Cleaning Laminated Floors: Do’s and Don’ts

Cleaning Laminated Floors: Do’s and Don’ts

Laminated floors can lose their shine very early. But they can look extremely attractive if maintained properly. The bigger question is how to keep your laminated floors looking great for an extended period. Your laminate floors might look similar to hardware floors, but they are very different in maintenance. You cannot use the same method to retain the shine of your oak-made surface for your laminate flooring. 

Laminate floors need special attention because they cannot be refinished like hardware surfaces once they get stains or are damaged. Replacing laminate floors can be pricey, and you would want to avoid burdening yourself with such a heavy amount. This requires you to maintain and keep your floor clean. Here are some things you can and cannot do to keep your laminate floor looking new for as long as possible.

1. Get the Right Laminate Cleaner 

A good laminate cleaner solves half of your problems. Using general cleaners does no good to your floors; instead, it can damage them. To retain the shine for a longer time, use the best laminate cleaner on the market. Do not let any spills or stains settle on the floor. The most suitable way to avoid these stains from sticking to the surface is to wipe them off immediately. Liquids can damage your floors too, so minimize the usage of liquid.  

2. Read the Instructions Manual 

Before you jump on to cleaning, refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual. Do not start with what you usually do to clean your floors. Every manufacturer has a specific recommendation based on materials used and other stuff for their users. These guidelines are essential to consider. Mainly, manufacturers specify their guidelines on their product websites if they don’t offer manual instruction guides. 

3. Avoid Using Abrasive Tools 

Laminate floors can get scratched easily. This brings you to another concern related to such floors. Keep them clear of anything sharp or abrasive. You would like to use a soft mop or brush to wipe off the debris and clean the surface without harming them. While vacuuming, be careful with the attachment. Use it without a rotating brush, as it could scratch the floor. 

4. Make a Habit of Mopping your Floor at Regular Intervals 

To keep your floors fresh and maintained, you must mop them every two months. You can use microfiber mops to gently wash the surface. Remember to wring it entirely until it gets dry if you use a regular mop. 

5. Avoid Using Excess Water

Regular mopping style is a no-no condition for laminate floors so use a microfiber option as described above. Excess water usage can cause damage to the floor by seeping in. it can lead to floor bubbling or swelling. Excessive water can also cause a fading laminated surface and accumulate stains. 

6. Consider a DIY Laminate Floor Cleaner

It is easy and advisable to make your own floor cleaner at home. For regular cleaning, you can mix a teaspoon of unscented dish soap with a good quantity of water. Or, if your surface has accumulated a waxy buildup or developed a firm stain over a more extended period due to the wrong usage of cleaning products, try other DIY solutions. Make a mixture of hot water and white vinegar, it is a natural cleaning agent. Vinegar is a great cleaner for lots of different surfaces. It will break down the stains without damaging the laminate surface but make sure you use a slightly wet mop. 

7. Add Common Household Items to Your Cleaning Arsenal 

For tough stains of wax or ink, your best cleaning method is right at the surface. Take a plastic bag filled with ice, add wax and chewing gum, then remove it with a plastic knife or a scarper once it is hardened. Manage it with any paint, nail polish, crayon, or alcohol. 

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, laminate floors are appealing and add beauty to your house. But, it requires additional care to retain its finish and polish. There are a few things that can be done to maintain its shine and retain its newness, and few things that should never be done. Follow the measures quoted in this article for your reference. 

Guest Article.