Cleaning Floors: Laminates vs. Engineered Floors

12 years ago

Hi All, I like to mop about once a week. As I have been shopping around for new floors, I have been told you are not supposed to mop engineered woods. Is this true? I would like to get your input on how you maintain your floors. Also, would laminate be better for someone who likes to damp mop? I appreciate your comments!

Featured Answer

sandra

12 years ago

I have had a high quality engineered hardwood floor for a year and have tried many different cleaners (expensive and cheap) and mops. I finally found a combination that works great. This came from a professional cleaner who cleans high end homes. A bucket of warm water and a cap full of Vim Hardwood Cleaner (Very inexpensive). The mop I use and how I used it I think is key. A microfiber and cotton combo string mop (Velida makes one) is great at removing dirt and buffs at the same time. Make sure the mop is really rung out and is damp when used. As you mop go with the grain in a S pattern side to side. My floors are rustic so they are hand chiseled ( making the surface slightly varied) and beveled on the edges.This creates lots of little crevasses and areas were dirt can accumulate. The mop is able to get right in and clean it out. I love my floors they are beautiful have a satin finish and stand up to a lot. My house is at the beach and so it gets a lot of sand tracked in which could possibly work to take the sheen off but it doesn't. I have to Lab dogs and after a year I can't find a scratch on it.

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Comments (8)

Carol Cottone
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks Sandra! I appreciate your "recipe". We will be choosing a very similar floor! If I may ask, what brand floor did you purchase....it is gorgeous! Best, Art Lady 1
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sandra
12 years ago
The brand name is Hyde Park. I'm told the hand chiseling is done by prisoners in California. That's where it comes from so it might be true. Anyhow the color is Oxford Oak. We used all three sizes 31/2", 5", and 7" and varied the pattern. It cost a little more but really adds the unique look. We have board halls and large open spaces in our home so it really draws one's eyes. That was the effect we were after and it works. "I love your floors" is the first thing that comes out of visitors mouths. Like I said before "I love my floors". Thanks for asking.
Carol Cottone thanked sandra
PRO
simpleFLOORS Seattle
12 years ago
I personally and professionally recommend Bona Kemi - there is a hardwood and a hard surface (for laminate) style. Both use a micro fiber mop head. Water is the enemy. Pre-finished hardwood should not use any type of cleaners that have wax/oil in them such as mop and glo, orange glo, murphy's oil, etc.
Carol Cottone thanked simpleFLOORS Seattle
Curt D'Onofrio
12 years ago
"Oxford Oak" color looks great!
Carol Cottone thanked Curt D'Onofrio
sandra
12 years ago
I've dug up more info on my floors. The distributor is Hyde Park, the company is Aliston the line is Hampton and the color is Oxford Oak. Google it for specifics.
Carol Cottone thanked sandra
sandra
12 years ago
I've tried Bona Kemi (recommended by installer) and was not happy. It cleaned but didn't give a sheen or glow. I've done some research and yes a mopping with water will damage the Aluminum oxide coat found on many if not all engineered hardwood. That's not to say that a well rung out DAMP mop is not good. Actually the manufacturer of my floor mentions the use of one in its care section. It also suggested a urethane (polyurethane) cleaner be used. I came across one manufactures web site that suggested the use of Glass+or windex free since you are really cleaning the coating on the surface not the wood itself. And another blog in which they used the windex to rid the residue of using a wax product with success. Also just water and dish soap is mention too. I'm glad I ran across this question as I am rethinking my approach. Perhaps my VIM cleaner will create a build up in time. On its website it is recommend for Varnished floors. I'm finding it all a little confusing.
Carol Cottone thanked sandra
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
12 years ago
Engineered hardwood floors need special instructions. Please do not use Windex or any cleaner with ammonia or bleach in it! This myth about Windex and polyurethane has already ruined a few floors. The Aluminum Oxide finish dulls/hazes no matter what you do...but that is another thread.

A hardwood floor cleaner can and should be used. It MUST be pH neutral and DESIGNED for wood flooring. If you want a "shine" then you may have to find the compatible "polish" that goes with your floors. Not all floors can/should be polished. There are many, many different types of finish out there and there are many, many different types of "polish" the tricky bit is working with the chemicals that are allowed on the floor. Alwasy contact the manufacturer for recommended products.

If you have aluminum oxide in the coating, be aware that you probably cannot have the floors sanded/refinished.