Engineered hardwood floors are a beautiful and durable flooring option for many homeowners. However, they can become dull and lifeless over time due to built-up dirt and grime. In addition, engineered hardwood floors are susceptible to the haze – a white film that can form on the surface of the floors. Haze is caused by cleaning products, mineral deposits, and even exposure to sunlight. While haze is not harmful to your floors, it can be difficult to remove. In this blog post, you will learn in detail how to remove haze from engineered hardwood floors.
Step-by-Step Processes for How to Remove Haze From Engineered Hardwood Floors
Step 1: Test the Floor for Haze
Before you attempt to remove the haze, it’s important to test the floor for compatibility with your chosen products and method. The best way to do this is by starting in an inconspicuous spot, such as a closet or under a piece of furniture.
Step 2: Choose the Right Product
Various products on the market are designed to remove haze from hardwood floors. When choosing a product, it’s important to consider the type of flooring you have and the severity of the haze. For example, if your engineered hardwood floors are only lightly hazed, you may be able to get away with using a simple cleaning solution and mop. However, if the haze is more severe, you may need to use a stronger product, such as a floor stripper.
Step 3: Prepare the Floor
Once you’ve selected a product, the next step is to prepare the floor for treatment. This typically involves moving all furniture and rugs out of the room and sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove any debris. After you’ve moved all the furniture out of the room, the next step is to vacuum the floor. This will help remove any debris that could potentially scratch or damage the floor during the cleaning process.
Step 4: Dilute a White Vinegar and Water Solution
One of the simplest and most effective ways to remove haze from engineered hardwood floors is by using a white vinegar and water solution. To make this solution, mix one-part white vinegar with two parts water. Once the solution is mixed, dampen a clean mop in it and wring out any excess liquid.
Step 5: Mop the Floor
Once you’ve diluted the vinegar and water solution, it’s time to mop the floor. Start in one corner of the room and work your way across, making sure to overlap each stroke. Avoid saturating the floor with the solution, as this could damage the wood.
You Can Check It Out to Remove Dark Spots on Hardwood Floors
Step 6: Rinse the Floor
After you’ve mopped the entire floor with the vinegar and water solution, it’s time to rinse it off. To do this, simply dampen a clean mop in clean water and go over the floor again. Once you’re finished, allow the floor to air dry or wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth.
Step 7: Make a Baking Soda and Water Paste
If the vinegar and water solution doesn’t remove all of the haze from your engineered hardwood floors, you can try making baking soda and water paste. Mix together equal parts of baking soda and water to make this paste until it forms a thick consistency.
Step 8: Rub the Paste onto the Floor
Once you’ve made the baking soda and water paste, apply it to the floor using a clean cloth. Rub the paste into the floor in a circular motion, working in small sections until the entire floor is covered.
Step 9: Leave the Paste on for 30 Minutes
After you’ve applied the paste to the floor, leave it on for at least 30 minutes to give it time to work. After 30 minutes, it’s time to rinse the paste off the floor. To do this, simply dampen a clean cloth in clean water and go over the floor again. Once you’re finished, allow the floor to air dry or wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth.
Step 10: Apply a Floor Polish
Once the floor is completely dry, you can apply a floor polish to help protect it from future damage. For best results, look for polished, specifically designed, engineered hardwood floors. Apply the polish according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to dry completely before walking on the floor or replacing any furniture.
Tips for How to Remove Haze From Engineered Hardwood Floors
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaning products on your floors, and vacuum or sweep your floors regularly to remove dirt and debris.
- When cleaning your floors, use a damp mop or cloth instead of a wet one to avoid damaging the finish, and avoid using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads that could scratch the surface of your floors.
- If you spill something on your floor, wipe it up immediately to prevent staining, periodically check for wear and tear, and refinish or repair your floors as necessary.
- Do not place heavy furniture on your floors, as this can damage the finish, and protect your floors from direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Keep pets’ nails trimmed to avoid scratches, and place mats or rugs at entryways to help trap dirt and debris before it has a chance to get on your floors.
- Take off your shoes before walking on your floors to avoid tracking in dirt and debris, and place felt pads under the furniture’s legs to prevent scratches.
- Avoid using cleaners that contain wax, as this can dull the finish of your floors; when moving furniture, lift it instead of dragging it across the floor to prevent scratches.
- Use caution when using power washers or steam cleaners on your floors, as they can damage the finish.
How Do You Prevent Haze From Forming on Your Engineered Hardwood Floors?
- Vacuum or sweep your floors regularly to remove dirt and debris and when cleaning your floors, use a damp mop or cloth instead of a wet one to avoid damaging the finish.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads that could scratch the surface of your floors and if you spill something on your floor, wipe it up immediately to prevent staining.
- Periodically check for wear and tear, and refinish or repair your floors as necessary do not place heavy furniture on your floors, as this can damage the finish.
- Protect your floors from direct sunlight to avoid fading, and trim pets’ nails to avoid scratches.
- Place mats or rugs at entryways to help trap dirt and debris before it has a chance to get on your floors, and take off your shoes before walking on your floors to avoid tracking in dirt and debris.
- Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches, and avoid using cleaners that contain wax, as this can dull the finish of your floors.
- When moving furniture, lift it instead of dragging it across the floor to prevent scratches, and use caution when using power washers or steam cleaners on your floors, as they can damage the finish.
Is It Necessary to Call Any Professional to Remove Haze From Engineered Hardwood Floors?
If you have installed engineered hardwood floors in your home, you may have noticed that after a period of time, a haze can form on the surface of the wood. This is caused by a buildup of dirt, dust, and other particles that become trapped in the floor’s finish. While this is not harmful to the floor, it can make it look dull and lackluster.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to remove the haze and restore the beauty of your hardwood floors. One option is to rent a power washer and use it to clean the floors. This will remove the dirt and debris that have become trapped in the finish. However, it is important to use the power washer on a low setting so that you do not damage the floor.
Another option is to hire a professional floor cleaning company to clean the floors for you. This is often the best option if you are unsure how to use a power washer or do not want to risk damaging the floors. The professionals will have the necessary equipment and experience to clean the floors safely and effectively.
In most cases, it is not necessary to call a professional to remove the haze from engineered hardwood floors. However, if you are unsure how to clean the floors yourself or if you want to ensure that the job is done correctly, it is always best to hire a professional.
How Much Will It Cost if You Hire a Professional?
If you have engineered hardwood floors and notice a haze, taking care of it as soon as possible is important. While it may not be harmful to your floors, it can be unsightly and make your floors look dull.
You can remove haze from your engineered hardwood floors in a few different ways. You can try doing it yourself with a few household products or hire a professional to do it for you.
If you decide to hire a professional, the cost will depend on your floors’ size and the haze’s severity. Generally, the cost will be between $100 and $200.
Conclusion
If you have engineered hardwood floors and are dealing with haze, there are a few things you can do to remove them. Start by cleaning the floor with a damp mop or cloth and then dry it thoroughly. You may also need to buff or sand the floor if the haze is stubborn. If all else fails, contact a professional for help. I hope this article has been beneficial in learning how to remove haze from engineered hardwood floors.
