Laminate flooring is very durable and is considered to be a low maintenance flooring, proper steps need to be taken during cleaning to help in prolonging the life and beauty of your flooring. Homeowners should also take measures to protect their floors from any damage that could happen on a daily basis so that they can enjoy these beautiful floors for years to come. For your convenience, we have provided the following guidelines to assist you in caring for your laminate flooring.
How to Clean Your Laminate Flooring
- Clean your laminate floors regularly using a dust mop, broom or vacuuming using a flooring attachment to remove any surface dust or dirt to maintain its beauty and shine.
- Blot up any spills as soon as they happen with a soft dry cloth or paper towel. You may use a very lightly damp mop to remove any sticky residue from spills after they are soaked up, but dry the floor right after with a dry towel or cloth. Never use a wet mop on a laminate floor as it could damage the high density fiberboard core, causing it to warp or swell.
- Use only factory recommended laminate cleaning products on your laminate flooring. Refer to your manufacturer’s care instructions for any recommended products. Never use any harsh or abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, since these will damage the protective surface of your flooring.
- Never apply any wax, oils, or polishes to the surface of your laminate flooring as it has a protective no wax surface that was applied by the manufacturer.
- In the event that your laminate flooring becomes stained by paint or markers, you may attempt to remove the stains with an acetone based nail polish remover, provided you promptly clean the area with a damp cloth.
- Should you notice that any wax or gum has become stuck to the floor than you should immediately take a cube of ice to harden it. Then as gently as possible use a credit card or plastic scraper to remove it from the floor and then clean the area with a damp cloth and dry.
How to Protect Your Laminate Flooring
- To prevent any scratches or indentations from the legs of your furniture or appliances, put furniture protectors or felt pads on the legs. This will allow you to easily move your furniture to clean underneath it or rearrange your furniture with ease.
- Place a door mat on the outside and inside of all exterior doorways. This will prevent dirt or grit from being tracked inside and onto the flooring, which could cause scratching of the surface. Put down a runner in heavy traffic areas, such as hallways to cut down on wear and tear from foot traffic and place a mat or rug in front of the kitchen sink and stove or other work places to protect from splashes and spills that could damage your flooring.
- Place a protective plastic mat that is smooth on either side or an area rug under any rolling office chairs to prevent the wheels from damaging the flooring in an office setting.
- Avoid walking on your laminate flooring with spiked heels or cleats, which could cause indentions or scratches by removing them before you enter the room.
- Close your curtains or blinds when the sun is shining in through the window and onto the floor to prevent the sun’s rays from fading your laminate flooring. It is also helpful to move any area rugs and rearrange your furniture occasionally so that all areas of your flooring is exposed to light equally and the color of your flooring remains uniform.
- To avoid scratches that could happen from having pets, maintaining their nails by keeping them short and clean will help tremendously in the protection of your floor.
At Woodwudy Wholesale Flooring, we are here for you! If you need any assistance or additional information, please call our trained flooring specialists at 1-877-966-3983.