Maintaining engineered wood flooring involves a mix of regular care and occasional deeper cleaning. Here's a comprehensive guide:

Daily/Regular Care:

• Sweeping/Vacuuming: Use a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris regularly. Avoid vacuums with beater bars as they might scratch the floor.
• Mopping: Damp-mop the floor with a well-wrung mop or a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with a recommended wood floor cleaner. Avoid excess water on the floor. We do not recommend steam cleaners/mops.
• Avoid Excess Moisture: Engineered wood is more resistant to moisture than solid wood, but it's still susceptible. Clean spills immediately and avoid leaving wet items on the floor.
• Protect from Scratches: Use felt pads or coasters under furniture legs to prevent scratching when moving or shifting items. Trim pets' nails regularly.

Periodic Maintenance:

• Deep Cleaning: Periodically, use a dedicated wood floor cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid oil-based, wax, or ammonia-based cleaners as they can damage the floor.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When using cleaning products, make sure they're specifically designed for engineered wood floors. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
• Refinishing: Some engineered wood floors come with a thick wear layer that can be refinished. Consult the manufacturer's guidelines to know if your flooring can be refinished and how to do it.
• Protect from Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade the color of the floor. Use blinds or curtains to minimize prolonged exposure.

Tips:

Area Rugs and Mats:

• Use area rugs and mats at entryways to reduce tracked-in dirt and moisture.

Temperature and Humidity Control:

• Maintain a consistent indoor climate. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause wood to expand or contract, leading to damage.

Regular Inspection:

• Periodically inspect the flooring for any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or loose boards. Address any issues promptly.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines:

• Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and warranty guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.

Remember, while engineered wood flooring is more resilient than solid hardwood, proper care and maintenance will extend its lifespan and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.

Care and Maintenance Guidance – WOCA Kits

For the specific maintenance of oiled or lacquered finished floors, instructions for using the appropriate WOCA maintenance kits.

Oiled Kit – for use with natural or UV oiled floors

When applying the oil please ensure that product, room and floor temperature should be between 15–35°C. Ensure good ventilation at all times during the application and drying time. Clean the floor with WOCA Intensive Wood Cleaner. Leave the floor to dry for at least 8 hours. The floor must be completely dry.

Always remember to test on a less visible spot to check the compatibility of the surface with the product.

1. Clean the floor with 125 ml Intensive Wood Cleaner mixed into 2.5 L water. Leave the floor to dry for at least 7-8 hours. The floor must be completely dry.
2. Shake the container well before use.
3. Apply approx. 1 dl of Maintenance Oil per 4 m² floor using a pad, short-bristled paint roller (3-4 mm) or a polishing machine with a white or beige pad on slightly larger areas.
4. It is important that Maintenance Oil is carefully polished into the wood. Continue polishing until the wood appears saturated and the surface looks uniform.
5. Wipe down the floor with clean, dry cotton cloths before proceeding with the next section of floor to be finished. The floor should not appear wet and there should not be any excess oil left on the surface after polishing.
6. Continue stepwise till the floor has been finished.
7. When polished with polishing machine the floor will be pre-hardened after 4 hours and may cautiously be taken into use. Manually polished floors may be taken into use after 24-48 hours. Do not expose the floor to water during hardening time of the polish.
8. Do not clean the floor or expose it to water during the first 3 days, while the oil is curing. Natural Soap is used for regular cleaning after the floor has been maintained with Maintenance Oil. Please follow the work instructions on the different products.

Download specification sheet https://akirby.co.uk/storage/1589/php5apamQ

Lacquered Kit – for use of lacquered floors

Master Cleaner removes dirt and grime effectively and can be used for regular cleaning. Mix 125 ml Master Cleaner into 5 L warm water, wash the surface and let it dry. When using the Intensive Wood Cleaner and Master Care please follow the work steps.

Always remember to test on a less visible spot to check the compatibility of the surface with the product.

1. Mix 125 ml of Intensive Wood Cleaner with 5 L warm water.
2. Wipe the wood surface with a well-wrung mop. If the surface is very dirty, repeat.
3. Let the surface dry for 2 hours before subsequent treatment.
4. Shake the container well before use.
5. Apply the concentrated care product in a thin and even coat, using a WOCA Wool Pad and WOCA Pad Holder. If the cloth/mop becomes dirty, rinse in clean water and wring thoroughly. Then continue the application. Do not apply additional Master Care once a surface has begun to dry.
6. Leave the floor to dry for 1-2 hours at 20°C. Drying time will vary by temperature, humidity and application quantity. Lower temperatures and/or higher humidity can extend drying time.

Download specification sheet here

Aftersales & Support

For any further support, please contact Customer Services: 01695 573234 | customer.service@akirby.co.uk