![]() Laminate floors are durable, but they can scratch or scuff, so avoid things like steel wool as well.Īlthough laminate is a hard floor, it is unlike tile flooring which can withstand hot steam. You’ll also want to skip acetone and nail polish remover, even if you think it could get rid of a stain. It’s important to steer clear of harsh tools and abrasive cleaners, such as bleach and ammonia, which can cause irreversible damage even if heavily diluted. What not to use to clean laminate floors? Looking for a more thorough cleaning routine? Consider a steam vacuum like the Shark HydroVac, which comes with a multisurface brush roll that picks up everything from dust to crumbs. These are also great for accessibility if you have hard-to-reach places, such as under the living room couch. Or you can use a Swiffer stick with microfiber rags for weekly cleanings, Evans recommends. “You can use warm or hot water but not boiling hot water,” Evans adds.Ī spray mop can do the trick too. If you only have a regular sponge or string mop on hand, be sure to wring it out-so that it is damp and not soaking wet-to prevent staining or fading. Arm yourself with a microfiber mop instead of a traditional mop head with strings, since excess water absorbed into the material can seep between the laminate planks and cause damage (like swelling or floor bubbling). “Laminate floors are easy to care for,” Meska assures. If your house has laminate floors, don’t worry. What’s the best thing to use to clean laminate floors? This layer is often pressed with a textured plate to give it a real wood grain texture you can see and feel. It’s this top layer you need to be most concerned with protecting while cleaning laminate floors. The wear layer: A top coating gives extreme scratch resistance to the product. For high-traffic areas like a mudroom or foyer, look for a wear layer that offers added protection. New floor designs can look like real wood that is as suitable in the living room as it is in a basement. The decor layer: Layered on top of the core layer is a paper printed with a realistic wood look. Having underlayment is essential as it is going to ensure that floor installation goes smoothly and locks properly, which will help ensure that there is limited creaking and plenty of stability for foot traffic. Note that laminate flooring, a type of floating floor, goes over the underlayment, which should be evenly distributed on the subfloor. Some low-quality laminate floors could have a core layer that is made from cardboard, which could lead to uneven floors. It can be made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The core layer: For this layer of laminate flooring its purpose is to support the foot traffic or any other weight that is applied to the flooring by homeowners. Do (carefully) mop the laminate flooring every two months If you’re vacuuming, be careful to use an attachment without a beater bar or rotating brush, which could scratch the surface. You’ll want to use a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to sweep up debris. Technology has made a lot of recent laminate flooring materials scratch-resistant, but that doesn’t mean you should reach for abrasive (steel wool, for example) items. ![]() Even if your laminate flooring is water-resistant, if you leave liquids for too long, they can potentially damage or discolor the surface. ![]() “Use a dense microfiber cloth or a sponge and gently blot until you absorb whatever has spilled.” Tackle stains pronto. “If something spills, clean it up immediately,” says Steve Evans, cleaning expert at Memphis Maids. Read carefully as using harsh or abrasive cleaning products can null the warranty. Most companies have detailed product guides and instructions on how to clean laminate floors on their websites. The brand may have specific recommendations based on the materials used. Do read the cleaning instructions that come with your laminate flooringīefore you get cleaning, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your floors. Whether you have new laminate or vinyl floors or simply want your existing surface to look like a new flooring installation, here are the best laminate flooring tips, and the mistakes to avoid.
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