Best Strategies for Laminate Flooring Care and Cleaning

With the help of laminate flooring, it is possible for you to get the good looks of hardwood flooring, without a hefty price tag. On top of that, you don’t need to worry about expensive maintenance as well. However, it will not be possible for you to refinish it like real wood. Therefore, you will need to take good care of it at all times. Follow these tips to learn how to take care of your laminate flooring and keep it in perfect condition.

Consistently clean your laminate floors

Being consistent with your cleaning schedule is a good rule of thumb. Making it a routine to regularly clean and inspect your laminate flooring will help you avoid having to do thorough cleans, which can dull or damage them. Additionally, it will assist you in identifying spills and stains before they worsen.

Take Care of your laminate flooring according to the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

You could have gotten cleaning guidelines from the manufacturer when you paid extra to install new laminate floors. Your greatest resource for choosing the appropriate things to use, if you still have them on hand, is this list.

Avoid using any abrasive materials

You don’t want anything scrapey, scrubby, or scratchy on your laminate flooring. Your laminate flooring will get scratches from steel wool and scouring pads, and the protective layer can be removed by using strong cleaning agents. Avoiding even a stiff-bristled broom is advised.

Use a vacuum or dry microfiber mop to remove dust

Dust can cause the once-bright laminate flooring to seem dingy and drab, particularly if it is kept there for an extended period of time. Using a dry microfiber mop, you can quickly clean it every few days or at least once a week. Another helpful item is a hoover, particularly when hair is present. Just be sure there’s nothing below that can cause your laminate flooring’ surface to become scratched.

Use a damp mop—not wet one! or a microfiber cloth

Unlike real tile, your laminate flooring is not waterproof. The advantages and disadvantages of various flooring solutions vary, and one “con” of laminate flooring is its susceptibility to water damage. As with anything nonporous, you can’t use a dripping mop to clean it since water can seep into the gaps and cause ugly bubbling or swelling.

Aysa Biddle, manager of The Dustbusters, a family-run janitorial business in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and member of the Angi Expert Review Board, advises using a moist microfiber mop and neutral cleanser for laminate floor cleaning. “Whether you have tile or rolled laminate, if some cleaning solution or water gets below the surface, it can cause the floor to retain moisture and then buckle or bubble.”

Get rid of waster puddles

Any other source of excessive water can cause water damage, just as a wet, drippy mop does. Watch out for spills in the kitchen or kid-made pools when they come in from the sprinkler when there are puddles. These can do long-term harm if left unattended.

 

Understand how to spot-clean stains

You have other alternatives for spot-cleaning if the stain requires a stronger solution than laminate-approved cleansers. Markers such as crayon or ink can be removed with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. A dull implement, such a plastic knife, can be used to remove dried-up food or gum stains. Anything sharp or metal should be avoided since it can cause injury.

In order to prevent scratching the laminate finish, Biddle advised against using cleaning pads. “You should also refrain from using cleaning sponges since they have the potential to remove a coating layer as well.”

Use cleaning products designed for laminate floors

Make sure to read the labels of your cleaning goods as they will specify the kinds of flooring they are intended for. Using a dish soap squirt and plain water, you can also make your own DIY cleaner.

What you don’t use is just as significant as what you do use. What not to do is as follows:

• Bleach, which can remove the finish from your laminate flooring and create discoloration.
• Vinegar, since the acidity can erode the finish of the laminate.
• Products for protecting and cleaning wood since they could leave a residue.
• Steam cleaners, which have the potential to leak water.

If your laminate-friendly cleaners aren’t producing the results you desire, a professional laminate floor cleaner near you can assist get that glossy, dazzling clean you’re searching for.

Leave the shoes near the door

There’s more to wearing shoes when you get home than simply dirt (or worse). Laminate flooring can be scratched up by tiny stones that get lodged in shoe grooves. Oh, and Public Enemy number one should be those soccer cleats and high heels.

It could take some time but attempt to get your family in the habit of removing shoes at the entrance. You can even give a comfortable pair of slippers to sweeten the sale.

Keep an eye on anything that could cause damage

By taking the right steps, it is possible to prevent having to pay for laminate floor repairs. Recall staying away from anything that generates pools of water, is rough or scratchy, or both.

• Here are some pointers to remember:
• Put protective padding on the legs of your furniture.
• Lift heavy objects (such as furniture, garbage cans, etc.) instead of dragging them.
• Trim the nails of your pets
• Place safety mats in areas where spills or splashes can occur, such as your front entrance and the water bowl of your dog.

If something does happen, don’t panic. To bring your laminate floor back to its former splendor, contact a local expert in laminate floor restoration. Alternatively, a laminate floor contractor in your area can install a brand-new, shining floor if the damage is severe.