Laminate flooring stays looking great for years to come when properly cleaned and maintained. Learn more about the regular cleaning habits and special maintenance you need to keep your laminate floors protected and scratch-free.
Weekly habits for cleaning laminate floors should include sweeping regularly. When sweeping, use a soft-bristle broom to collect pet hair and dust from your laminate floors. To get into corners and along baseboards, use an angled broom. When it’s time to vacuum, make sure you’re using a soft-brush attachment and use the hard floor setting to avoid scratching the laminate flooring.
Maintaining Your Clean Laminate Floors
Maintain your clean laminate floors with occasional deep cleaning. Remember that moisture and wood don’t mix, and since laminate is made with wood, avoiding its exposure to moisture is important. Since standing water can cause laminate to bubble or swell, causes seam separation, or can fade the floor color, water should be used minimally in laminate floor cleaning. When mopping, use a damp, not saturated mop to clean the laminate. Make sure to wring the mop out until it is almost dry, then wipe over floors.
Best Tools for Keeping Laminate Clean
Flat mops or spray mops, usually of microfiber or other highly absorbent materials, are designed to mop cleanly without excess liquid and are best for keeping laminate floors clean. Use cleaning products that are specifically designed for laminate floors and be careful not to soak the floors with product and water. Also, avoid oil-based cleaners as they can leave unsightly streaks on laminate floors. When you are finished mopping, use a dry microfiber cloth or a dry mop to go over the cleaned laminate to ensure no water remains on the surface. Accidentally spill something on your laminate floors? As soon as the spill happens, make sure to blot the liquid with a microfiber cloth. Get spots of grease, candle wax or gum on your laminate floors? First, freeze the spot with ice, then carefully scrape it up with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card, or a plastic knife. To pick up any residue leftover, wipe the area with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth. Be sure the area is dry to the touch when you are finished.
Protect Your Laminate Flooring
Laminate floor maintenance is simple and doesn’t require the use of a floor buffer or polisher. Buffing your laminate will remove the protective finish and leave your floors damaged. Do not use abrasive or acidic cleaners or any abrasive tools as any harsh cleaner which can also strip the protective coating of your laminate. To keep dirt, oil or other outdoor substances from being tracked onto the laminate floor, place entry mats at outside doorways. Prevent scratches by keeping pet nails trimmed. Also, avoid walking across the laminate floor in heels or cleats. To prevent damage from heavy furniture or moving furniture, use protective mats underneath these items and never try to slide anything heavy across the laminate floor. Under area rugs, use only laminate-approved vinyl rug underlays. These will keep the rug backing from sticking to or scratching the flooring while keeping the rug in place.
