Guide

How to Maintain and Protect Your Engineered Hardwood Floors

How to Maintain and Protect Your Engineered Hardwood Floors - Relic Mystic Engineered Hardwood in a Cozy Bedroom

Engineered hardwood floors are a timeless, elegant choice for any space, but to keep them looking their best, they require a bit of TLC. With the right care, hardwood can last for generations, adding warmth and value to your home. But without regular maintenance, engineered hardwood can easily lose its luster, develop scratches, or warp from moisture damage.

The good news? Protecting your hardwood floors doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few smart habits can go a long way in keeping your floors looking beautiful for years to come.

Engineered Hardwood’s Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routine

 

Calais Basin Oak Beige Oak Engineered Hardwood
Oak Hardwood Flooring in a Bright Living Room

 

A consistent cleaning routine is one of the easiest ways to preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors. Dirt and grit may seem harmless, but over time, they can act like sandpaper and wear down your floor’s finish.

Sweep or Dust Hardwood Daily: Use a soft-bristle broom or microfiber dust mop to capture dust and debris before it gets ground into the surface. Focus on entryways and high-traffic areas.

Vacuum Weekly: Use a vacuum designed for hardwood floors (without a beater bar) to pick up dirt and pet hair more effectively.

Avoid Wet Mopping: Excess moisture is hardwood’s worst enemy. Instead of a wet mop, opt for a damp microfiber mop with a cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood.

Keeping floors clean isn’t just about looks—it’s about protecting the finish and wood from long-term damage.

Protecting Your Engineered Hardwood Floors from Scratches and Wear

Relic Mystic Beige Engineered Hardwood in a Cozy Bedroom
Natural Finish Hardwood in a Cozy Bedroom


Hardwood is durable, but it’s not invincible. Everyday activities like moving furniture or walking in heels can take a toll. With a few preventative measures, you can avoid unnecessary wear and keep your engineered hardwood floors looking flawless.

Use Felt Pads: Place them under furniture legs to avoid scratches when items are moved.

Lay Down Rugs and Runners: In high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens, rugs can help reduce wear. Just make sure they’re non-slip and don’t trap moisture underneath.

Trim Pet Nails: Long claws can scratch wood—keeping them trimmed helps protect the surface.

Take Off Shoes Indoors: This simple habit reduces the dirt, grit, and impact that shoes bring inside.

Dealing with Spills and Stains

Vestige Sonoran Oak Beige Engineered Hardwood Kitchen Floor
 Wide Plank Hardwood in a Modern Kitchen


Accidents happen. The key is responding quickly to prevent long-term damage.

Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Even water can cause warping or staining if left too long. Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to clean up right away.

Treat Stains Gently: Use a hardwood floor cleaner and a soft cloth—never abrasive tools or harsh chemicals. For stubborn spots, consult your floor manufacturer’s care guide.

Avoid DIY Remedies for Stains: Ingredients like vinegar or baking soda, while popular for other surfaces, can damage your hardwood’s finish.

Engineered Hardwood Long-Term Maintenance: What You Should Know

Relic Jasmine Brown Engineered Hardwood in an Open - Concept Living Room
Rich Brown Hardwood in an Open-Concept Living Room


Even the best-maintained engineered hardwood floors need occasional deeper care. Regular maintenance keeps hardwood looking its best and helps you avoid costly refinishing down the line.

Maintain Humidity Levels: Wood expands and contracts with humidity. Use a humidifier in dry seasons and a dehumidifier when it’s humid to keep boards from gapping or cupping.


The Bottom Line: A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Hardwood floors are an investment worth protecting. With just a bit of regular care—sweeping, cleaning, and protecting against wear—you’ll enjoy floors that not only look incredible but also stand the test of time.

Looking to upgrade your floors or start fresh with hardwood? Visit Home Carpet One's showroom to explore a wide range of hardwood options that are as durable as they are beautiful. Our experts can help you find the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.

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Effective Ways to Cleaning Carpet Spills & Removing Stains Guide

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As a trusted Chicago carpet provider, we at Home Carpet One know a thing or two about keeping carpet looking its best. Our customers are always asking for the best way to clean up spills and get rid of stains, and the truth is, it depends on what you spilled and how long the stain has had to set. There’s more than one effective way to clean stains, and of course some stains (pet accidents, red wine) are more common than others (Pepto Bismol, for example). When it comes to cleaning carpet stains, trial and error can be risky, and some products that claim to be safe for carpets can end up doing more harm than good. Between Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Mother’s Day, we get lots of customers calling in asking about how to get rid of chocolate stains in carpet, so we thought we’d offer some advice on the subject. One of the best options is to use a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or spot removal solution. When using a solvent, be careful not to pour it directly onto the carpet. Instead, apply the solvent with a clean cloth, sponge, or gentle brush. If the solvent reaches the backing of the carpet, it can damage the latex that connects the primary and secondary backings, so exercise caution. There are several acceptable solvents out there, including Capture, a brand that we carry at Home Carpet One. If you don’t have a solvent on hand, you can use a solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Use one cup of warm water and no more than a quarter teaspoon of detergent. Using a stronger concentration can damage your carpet. Never use bleach detergents designed for automatic dishwashers, as these will almost certainly leave permanent stains and can destroy fibers. Also avoid laundry detergents. Although it may seem sensible to use laundry detergent on carpet, these detergents often contain fluorescent dyes than can dye the carpet fibers. If you do use a detergent solution, rinse the area thoroughly afterward to remove potentially harmful detergent residues. Another option is to use a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts of warm water. This simple solution is generally effective and is less likely to cause color changes than other common solutions such as ammonia solutions. If none of these methods solves your problem, you can always call a Chicago carpet cleaning professional. Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and powerful cleaning products that can remove stains too stubborn for conventional methods. As with any stain, chocolate stains can become more stubborn with time. If you aren’t successful in removing the stain yourself, do not hesitate to bring in the big guns as soon as possible.
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Carpet Pad 101: Picking the Perfect Carpet Pad for Your Floors

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