There’s no getting around it, life and living are hard on any flooring and even durable laminate will eventually start to show the effects of stains and spills, time and traffic.
You need to know the best practices for taking care of it so you’ll be better able to keep your laminate flooring in its beautiful, inviting and valuable original condition.
Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding upkeep can be a determining factor in your purchase choice.
So read on and get to know exactly how to take care of your investment.
Laminate floors are beautiful and very durable but not indestructible. Floors can dull when unattended dirt acts as an abrasive on its surface.
This can be avoided by sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming regularly to remove loose dirt and grit.
You can use a broom or, to make the job faster, a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar is also recommended.
Vacuum cleaner attachments are useful to pick up dirt from between planks, tiles or along edges.
An occasional damp mopping is also suggested. However, your laminate flooring can expand if excessive water is used while cleaning.
After damp mopping, a clean dry cloth should be used to wipe your floor thoroughly.
Placing doormats or walk-off mats at each entryway will collect excessive moisture and dirt before they enter your home.
Glides or floor protectors on the bottom of your furniture will prevent possible scratching or abrasion.
It’s important to lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling them.
Use pieces of carpet face down under heavy objects when moving them across your floor.
Spot cleaning and occasional complete cleaning of your laminate floor can be done using the manufacturer’s recommended products.
Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder.
Do not use soap-based detergents or “mop-and-shine” products.
Never flood your floor with water or cleaner.
Do not wax or polish your laminate floor.
Never try to refinish or sand your laminate floor.
Durable but not indestructible, your laminate floor can be damaged by stiletto heels.
But the good news is that the finish on your laminate floor can help protect the floor from sunlight and the typical fading you find with aging hardwood floors.
Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation.
However, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with your original product.
For additional care procedures please refer to the manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions and recommendations.
By understanding and following these basic care guidelines you can be confident that your laminate flooring will provide you with many years of beauty and lasting performance.
