Laminate flooring resembles hardwood, but the former requires extra care and people need to follow a different cleaning procedure for either. If you consider cleaning these boards like cleaning oak planks, you might want to reconsider the plan.
Laminate floorings need unique care compared to hardwood as professionals cannot refinish them in case of damage or even a stain.
After considering the price of replacements and professional repair costs, you should know how to properly care for it so you can avoid further investment of money.
Of course, using a carefully chosen laminate underlay will help to preventing mould and mildew forming when there are spillages but caring for your new floor is still crucial
How to clean laminate flooring?
You will need to go through the manufacturer’s instructions for the laminate floors. Every brand has specific requirements and instructions that come with the laminate floors. In addition, most companies provide detailed instructions on cleaning the laminate floors and the product specifications.
Using abrasive tools
Non-wood floorings can get scratched very easily, this is one of the main reasons why you should be very careful around them when using abrasive tools.
It is always advised not to clean with thorny bristle brooms. Instead, dust mops and soft bristle brooms can work effectively for cleaning the laminate floors. If you use a vacuum to clean your floors, using an attachment without a rotating brush or a beater bar is better. All these elements can easily scratch the laminate floors.
Mop regularly and immediately remove any liquid spillages
While you are having laminate floors installed at your residence, you need to know how often you should mop your floors and what mop you should be using for the same.
To ensure yours is kept clean and shiny, you must mop them every two months.
Professionals advise people to use microfiber or damp mops as they are gentle on the laminate floors. But in case you are using a regular mop, it is advised to dry the mop almost entirely before moping the laminated floors.
Don’t use too much water though, as you don’t want it seeping through the boards. That’s because it may make it ‘swell up’.
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
Some, that are on the higher end of the price table, may be as such because they are waterproof.
However, many are not waterproof; thus, with time are prone to rotting, staining, warping, and even bending.
In addition, it is always advised not to opt for the traditional mopping technique as it holds way too much water within the mop.
If water seeps through the seams, then it can cause damage to the floors by swelling or even making the floor bubble. In addition to that, pools of water in mops can cause staining and fading of the laminate floors.
One option is to steam mop, thereby keeping water to a minimum.
Finally, using a high quality underlay will help protect it from holding any spillages and
Can you paint laminate flooring?
It’s not always advised to paint over laminate and if you do so you’ll need to prime the old ones first.
So, if you are low on budget, you could opt to paint the old ones yourself at home. Painting it happens to be a good option for people with a low budget.
There are five simple steps following which you can paint your laminate floors at home:
- Clean the floor,
- Repair the floor and free them of any damages, stains, cracks, or swelling. In case of swelling, you will be required to change the floor altogether.
- You’ll need to sand it down after the repair.
- After sanding is done, you should apply the prime coat to the floor first.
- It’s now ready to be painted.
Always use a water-resistant paint so it’s easily cleaned afterwards.
Can you stain laminate flooring?
One can stain their laminate floors in a similar way to painting. It’s advised to choose a high-quality stain product and do a few coats.
Don’t use cleaning products that say “no” for laminated floors
Professionals advise clients to avoid oil-based cleaning products as they leave oil-based streaks as residue.
In addition to that, oil-based cleaning agents also damage the boards by stripping them off the sealant layer.
Using an underlay is advised to ensure that the boards remain shiny and clean. Underlays are thin layers of foam made of polyethylene found in sheets. They protect your new laminated floors from damage and increase their all-over performance.
DIY Home-made laminate floor cleaners
Dish Soap Recipe
You can always develop your cleaner at home. You have to combine a 60ml of regular dish soap, preferably unscented, with a 700ml of hot water. The solution could serve as a cleaning agent for your regular cleaning procedure.
Vinegar Recipe
If you see little wax build-up on your floors, you mix a 120ml of white vinegar, 120ml of rubbing alcohol with a 240ml of hot water. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it onto the surface.
The solution will break the wax build-up without damaging the floors or breaking the sealant.
Given how you are now aware of the different ways by which you can get the job done, you can choose make your choice and get them installed at your place.
Then, all you have to do is understand the technicalities of how to fit them and find the best cleaning agent to keep your floor clean and shiny.
Pets, Floor mats and Furniture pads
Do remember to trim the nails of your pets if you have any to avoid any scratches.
Although this is not one of the tips to keep your laminate floor clean and new, it still matters if you have a pet at home.
Also, if you happen to move in new furniture through your floors, you need to opt for furniture pads to prevent them from getting scratched.
Last but not least, to keep dirt away from sticking onto the floors, make sure to put a floor mat at the entrance of your residence.
Clients should keep grit off as much as possible to ensure that the shine of the floors is intact.
Even though laminated floors aren’t expensive for your residence, if you are careful with the maintenance, it can be considered a long-lasting investment for clients.
