Laminate flooring is a great option for a modern home. It looks great, it’s easy to maintain, and it can even be used as an impressive statement piece in your living room.
However, laminate flooring is also a bit finicky and requires proper floor care cleaning, and maintenance, if you want its full potential. But there are some things which you can do to ensure your new laminate flooring lasts for years.
Here in this write-up, we’ll discuss eleven essential tips for cleaning and maintaining laminate flooring.
Tips For Cleaning And Maintaining Your New Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s quite easy to maintain with regular cleaning and dusting. Here are some tips on how to clean your laminate flooring, so you can put that grandiose room in your home to good use.
1. Regularly Clean and Inspect Your Laminate Floors
You should clean your laminate flooring regularly. This will help keep it looking its best and avoid any unwanted stains or dirt build-up that can lead to scratches over time. It will also help you avoid needing to perform deep-cleaning tasks that could result in damage or dulling of the floor. It also helps you spot stains and spills before they become serious.
2. Follow the Manufacturer’s Cleaning Instructions
The manufacturer’s cleaning instructions are usually easy to follow. You will find them on the back of your laminate flooring box and they’ll tell you what products to use, how often to clean, and whether or not the product must be used regularly.
If you have questions about any particular product, ask your installer! They will be able to tell you if it’s safe for your laminate flooring and if any special instructions need to be followed.
3. Avoid Using Any Abrasive Products
Scratching, scrubbing, or scraping the surface of your laminate floors can result in scratches and damage. Harsh cleaners may also strip away a protective coating that preserves their originality.
The best way to clean your laminate flooring is with a gentle, nonabrasive product. A paste made of baking soda and water works well to remove dirt and dust without scratching the finish. Other options include sweepers and mops that have a soft-bristled head, which gently lifts dirt without scratching the surface.
4. Use A Vacuum Or A Dry Microfiber Mop To Remove Dust
Dust can make laminate flooring look dull and dingy. The best way to handle this problem is by regularly sweeping the floors with a dry microfiber mop.
A vacuum is also useful for removing pet hair from laminate floors—just be sure that any attachments don’t scratch the floor’s surface.
5. Don’t Use A Wet Mop
A wet mop may seem like it would work better than using dry microfiber mops, but it’s not better at all. Water doesn’t have much suction power, so it won’t pick up as much dust or dirt as a dry microfiber mop will.
If there’s too much water on the surface of your floor and not enough suction power, then you’ll be left with wet areas that need to be mopped up again later on in the cleaning process.
6. Avoid Water Droplets
Any source of excessive water, including a wet mop, can cause water damage. Be aware of potential puddles, such as spills in your kitchen or sprinkler pools left by kids. If you leave them for long periods, they may cause permanent damage.
7. Discover the Best Way to Eliminate Stains
If your stain demands a more powerful cleaning agent than laminate floor cleaner polish can provide, you have other options for spot removal.
Crayon and ink may be removed by rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. Dried-up food and gum can usually be scraped off with a dull tool, such as a plastic knife. But, be careful not to bump anything metal or sharp, as this may scratch the surface.
8. Cleaning Products for Laminate Floors
Make sure you’re using products approved by the manufacturer of your laminate flooring. If you are not sure what products to buy, ask a salesperson at your local store or call the company’s customer service number and ask which products they recommend for cleaning.
Side Note: Give your floor a little extra shine with our new floor polish for laminate flooring. Our floor polish makes a grunge-free transformation from dull to dazzling. Contact us today for an immaculate look at your home!
9. Use a Welcome Mat
The primary function of a doormat is to trap dirt and moisture from shoes so that these contaminants don’t get into your house. Besides looking great, doormats add character to your entrance but it’s the ability of a particular model to keep laminate flooring clean that matters.
10. Block Sun’s Harmful UV Rays
UV rays are known to accelerate the fading of laminate flooring. This is because UV light causes the plasticizer in the laminate to break down and lose its ability to hold up under stress. As a result, the flooring will begin to look faded after just a few years of use. To prevent this, you should cover your windows with protective window coverings to block heat and harsh rays during the summer months.
11. Keep An Eye Out For Anything That Could Cause Harm
The costs of repairing laminate floors can be avoided by taking the proper precautions. Here are a few reminders to keep in mind:
- Put protective pads on the legs of your furniture.
- Lift heavy items (such as furniture and trash cans) rather than dragging them.
- Maintain your pet’s claws.
- Use protective mats anywhere there is a risk of splashes or spills (e.g., your front door, your dog’s water bowl, etc.).
Final Verdict
We hope these tips help you keep your new laminate flooring looking great!
Remember, if you have any questions about the cleaning process or need to hire someone to help you, contact All Pro Shining for all your laminate and hardwood cleaning services!
