The best thing to use on engineered hardwood floors is a pH-neutral, non-toxic wood floor cleaner paired with a microfiber mop. Excessive moisture and harsh chemicals can damage the delicate veneers, making ready-to-use formulas and soft, damp materials the ideal choice.
Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of ammonia, vinegar, wax-based cleaners, harsh scented cleaners, high pH cleaners, and oil soaps (soaps containing harsh oils). Steam Mops: Avoid moisture-heavy cleaning methods like steam and wet mops to prevent warping.
To restore an engineered wood floor, first identify if it has minor scuffs or deep damage. For dull floors, use a polish like Rejuvenate Wood Floor Restorer. For heavier scratches, lightly buff (screen) the surface and apply a new topcoat without sanding. Full sanding is only an option for thick wear layers.
You should avoid using the standard Swiffer Wet on engineered hardwood floors. Standard Swiffer Wet cloths are pre-treated with chemicals that can leave a cloudy residue and introduce too much moisture, which can cause your floor planks to warp or swell over time.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap, but only if it is heavily diluted with water. Because engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer, too much water or soap will cause irreversible damage. Use a few drops in a gallon of warm water, and always ensure your mop is completely wrung out.
No, you should not use Murphy’s Oil Soap on engineered hardwood floors. Oil-based soaps leave behind a sticky, dulling residue that builds up over time and ruins the factory finish. This residue also voids most manufacturer warranties and prevents future recoating.
An easy way to fill in microscratches and shine wood floors is to polish your floors after mopping. After dusting and spray mopping, use a designated microfiber mop pad to apply polish to wood floors to add shine. Bona floor polish is easy to use and adds a protection and shine with every application.
Clean with a microfiber mop and pH-balanced hardwood cleaner. Avoid excess water and harsh chemicals. Never use steam cleaners, abrasive tools, or oil-based soaps — they can damage the finish or core. Waterproof options like Bruce® Hydropel® and Dogwood Pro™ make cleaning easier and extend installation areas.
While Swiffers are convenient for quick touch-ups, they are generally considered ineffective for deep cleaning because they mostly push dirt and dust around instead of lifting it. Experts point out several downsides, including long-term costs, floor-damaging chemicals, and environmental waste.
Yes, Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is recommended for use on engineered hardwood floors, as well as all unwaxed, unoiled, polyurethane finished wood floors.
Engineered hardwood typically lasts 20 to 30 years, though premium planks with a thick wear layer can last up to 40 or 50 years with proper maintenance.
To make engineered hardwood shine, you need to strip away any built-up residue, clean the floor thoroughly, and apply a specialized polish. Because engineered wood has a real but often thin wood veneer, always use minimal moisture and avoid harsh, waxy, or acrylic products that can cloud the finish.
Timeless wood colors are natural, organic hues that bridge the gap between warm and cool without relying on passing fads. The most classic choices are pale, natural wood and mid-tone browns. These choices highlight natural grain patterns and adapt easily to changing furniture and decor styles.
Water, Olive Oil & Vinegar
It can clean engineered wood floors and simultaneously quickly buff dull areas back to a striking shine. Combine 1/4 cup olive oil with 1/3 cup white vinegar and five cups of water. Soak your mop or rag in the solution and apply it to buff your floors.
Joanna Gaines is known for her signature "modern farmhouse" aesthetic, relying on light wide-plank wood, vintage checkerboard tile, patterned cement, and earthy volcanic ash. She frequently uses durable, high-quality flooring materials that blend old-world character with family-friendly functionality.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
When choosing between Swiffer and Bona for wood floors, Bona is the gold standard for long-term safety and maintenance because it protects the wood's finish. However, Swiffer (specifically the Swiffer WetJet Wood) is better for quick, convenient touch-ups and spills, provided you use its specialized formula.
The best way to clean engineered hardwood is to sweep or vacuum regularly and damp-mop with a pH-neutral, water-based cleaner. The golden rule is to avoid excessive moisture. Never use steam mops, wet traditional mops, wax, or harsh chemical detergents, as these can ruin your floor's finish.
Use a microfiber cloth or mop. Swiffer mops are great for safely cleaning engineered wood floors. If you use a traditional mop, be sure it is damp and not soaked.
The O-Cedar EasyWring is widely considered the #1 overall mop by major review sites and consumers for its unbeatable balance of convenience, cleaning power, and cost-efficiency. Its hands-free foot pedal spinning system lets you easily control the mop's moisture to safely clean any floor type.
The Swiffer Power Mop is an upgraded, heavy-duty version of the classic Wet Jet. While the Wet Jet is ideal for quick, everyday spills and light maintenance, the Power Mop features a larger, 360-degree swiveling head and thicker, absorbent pads with over 300 scrubbing strips to tackle deep-seated dirt.
The most effective and eco-friendly non-toxic Swiffer alternative is a reusable, washable microfiber or cotton pad paired with a simple DIY floor cleaner of distilled water, a splash of white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap or natural castile soap.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for hardwood or engineered wood floors, such as Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. Pair it with a damp (not soaking wet) microfiber flat mop. Never use harsh chemicals, steam mops, or excessive water, as moisture can cause engineered floors to warp or swell.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on hardwood floors, but only in extreme moderation. Dawn is highly concentrated, so using too much can strip the protective finish or leave a dull, slippery residue.
Yes, you can use Bona on engineered hardwood floors. In fact, the manufacturer specifically recommends the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner for engineered wood. Because these formulas are water-based and pH-neutral, they gently clean without leaving a dulling residue or damaging the wood's finish.