Cleaning laminate floors is easy is you know what you're doing. We've compiled some helpful tips to help you clean and maintain that beautiful laminate flooring.
Although it is true that laminate floors are truly low-maintenance floors, it is also true that laminate floors are not maintenance-free floors. If your laminate floors were installed on your wedding day, you can make that floor last until your kids leave home for their own independent lives. However, not maintaining and not cleaning your laminate floors when you are supposed to, will make them look dull and old well ahead of their time. We will take you step by step on how to achieve a clean laminate floor.
The following is a list of the most common irritants and how they can hurt your laminate floors.
- Large pieces of sand and rock: If these items are not cleaned up immediately, they can produce noticeable scratches on your laminate floor.
- Minute pieces of sand and rock: Though a lot of people who own laminate floors tend to ignore these and clean them later, diminutive pieces of sand and rock are almost as dangerous as their larger versions. Small pieces of sand and rock that move around the house will not cause evident scratches, but they can cause microscopic scratches. After a period of time, these microscopic scratches will pile up and cause dulling.
- Moisture: Although laminate floors are known to resist moisture, they are not invincible to moisture. Any moisture should be removed from your laminate floor as soon as possible.
- Stains: No flooring is ever stain-proof and that includes laminate floors. Tougher stains include shoe polish, ink, paint, and crayon.
- Chewing Gum and Candle Wax: Both of these irritants can stick to your laminate floors so try to avoid either one.
Cleaning laminate floors is not difficult, and with vigilance, you can have a beautiful laminate floor that others will simply envy! To achieve a clean laminate floor and to remedy any of the offenders listed above, execute the following:
- Sand and Rock: Regular vacuuming and damp mopping will remove these even if you cannot see them. When vacuuming, make sure that your vacuum cleaner is on the hard-floor setting so as to not accidentally scratch the floor. When you are mopping, simply use a damp mop, not wet, since standing water can hurt your laminate floor. The presence of sand and rock can also be avoided by keeping floor mats by all exterior doors.
- Moisture: Absorbent, cotton towels are usually enough to handle moisture. However, if the spill is not pure water (such as juice), you can use two towels, one wet and one dry. Use the wet towel to wipe the floor and use the dry towel to dry the floor immediately. When removing moisture from the floor, remember to wipe it dry until no visible beads are present.
- Stains: Tough stains can be removed by using acetone. You may also remove the stains using any manufacturer-approved cleaning product.
- Chewing Gum and Candle Wax: Before anything else, you have to freeze the chewing gum or candle wax by placing a bag of ice on it. After it congeals, gently scrape it off using a non-metal scraper.
For regular cleaning of your laminate floors, use a damp mop with a solution of two parts vinegar to three parts water. Do not use cleaners containing soap or wax. Remember to use a damp mop only, and if any standing water is created, wipe it up immediately.