Laminate flooring is extremely popular in Austin these days and for many good reasons. It’s attractive, reasonably priced, and remarkably easy to clean. Compared to other types of flooring, laminate requires significantly less maintenance.
You might think that because laminate flooring can be designed to look like hardwood, this means it should be cleaned the same way. But the truth is, keeping laminate flooring in superb condition does not involve the same techniques you would use to maintain real hickory or oak.
With this in mind, here are some highly effective ways to keep your laminate floors looking great for years to come:
Sweep and Vacuum Regularly
The best thing you can do for your laminate floors is sweep them regularly to collect hair, dust, and debris. It’s also recommended to vacuum your floors at least once per week to get rid of any remaining bits.
When vacuuming, use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the floor. Even better, check if your vacuum has a hard floor setting. This will stop the vacuum’s beater brush from rotating, eliminating the likelihood of unintended scratches or dents. To catch debris in between interlocking pieces of flooring, sweep and vacuum in the direction that your floor is laid.
Use a Damp Mop
The most important rule to keep in mind when cleaning laminate floors is to never use too much water. Even if the material is water-resistant, water can still pool and seep through the top layer.
So, instead of a traditional wet mop, you’ll want to perform a deep clean with a damp mop to avoid soaking the floor. Wring out the mop until it’s almost dry, and then wipe. You can also opt for a laminate floor mop, which is made of microfiber and designed to work without excess water.
Laminate Floor Cleaner
As for cleaning solutions, you can find several products designed specifically for laminate flooring at your hardware store. If you don’t feel like purchasing a laminate floor cleaner, just add a teaspoon of unscented clear dish soap to a gallon of water. A teaspoon of baby shampoo in a gallon of water will also work.
Do not use harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach or ammonia, both of which can dull the floor’s finish. Similarly, never use polish or wax on laminate. These products are designed for other types of flooring and will only hurt your laminate’s appearance.
Clean Up Spills
When it comes to spills, a wet sponge and a little elbow grease will do the trick. If a soiled area is being particularly stubborn, do not resort to abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool, melamine erasers, or straw brooms. Instead, it’s time to make another DIY solution with lukewarm water and a splash of vinegar.
Then, dip a microfiber cloth in the solution, wring it out until it’s not dripping, and gently scrub the soiled area. In most cases, things like paint, ink, nail polish or crayon can typically be removed with rubbing alcohol.
Rugs and Furniture Pads
Laminate floors are highly durable but just like any hard surface, they can still be scratched by furniture. To prevent scratches from moving furniture, place protective felt pads on the bottoms of chairs, couches, and tables.
For high traffic areas, you may consider using rugs to minimize wear and tear from constant activity. Placing a rug under a dining room table or a desk can enhance your interior decor as well.
Minimize Scratches
Other ways to prevent scratches include keeping your pet’s nails trimmed and implementing a no shoes policy in certain rooms. If a dent or a scratch does appear, there are easy to use touch up kits available you can get at your local hardware store. These kits should come with clear step-by-step instructions for how to make your laminate look good as new again.
If you have questions about maintaining the condition of your floor, the experts at Flohr would be happy to help. Thinking of replacing your current floors with laminate flooring? Our team can help with this, too. We offer free consultations where we collect measurements and other crucial information that allows us to give you an accurate estimate. Give us a call to set up yours today.
