Maintenance Tips For Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors require a special kind of maintenance for cleaning. check out these maintenance tips for laminate flooring and and keep them looking new.

Laminate flooring is a great choice for many homes. And with good reason: it’s easy to install, cost-effective, attractive, and doesn’t require a ton of maintenance. On this last point, let’s be clear: while laminate certainly doesn’t demand the attention of, say, hardwood floor , like anything, the more TLC you give it, the more years it’ll give you. But in the end, it’s a floor. Kinda hard to avoid not using it. By its very nature, whatever a floor is made of, we abuse it. With that in mind.

Here Are Some General Guidelines You Can Follow To Facilitate The Durability Of Your Laminate   Flooring.

• Use only soap-free cleaners that are designated for laminate flooring. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle and be careful not to saturate the floor with the cleaner, as it could cause damage. Try the cleaner in a small inconspicuous area first.
• Remove loose dirt with a dust mop or a gentle vacuum without a beater bar.
• The best type of mop to use is one made of microfiber. It can glide across the floor picking up dirt and pet hair effortlessly. The swivel heads make it super fast to cover large areas,  get under tables and chairs easily, and requires less water than a conventional mop.
• When sweeping sweep in the direction that the laminate floor tiles were laid. Doing so allows you to pick up any debris that falls in between the grooves of the laminate flooring pieces.
• Wipe up spills right away with a warm, moist cloth. Dust or vacuum more often in problem spots and areas with a lot of foot traffic.
• Do not clean using excessive water, as it could cause your flooring to buckle or separate.
• Certain cleaners can scratch the surface of your laminate flooring, such as steel wool or scouring powders. Stay away!
• Never wax, polish or use buffing machines. These cause waxy buildup that is very difficult to remove.
• Diluted vinegar is especially useful when your laminate floor has caked on mud or other stains that have caused it to become faded or dull.
• Laminate flooring could sustain steam damage due to the high temperatures from steam mops. Check the manufacturer guidelines for your flooring before using a steam mop.
• More stubborn dirt can be removed using a slightly moist mop and cleaner.
• For substances that may stick to your floor, try to harden the spot with ice and gently remove with a dull plastic scraper. Be sure not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the floor’s finish.
• Always follow manufacturer recommendation.
• Place mats under your furry friend’s water bowl and consider a mat under your baby’s high chair. Entry mats will help collect the dirt, sand, grit and other substances such as oil, asphalt or driveway sealer that might otherwise be tracked onto your floor.
• To prevent slippage of area rugs, use an approved vinyl rug underlayment.
• Use floor protectors and wide-load bearing leg bases/rollers to minimize the chance of indentations and scratches from heavy objects. As a rule, the heavier the object, the wider the floor protector.
• Maintain a normal indoor relative humidity level between 35% and 65% throughout the year to minimize the natural expansion and contraction of the wood.
• Heating season (dry): A humidifier is recommended to prevent excess shrinkage due to low humidity levels. Wood stove and electric heat tend to create very dry conditions.
• Non-heating Season (wet): An air conditioner, dehumidifier, or periodically turning on your heating will help to maintain humidity during summer months.
• Avoid excessive exposure to water during periods of inclement weather.
• Keep your pets nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching your floor.
• Never try to slide heavy objects across the floor.
• In the event that you get a scratch on your laminate floor, you can easily cover it with a kit made specifically for laminate. These types of kits can be found at most home improvement centers or online.

Of course, your habits and personal preference will dictate how you ultimately care for your laminate floor. But taking a few minutes each day to ensure its upkeep is the surest way to keep it looking like the day it was installed – and save you headaches and money in the long run. Have questions about your laminate flooring , or are merely curious about how it might work in your home? Contact us today to find out more.