Top Tips for Cleaning Laminate Flooring
Spring has Sprung!
That can only mean one thing… Time for a Spring Clean!
We’re often asked how is best to clean & maintain the quality of laminate flooring… So we’ve put together some Top Tips!
(If you’ve not got time to read the whole article, then skip to the bottom for our summary of Do’s & Don’ts)
Laminate flooring cannot be refinished like hardwood flooring, so it is worth your time & effort to appropriately clean & look after it as regularly as possible! The flooring gets its attractive appearance from protective plastic layers, which are placed over photographic wood reproductions & secured with a foundation of wood-based materials. This creates the reliable, sturdy, beautiful & ever-so-more popular flooring type that is laminate! But how is best to clean it, & therefore, maintain its quality?
14 Top Tips from Shelswells:
Always use a soft microfiber cloth or mop for cleaning & sweeping
Regular soft sweeping of everyday mess will prevent scratches, marks & potential damage
Avoid standard floor brooms & brushes with stiff bristles
Try to avoid hoovering (given time constraints, this isn’t always possible, so if you choose to use a hoover always make sure the soft brush head is attached)
Try to sweep & clean in the direction that the floor was laid, to avoid trapping dirt in the groves
Less water is best when cleaning – liquid can cause warping, lifting & irreversible damage
Always clear up spills as soon as possible to prevent staining, warping & lasting damage
Mild soapy cleaners are best – avoid harsh cleaners which can damage & streak
Never use abrasive cleaners, such as bleach or other strong cleaning chemicals
Avoid using steam mops which can force moisture into the flooring boards
Sponge mops & string mops can also be tricky, as they hold more water & often leave streaky marks
Go for a soft microfiber mop & use minimal warm soapy water every few weeks
Never push heavy furniture along the floor!! Use a blanket or sheet underneath for protection
For stains & tricky markings you can try a small amount of window cleaner, rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, and not so well known, a rubber (great for shoe & furniture marks)!
Do’s
+ Sweep regularly using a soft cloth or mop
+ Use less water
+ Use mild soaps & cleaners
+ Clear up spills ASAP!
Don’ts
- Use standard, stiff brushes
- Use a hoover or steam mop
- Use abrasive, strong floor cleaners
- Leave spills, new markings or liquid for any length of time
The question we're asked most frequently is: How can we keep the shine on our laminate flooring?
Our Answer: Clean it regularly! Laminate flooring is built to last & if you take good care of it, it will!
If laminate flooring isn’t your thing, we can offer alternative flooring, such as Tiling.
Also, we know a GREAT Carpet Fitter; who comes Highly Recommended & is also part of the Shelswell Family!