If you love the look of hardwood but need something more practical for your lifestyle, engineered wood flooring is a smart investment. It brings warmth, natural beauty, and structure to your home—all with greater stability and less maintenance than traditional hardwood. But like any flooring, it still deserves a little seasonal care.
Here in Cypress, TX, summer means more time indoors with pets, kids, and guests—all of which can take a toll on your floors. If you want to keep your engineered wood looking its best through the busiest months of the year, follow these easy and effective tips from the flooring experts at Ready Floors.
Use Entry Mats (And Actually Wipe Your Feet)
Outdoor dirt and grit act like sandpaper underfoot, especially in high-traffic areas. Keep abrasive debris from scratching your floors by placing durable mats at every exterior entry point—and encourage your household to use them. Choose mats with low rubber content and avoid ones that trap moisture underneath.
Sweep or Dust Mop Regularly
It sounds simple, but this one makes a big difference. Use a microfiber dust mop or vacuum with a hardwood-safe attachment a few times a week to remove fine dirt and dust. These particles can dull the finish or cause micro-scratches over time, especially when combined with summer footwear like flip-flops or sandals.
Spot Clean with the Right Products
Skip the steam mop and avoid harsh cleaners. Engineered wood floors should be cleaned with a pH-neutral hardwood cleaner recommended by your flooring manufacturer. Apply it sparingly to a cloth or mop—your floor should never be soaked. Too much liquid can weaken the core of your engineered wood.
Use Felt Pads on Furniture Legs
Entertaining more during the summer? All those pulled-out chairs and rearranged furniture can leave scratches behind. Add felt pads to table legs, stools, and even heavier decorative pieces. This quick fix protects your floors and keeps them looking smooth and even.
Rotate Rugs and Rearrange Occasionally
Sunlight, even indoors, can gradually fade certain areas of your flooring. Give your floors a more even appearance by rotating rugs, rearranging furniture, or using light-filtering curtains or blinds in rooms that get a lot of sun exposure. This keeps color and finish more consistent throughout the home.
Trim Pet Nails and Keep Water Bowls Contained
Pets can be rough on flooring, especially when they’re in and out all day. Trim your pet’s nails regularly to prevent scuffing, and use a waterproof mat under food and water bowls to prevent spills from seeping into seams.
Keep an Eye on Wear in Busy Zones
Hallways, kitchens, and open living areas take more abuse than other parts of the home. Place low-profile area rugs or runners in these spaces to reduce surface stress. Make sure rugs have non-slip backing that’s safe for hardwood or engineered flooring.
Protect Your Investment This Summer
Engineered wood flooring offers beauty with less upkeep—but it’s still important to treat it with care. By following these practical summer tips, you can keep your floors in great shape and extend their lifespan for years to come.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your flooring, contact Ready Floors today. We’ll help you choose and install engineered wood flooring that fits your space, your style, and your life.
