Maintaining Laminate Floors

For many years, laminate flooring was chosen when a cost-effective solution was the need of the hour. Not anymore. Today, you can see laminate flooring being used in some of the most high-end projects across the country and it’s slowly becoming a style statement of sorts. This is, in part, thanks to the hyper-realistic look of modern-day laminate that can mimic natural materials to perfection. 

Besides the affordability, laminate floors do away with the disadvantages of natural materials by packing in moisture resistance, extreme durability, slip resistance and ease of installation.  

When it comes to maintenance too, you will be surprised to know that it takes the bare minimum effort to keep your laminate floors looking great for years.

Laminate flooring is quite durable and provides a surface that does not damage easily, making it ideal for even high traffic areas. As long as regular cleaning and basic maintenance are kept up, laminate flooring will retain it’s beauty and last a long, long time. 

Regular cleaning is a must to keep your laminate floors looking good and performing well. It’s essential though to know how to best clean your laminate floor and we would always recommend reading the care manual from your manufacturer beforehand. Different brands of laminate might have very different and very specific instructions as to cleaning and maintenance.

Below are some of the general care instructions for every type of laminate floor:

Make sure to sweep or vacuum your laminate floor regularly to get rid of grit and debris that can scratch your floor. It is important to keep your floor clear of dirt, so it looks as good as the day it was installed.  

Make sure to sweep off all soil and grime before wet mopping or you’ll just be spreading the dirt all around and possibly scratching the floor’s surface with leftover grit.

Usually, laminate floors require mopping just once a month. You don’t need to over-mop as this can also damage your floor. But whenever you mop, it is important to wring out excess water from the mop. As laminate flooring is susceptible to damage from water, ensure you use a damp mop and not one that is soaking wet. Remember to mop very gently. It’s best to use a microfibre mop, so the floor doesn’t get too wet. 

In most cases, laminate floors can be cleaned with just warm water. Do not use detergent, soap  or oil-based cleaners on laminate floors because they leave a sticky residue and don’t rinse off well.

In case you need to use a cleaning solution, remember that not all cleaners are born equal. Ordinary cleaners can affect the sealant and be abrasive to the wear layer of your laminate floor. That’s why it’s essential to find a cleaning solution meant for laminate floors – which is easily available at your manufacturer, local hardware shops or online. 

Although this seems like a no-brainer, this aspect is surprisingly often overlooked. Any liquid that sits on your laminate floor for too long is likely to stain and cause permanent damage to your floor. Wipe off any spill with a soft cloth immediately. If need be, use a wet cloth with the water wrung out. Just good, old water is good enough. It’s best to avoid abrasive and harsh cleaning materials.  

This simple step is the secret to getting a squeaky clean and gleaming laminate floor. Always dry the floor to get rid of any leftover water spots as well as remove leftover soil that’s remaining on the floor right after mopping. You will be surprised how much dirt might actually still be remaining on your floor even after careful sweeping and mopping. 

Dry the floor with a pure cotton bath towel, terry cloth or any other soft cloth.

There are innumerable household hacks out there, on every possible social media platform. But how do you know which ones to trust? We would recommend looking for those that are from credible and professional sources, like ones from certified flooring experts or manufacturers. 

One such hack is rubbing alcohol, which works great to remove oil-based stains such as crayons and nail polish. Instead of scrapping candle wax off your floor, harden it with a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a tea towel and then gently lift if off the floor.  

Even when it comes to cleaning, you can use household items like 1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. This leaves the floors shiny, streak and residue-free with no second rinse required. If you are concerned about the vinegar smell, don’t worry – it will vanish once it dries and plus, it helps deodorise the room. 

When it comes to flooring, prevention is better than cure. Regular maintenance will ensure the longevity of your laminate floors and prevent damage in the long run. 

The sharp edges of furniture legs can cause indents and scratches to your laminate flooring, especially when you drag or move furniture around. Placing felt pads underneath the legs is a great and inexpensive way to help prevent this.

Pets are one of the most common reasons for damage to laminate floors. They are prone to scratching on floors and it would be best to make sure their nails are kept short.  

To prevent unwanted debris and dirt from entering the house and potentially scratching your laminate floors, it’s better to place mats or rugs at entry and exit points. By making sure your family and guests keep their footwear clean, you are less likely to damage your floors with dirt or grit from outside.  

Floors for life
If you are in the market for a great flooring solution that is also low-maintenance, laminate is hard to beat. At Flooring Factory Outlet, you will find the widest range of laminate flooring from the best brands at bargain prices. To know more, call us on 020 3004 6630 or email at [email protected]