Cleaning Your Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring a popular choice for those who desire the style and durability of hardwood floors at an affordable price. Laminate floors also tend to be easier to clean than hardwood, and are more resistant to moisture and scratching. Keeping laminate floors clean is simple, and will extend the life of their structure, finish, and appearance. However, there are few simple tips and tricks to keep in mind when cleaning laminate.

Although laminate floors resist moisture, they can still become stained by excess water. Water can also seep into the cracks between the edges and warp the structure of flooring. For these reasons, it is important to wipe up any spills right away, avoid using a soaking wet mop or steam cleaner, and use the appropriate cleaning products in spare amounts.

Laminate is harder to scratch than hardwood, but it is still possible to scratch or tear, which is why running a vacuuming cleaner over the laminate floors should be avoided unless it is a multi-floor or a hard-floor vacuum. Some examples can be found here.

Grit like sand, dirt, and other debris on the flooring can, over time, cause it to lose its luster or even put scratches in the material. Keeping the floor clean of these particles will maintain the integrity of the surface.

Here are the steps to cleaning laminate flooring:

• Start with clearing the floor of dust, debris, and pet hair by using a dry microfiber mop, dry dust mop, or by gently vacuuming the floor with a multi-floor or hard-floor vacuum.
• Spray your cleaner (see here for recommendations) onto a microfiber mop or cloth, and wipe the floor down. Alternatively, you may spray a fine mist of cleaner on each section of the floor and let it sit for a couple of minutes before wiping it up. There is usually no need to scrub or apply strong pressure.
• Use cleaner sparingly, to reduce the amount of moisture applied to the floor.
• Avoid using water, bleach, scratch pads, wood polish (unless recommended by the manufacturer), wax, or harsh cleaners on laminate.

Hometown Flooring, located in Nutter Fort, West Virginia, is a family-owned and operated business drawing on 20 years of experience and expertise to serve our residential and commercial clients’ flooring needs. Offering hundreds of samples, including carpet, hardwood and laminate flooring, and vinyl, our goal is to meet and exceed all of our customers’ expectations. Visit our showroom today, or call(304) 622-6099 for your free consultation!