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Laminate floors are a popular type of floor covering for homes' living areas, kitchens, dining areas, bedrooms, hallways, and other areas that are not subject to excessive moisture. They have smooth surfaces free of seams, making them easy to clean. There’s so much to love about laminate flooring: it looks great and is low maintenance. Cleaning laminate flooring can be done relatively quickly if you use the right equipment and products for the job.
Read on to discover how to keep your laminate floor looking great and protected from unnecessary wear and damage.
The Benefits of Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are a popular choice for many Aussie families. This is partly because laminate is easy to install, making it popular with DIY enthusiasts. Another reason Aussies love laminate is that it is so easy to care for. When cleaning your laminate flooring, the first thing to do is remove any loose dust, particles, or debris. Getting rid of open materials will make the second part of the job much easier. You can use a broom, dustpan, or vacuum to remove fibre, hair or dirt sitting on top of the floor.
Cleaning and Maintenance tips for Laminate Flooring
Use a Microfiber Mop on Laminate Floors
Alternatively, a microfibre dust mop will also work well by picking up debris within the tiny fibres of the mop. You will notice how a microfibre mop picks up dust rather than simply moving it around. The most important tip to remember is not to wet the floor too much and to use a mop that is only just damp. Too much water can cause damage to laminate sheets, leaving water spots and stains, or in the worst-case scenario, cause the laminate to warp.
Maintaining Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are durable and will last many years if they are looked after well. To reduce the risk of scratching and staining, you may consider using mats and rugs in high-traffic areas. Having guests remove their shoes will reduce the amount of dirt coming in, and if you have pets at home, make sure to keep their nails clipped so they do not scratch the laminate. Another tip is always to use felt protector mats and discs on the bottom of large furniture pieces to avoid scratching further. Exposure to extreme temperatures can impact laminate flooring, so close curtains and blinds on hot days to reduce the heat and direct sunlight hitting the floor. Dramatic temperature changes can cause laminate sheets to buckle.
What to Use on Laminate Flooring
If you have a quality microfibre mop, the only thing you need to use with it is water! However, many people also like to make their cleaning liquid on laminate flooring. The cheapest, easiest and best solution combines household vinegar with water. The vinegar will help disinfect the surface. Mix a cup of vinegar with at least three cups of warm water, and either apply the solution with a spray bottle or gently dip your mop in a bucket holding the mixture. If you want to use a vinegar mix, it is worth checking with the company you purchased your laminate from or reading through the products’ care instructions. This is because vinegar is not recommended for particular floors.
Cleaning Problem Areas on Laminate Flooring
Of course, spills will happen on your laminate floor. Severe damage is unlikely to occur if you clean up any spills quickly and as soon as you notice them. If you notice problem areas while cleaning laminate floors, see if you can identify what has caused the marking. Pockets of grime can be spot-cleaned with a microfiber cloth. Use water to remove paint or wax in the first instance, or if the spill is dried up, you can scrape the surface clean.
The manufacturers of Godfrey Hirst laminate recommend using a mixture of water and diluted methylated spirits to treat stubborn scuffs and stains. This company stocks popular laminates, including Legacy, Amor Classic, and Vista, each with a distinctive and natural look. If you are trying this approach, it is crucial to ensure residual methylated spirits are rinsed from the floor.
What Not to Use on Laminate Floors
Your laminate floors are likely to feel great and look like they are tough enough to withstand other cleaning products you use around the home. However, there are certainly some cleaning materials that you should never use on your laminate flooring. The first problematic cleaning product is any with an oil base and liquids designed for polishing or waxing. You should also avoid using any products with abrasive cleaners, like those you might sometimes use in the bathroom or kitchen. These cleaners often contain tiny particles that can scratch the surface of the laminate.
Imagine Floors laminate products by Airstep are treated with a durable topcoat that helps reduce staining and scratching. The material underneath is crafted from High-Density Fiberboard, which makes this range tough but still attractive. You should also avoid any cleaning products that are highly acidic with a pH over 7, as this could damage the coating that has been applied.
What to Do After a Laminate is Cleaned
Unless you have used excessive water, laminate floors will generally dry quickly after they have been mopped. It helps to mop on warm days and open nearby windows to increase airflow across the floor’s surface. Some laminate products are created with additional waterproofing, providing an even better barrier.
Signature Floors has created an exceptional AquaPlank floating floorboard range, which has been treated with a revolutionary product called Atroguard. This water-resistant technology ensures that any spills of water do not permeate the surface and are water resistant for 72h hours. This treatment means laminates won’t warp, buckle or fail in any homeroom. Signature Floors is proudly Australian-owned and operated and was established in Victoria in 1989.
Are you endlessly searching for “Laminate flooring near me” and feeling overwhelmed with the choices? Don’t search through review sites to determine which laminate flooring option is best for you. We supply a range of trusted brands and install laminate flooring. We will also give you plenty of information on cleaning and maintaining laminate flooring so that it lasts. Contact us today or visit your closest Floorworld store to discuss your laminate flooring needs.
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