Laminate floors are widely used for their durability, resistance to scratches, and easy installation. However, they need proper cleaning and care to retain their much cherished natural look. So, find out some useful tips on cleaning laminate floors, in this HomeQuicks article.
Laminate floors are gaining popularity as an inexpensive alternative to hardwood floors, as they give the same natural and elegant look to your home. Laminate floors are actually made of high density fiber, finished with a long-lasting laminate coating. The bottom layer is usually made of melamine, over which a core layer made of fiberboard is placed. Then a designer layer is placed over the top of the fiberboard, which imitates the look of a wood floor.
Finally, the floor is coated with a protective transparent layer that provides protection from moisture and scratches. Laminate flooring is less expensive than hardwood flooring, and is also easy to install. Moreover, it is more durable and resistant to scratches and dents, as compared to hardwood floors. In spite of its durability and hardness, it requires proper cleaning and maintenance, just like other types of floors.
Laminate Floor Cleaning Tips
Your laminate floor requires daily cleaning. Otherwise, dust, dirt, or sand particles can accumulate, and scratch the surface of the floor. For sweeping the floor, you can use a sweeper or a soft-bristled broom, that can help remove any kind of dirt and debris. You can also use a vacuum cleaner, especially to clean the edges of a room, and areas under the heavy furniture that cannot be easily cleaned by a normal broom or sweeper.
For wiping the floor, a wood laminate floor cleaner can be used. Just spray it on your floor, and then wipe it using a damp cloth or sponge, but do not use excess water. Though this floor can withstand moisture to an extent, it can’t tolerate excessive moisture. Excess moisture can cause the planks to swell up. So, water spilled on the surface should be immediately wiped off with a dry and soft cloth.
Never use abrasive cleaners like steel wool, scouring powder, and sandpapers for cleaning your laminate floor. Such products can scratch the surface, and make the floor dull and lifeless. Instead, you can use plain water or a mixture of vinegar and water. The vinegar and water mixture can be effective in removing stains from the floor. Just spray the mixture on the floor and wipe it using a slightly damp mop. Instead of a mop, you can also use cleaning pads, but they are a bit expensive.
Laminate floors require minimum care and maintenance, as compared to hardwood floors. But remember to place doormats at every entrance, so as to trap dust and other abrasive materials like small stones or grit, that can scratch the surface of the floor. Do not forget to place floor protectors or pads under the legs of your furniture to avoid scratches. Finally, be sure to not walk over the floor wearing high-heeled shoes. These are some of the general precautions that need to be taken not only for laminate flooring but for hardwood and bamboo flooring as well, so that your floor can retain the fresh and new look for several years.
In addition to these, always follow the instructions given in the care and maintenance manual.