If you have laminate flooring in your home, you know that it is one of the most durable types of flooring available as well as one of the most easy types to take care of. Even though laminate is low maintenance, there are still certain cleaning and care tips that you should follow to keep your flooring strong and looking new and shiny and beautiful for years to come.
Laminate flooring is designed to resist scratching and gouging, but it is still vulnerable to abrasive cleaners, soaps, and the biggest source of all scratches-dirt tracked in under shoes. If you are not careful, the protective coating on your laminate flooring can wear away and will need to be replace. You can prevent this by placing protective casters on your furniture and enforcing a no shoes rule inside of your house. Also, be sure never to drag furniture across your floors, since this can cause scratching and gouging as well. Area rugs can also be used to protect your floor, and floor mats should be used in case family members and visitors forget to remove their shoes. You should also wear socks or slippers whenever possible, since the oils in your feet can cause damage, and also cause dirt to cling to them which is then transferred to your floor.
The best way to prevent permanent staining on any surface is to clean up spills as soon as they occur. Again, avoid wet mops, abrasive cleaners, and soaps, and purchase a cleaning solution that is specially formulated for your floor type. Clean your floor every two weeks, making sure to let your floor dry thoroughly before walking on it. You can also use a vacuum in place of a broom to clean up dirt and debris. Static cleaning systems, like Swiffer sweepers and other brands work well for this purpose. Make sure never to apply wax or acrylic finishes over your laminate, since this can actually destroy the protective coating, and be sure to only use the stain removal products that your manufacturer recommends.
When properly cared for your flooring can be a thing of beauty in your home for years. Following these easy care tips will help to ensure that your floors stay looking their best. For specific questions, be sure to read the tips provided by your manufacturer and contact them or visit their website when necessary.