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How to Care for Laminate Floors?

Most people find it challenging to care for laminate floors since they differ from hardwood floors. The two materials differ in various ways. Some people think that laminate is an inferior product, but that is not the case.

Laminate flooring is made using layers of composite wood. They press the wood together and seal it using a laminate sealer. The laminate wood ends up resembling solid wood. It is durable, moisture resistant, and less susceptible to scratches. In this article, you will get to know how to care for laminate floors to help you keep them looking new for an extended period.

 

How to Care for Laminate floors? 9 Tips to Keep in Mind

how to care for laminate floors

Before cleaning your new laminate flooring, it is essential to read the manufacturer’s care instructions. If something is not clear, contact the supplier and ask questions.

If you moved into a property with laminate flooring, take care of it by sweeping, dusting, or vacuuming loose dirt. Vacuum or sweep the flooring in a direction that it cannot catch debris between the interlocking pieces.

You can follow the tips below to enjoy your laminate flooring for an extended period.

1. Wet spills can quickly destroy your laminate flooring if left for a long time. Therefore, it is essential to wipe the wet spills immediately.

2. Always have a mat placed under your child’s high chair and your dog’s water bowl to absorb the spills.

3. Avoid products that promote shine. Wax may build up with time, which is difficult to clean.

4. When cleaning your laminate flooring, do not use pine-scented cleaners since they leave a dull soapy residue.

5. Using vinegar when cleaning laminate flooring is adversely debated due to its acidity levels. However, most people add a slight amount of vinegar in hot water to help remove grime. If used in extensive amounts, the acid can remove the protective seal.

6. Avoid wet mopping since water can sip into confined spaces between your flooring.

7. Shoes such as stilettos heels can leave marks on your flooring. Put them on at the doorstep when leaving your property.

8. If you have pets around, trim their nails. The nails can scratch off the protective layer when barking or running around.

9. In addition, place furniture pads under chairs and table’s legs.

 

 

How to Remove Stains From your Laminate Flooring?

It is difficult to stain laminate floors. However, if a spill stains the surface, do not panic. Use an approved stain remover recommended by the laminate flooring manufacturer.

Natural products such as liquid soap, vinegar, and baking soda can also help fight the stains. It is essential to avoid scrubbers and abrasive sponges when cleaning since they have the potential to create permanent scratches.

The following are home remedies you can try to remove tough stains:

1. Grease and tar: Use mineral spirits to remove the grease.

2. Blood: Use a damp cloth and a window cleaner to remove the blood. Dry the affected area using a dry towel.

3. Chewing gum: Freeze the chewing gum using a bag of ice, then remove it using a plastic knife. A metal knife can scrape off the protective layer.

4. Crayon and ink: Use rubbing alcohol to clean the area.

5. Shoe scuff marks: Use a pencil eraser to remove the marks.

6. Red wine: use a damp cloth to wipe off the wine and dry the area using a dry cloth.

7. Shoe polish: Use rubbing alcohol to remove the stain.

8. Candle wax: Give the molten wax time to harden before trying to remove it. Scrap it off using a plastic knife

Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Laminate Floors

prevent damage laminate floors

As mentioned before, water can cause your laminate flooring to warp if left to sit on the surface for long. It can cause breaks and cracks that can be difficult to repair. Experts advise property owners to use natural cleaners to clean their laminate floors since they minimize the risk of using aggressive chemicals.

Below is the Do and Don’t for cleaning the laminate floor that you can follow.

Do

  • Use natural cleaners or mild soap detergent on your laminate floors
  • Always use a damp mop when cleaning
  • Dry spills immediately
  • Use furniture pads and placemats under pet dishes to avoid scratch marks
  • Do trim your pet’s nail

Don’t

  • Avoid cleaning products that promote shine since they cause waxy buildup
  • Avoid Murphy’s oil since it leaves streaks on the surface
  • Do not let water sit on the laminate floor for too long
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools since they can scratch the laminate
  • Avoid pine-scented cleaners since they leave behind a soapy residue

 

Tips on Preventing Damage to the Laminate Floor

clean laminate floors

Laminate flooring is prone to scratches, scuffs marks, and dents, especially in heavy traffic areas. Therefore, it is essential to protect your laminate flooring to maintain its condition for an extended period.

In case you are wondering how to protect your laminate flooring, the tips below can come in handy.

1. Place protector pads below light furniture to prevent the sharp edges from scratching the laminate floor.

2. Lift furniture when moving it around. Dragging furniture can scratch or leave scuff marks on the laminate flooring. If the furniture is heavy for you to lift, place plastic discs that have padding on the side under the furniture.

3. Place a “welcome” mat at your doorstep for guests or family to wipe their feet when entering your home. This will minimize pebbles, dirt, and other debris that may scratch the laminate flooring from finding their way into your property.

4. Ensure that the humidity levels in your property are low. That can prevent your laminate flooring from being warped due to contraction and expansion.

 

Conclusion

Laminate floors are an excellent alternative to hardwood floors. They can give your home an updated and modern feel. The laminate floors can last longer only if take care of in the right way.

The above cleaning and protection tips can help maintain your laminate floors’ beauty for an extended period. Make sure water does not sit on the flooring for long periods, and always mop the surface using a damp cloth.

Use natural cleaning products to avoid massive chemical reactions on your surface. Also, place protector pads below your furniture, and if you have to move the furniture around, minimize dragging.

 

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