7 tips to help your laminate floor look great and last longer
Modern laminate floors – such as those supplied by Mannington – can add a stunning new dimension to your home. They are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes, enabling you to pick the perfect flooring to compliment your unique internal decoration. However, to keep your laminate flooring in top condition, you’ll need to treat it with care. For example, don’t drag heavy furniture over it, and don’t walk on it in stilettos. Crucial in the maintenance of laminate flooring is understanding how you should clean laminate flooring.
These seven tips will help ensure your cleaning routine helps to maintain your laminate flooring so that it looks great and lasts longer.
Tip #1: Read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions
Not all laminate floors are the same. Different brands make specific recommendations about how you should clean laminate floors. Make sure you read these and follow them.
Tip #2: Use the right equipment
Though durable, laminate floors are also fragile. You’ll need to use soft cleaning tools to maintain them well. We recommend using a vacuum (without the beater bar or rotating brush) to pick up grit and remove allergens, though a broom with soft bristles may also be used.
Invest in a good-quality microfiber mop for the final clean.
Tip #3: Don’t let liquids linger on laminate
Liquids can damage laminate flooring, so try to avoid them in areas where you have laminate flooring. However, accidents happen – especially in family homes. If juice, coffee, wine or any other liquid is spilled on your laminate floor, wipe it up immediately to avoid staining.
Tip #4: Save water!
Laminate flooring is not waterproof. If you mop using water as you would other floor surfaces, the water will infiltrate the seams and eventually damage the flooring. Instead, use a slightly damp microfiber mop.
Tip #5: Never use bleach
Bleach will soak into porous laminate flooring. It is likely to remove the shine. It can also fade or change the colour of your laminate pattern. Avoid using bleach and cleaning solutions that contain bleach when cleaning a laminate floor.
Tip #6: Choose cleaning solutions wisely
The usual cleaning solutions can leave your laminate floor looking streaky. They may even damage the surface. There are many cleaning solutions specifically made for laminate floors. These should be used sparingly, and applied with the microfiber mop (or a microfiber cloth if working on a small area) – never pour cleaning solution directly onto laminate flooring.
Our favored cleaning product for use on laminate floors is Mannington Ultra Clean. It is a water-based, non-toxic cleaning solution that leaves no residue. It can also be used on hardwood floors.
Tip #7: Tackle tough spills with household products
If your laminate floor suffers a spill and tough stain (such as candle wax, nail polish, or ink), you will find that the best cleaning solution is at hand. Such tough stains can usually be removed by dabbing a cotton ball soaked with non-acetone polish remover on them. If your laminate floor suffers a scuff mark, try using a pencil eraser.
In summary
If you use the right products and treat your laminate floor with respect, you’ll find that it will stay looking great and last longer. By vacuuming regularly and mopping using a microfiber mop and a little Mannington Ultra Clean, you’ll help keep the shine and remove grit that can damage laminate flooring.
Avoid tools and products that might scratch the surface of your flooring, and remove spills immediately.
Finally, to avoid damage to your laminate flooring from everyday use, put furniture pads under chair and table legs, use floor rugs, and place mats for people to wipe their shoes when they enter – or, better still, make it a house rule to remove shoes.
For more tips, or to ask about our floor cleaning services, contact Porter's today.