.
To minimise wear and tear, you can consider key factors like plank thickness, wood species, and wear layer quality. Also, opt for a scratch-resistant finish for entrance, kitchens and living areas. According to end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals, cleaning engineered wood flooring is easier than traditional hardwood surfaces.
2. Regular Cleaning To Prevent Dust and Debris
There is no denying that dust and dirt particles can scratch your beautiful engineered wood flooring over time. To maintain its premium finish, regularly sweep and vacuum your floors using the proper tools. A soft-bristled broom for daily cleaning can eliminate loose debris, dust and dirt in no time.
Alternatively, use a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner with a hardwood brush attachment to simplify difficult cleaning tasks.
It can tackle dust bunnies, pet hair and other allergens in a breeze. Ensure you clean underneath bulky furniture, appliances and crannies for better results.
3. Mop With pH-Neutral Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are safe for engineered wood. Using harsh, chemically laden and abrasive products can remove the protective layer, causing dullness and discolouration. So, carefully choose a pH-neutral wood cleaner to mop your floors. You can also prepare a DIY solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap, castile soap and warm water.
Always use a microfiber cloth, dampened in the solution, to mop the floor to remove grime and gunk. Regular mopping can maintain the pristine finish for years.
Tip: Do not use excessive water, as moisture can penetrate deep into the layers, causing warping or permanent damage.
4. Act on Spills and Splatters Proactively
Engineered wood flooring is resistant to moisture, but liquid spills and splatters can still cause damage and warping over time. So, it is imperative to wipe up spills as soon as possible. Use a dry microfiber cloth or paper towel to soak up excess liquid.
Use a damp cloth with a DIY floor cleaner for sticky residue, and gently scrub the area. Also, never leave a wet mop or cloth on the floor, as prolonged exposure can weaken the wooden structure.
If you are vacating a rental property in Victoria, do necessary repairs and perform a detailed end of lease cleaning Melbourne by hiring seasoned experts. They clean all types of flooring, carpets, rugs, windows and delicate areas with perfection.
5. Say No to Steam Cleaning
There is no denying that steam cleaning is one of the best and chemical-free methods to deep clean delicate and hard floorings. However, high heat and moisture can cause permanent damage to the surface. The steam can penetrate the surface layers, which can warp the wood, leading to hefty repairs.
Instead, mop your floors regularly to prevent grime buildup.
6. Use Protectors To Layer Your Flooring
Scratches, marks and dents can deteriorate the integrity of your engineered wood flooring. To reduce damage, install felt pads or rubber protectors under the couch, dining table and other furniture legs. You can also opt for area rugs to high-traffic spots for additional protection
If you have dogs or cats, trim their nails to prevent scratches.
7. Manage Humidity Level Indoors
Humidity fluctuations can be a real problem while maintaining the premium shine of your engineered wood. It can cause expansion and contraction depending on the extreme humidity levels. It is better to control your home's humidity levels- keep it between 40 and 60 per cent. You can use a humidifier during dry seasons in Melbourne to avoid contraction while a dehumidifier during humid season can prevent expansion.
8. Fill Cracks Immediately
Small cracks can penetrate dust, grime and moisture deep inside the floor layering, leading to warping. So, it is good to fill those cracks with a wood-coloured wax stick. You can also hire a professional handyman for the same to avoid any discolouration.
9. Refinish and Polish For Timeless Beauty
Over time, engineered wood flooring may lose its original shine due to daily wear and tear. So, it is good to refinish the surface once or twice a year, depending on the thickness of the top layering. Buffing and reapplying a protective coating can eliminate light scratches and dullness, while sanding and refinishing is ideal for deeper scratches. It is always good to hire end of lease cleaners Melbourne for complicated tasks to avoid damaging the premium finish. They can prevent bond deductions and disputes while giving you peace of mind.
Caring Tips For Timeless Engineered Wood Floors
Wrapping Up
Engineered Wood Flooring is durable, elegant and sturdy but requires care and maintenance for pristine shine and timeless beauty. These simple yet effective tips can prevent dirt and dust, moisture build-up, dullness, warping and discolouration. Clean and shiny flooring can enhance the beauty of your home, leaving a great impression on your landlord or property manager.