Hardwood flooring is timeless. With so many different grains and designs to choose from, it’s a great way to add beauty and character to any living space. However, it can also cost a pretty penny. A similar product that is becoming more popular among homeowners is engineered hardwood flooring. This hardwood lookalike has a core of either hardwood, plywood, or HDF, with a top layer of a veneer. It is all glued together and can virtually be made to look like any kind of real hardwood. This engineered flooring boasts better stability than its natural flooring counterpart and can withstand heat and moisture better as well. However, while it is more durable than natural wood flooring, it does require maintenance and cleaning in order for it to stay looking great. If you have Southampton engineered wood flooring, be sure to follow these guidelines. 1. Clean it daily. Keep crumbs, dirt, dust, and debris off of your beautiful floors by sweeping it every day. If you would prefer to use a vacuum, be sure that the attachment has a soft bristled brush. If you use a vacuum with a hard bristled rotary brush, it can scratch your flooring. 2. Don’t let spills sit for too long. Any kind of liquid and moisture can cause damage to your engineered hardwoods. For this reason, it’s important to wipe them up as soon as they happen. If your floor begins to bubble or peel, chances are irreversible water damage has occurred. 3. Microfiber is your friend. Instead of using a wet mop, opt for a microfiber cloth mop. They easily attract dust and dirt and make cleaning easy. Plus, they don’t pose a threat to the integrity of your floor. 4. Place mats at the entrances to your home. If your family or guests wear shoes on your floors, they may be tracking in harmful materials. Sand, glass, dirt, and pebbles can all scratch up your beautiful hardwood. They can also track in snow and rain, which can get trapped under your flooring and cause warping. To avoid this, encourage those who enter your home to remove their shoes. Also, place rugs and mats at the entrances of your home. However, if you do use rugs, be sure they don’t have a rubber bottom. These can also cause moisture to become trapped next to your floor and cause issues. 5. High-heels and cleats are a no-no. If you do wear shoes on your engineered hardwood floors, make sure they are flat and gentle. High-heeled shoes, or those with spikes, can wear down the top layer of the flooring and cause issues. They can also cause deep scratches and grooves. 6. Only use designated cleaners. Tile cleaners, ammonia, and bleach can all strip your flooring of its seal. This will cause damage to your floor and could be hard to repair. Most manufacturers recommend a specific type of cleaner for their floors. In some cases, they may even make their own cleaner. Whichever type of cleaner you use just be sure it is compatible with engineered hardwood floors. While Southampton engineered wood flooring can be refinished and resealed, they have a shorter life span than traditional hardwood. The depth of the top layer will determine how many times they can be refinished. Once you have sanded through that top layer, it will be time to replace the floor completely. For that reason, it’s extremely important to care for your engineered hardwood floor from day one. Take the time to keep it clean and maintained daily. You will find that as you do; your floor will remain looking beautiful. Plus, it will be around for much longer. West Flooring excels in professional flooring services. Southampton engineered wood flooring. Visit our page on http://westflooring.com/professional-flooring-services/ for more info!
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