There’s a reason why so many people are installing laminate floors in their homes. This flooring material is made out of sawdust (wood shavings) and looks just like real hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring usually costs less than hardwood and is installed more easily. Also, it comes with an additional protective layer on the top. However, just like any other flooring, it still requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
So if you’ve just installed this amazing flooring in your home and don’t know how to keep it in a good condition, then we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best methods to clean your laminate flooring:
- General Cleaning
Regular sweeping is very important if you want your laminate flooring to stay in a good condition for a longer time. Sweep a dry mop across the floor every 2-3 days to remove everyday dust and dirt. Even though laminate floors are fairly scratch-resistant, too much debris, hair, and dirt can cause nicks and scratches to develop. Regular sweeping does not let dirt and debris build up and thus prevents scratches from developing.
Instead of a dry mop, you can also use a vacuum that has a soft brush attachment for cleaning. Standard floor brush is not recommended for laminate floors as their stiff bristles can damage the surface. Also, make sure you clean up the liquid spills immediately. You can use a sponge or cloth for that. Don’t let any liquid, including water, to stay on the floor for a prolonged period. It can stain and even damage the protective coating of the laminate floors.
Also, note that laminate floors aren’t as strong as other flooring materials, and are thus easily damaged by machines like buffers, polishers, and steam cleaners. So if your floor is looking dirty and dull, use a mop along with some elbow grease to thoroughly clean it. It may take you several goes to get the floor completely clean, but try sticking to the mop as it’s safer for your floors.
- Hot Water Cleaning
A thorough hot water wash should be done every few months of when a large area of your flooring has gotten notably dirty or muddy. Hot water cleaning is considered as one of the best ways to clean laminate floors. it’s because when done correctly, it does not leave any streaks. This cleaning method is also the least likely to stain or damage the protective layer of laminate, as water is the mildest cleaner available.
For hot water cleaning, all you have to do it fill a bucket with warm water, soak a sponge mop in it, and wring it out so it only gets mildly damp. Make sure that the mop is wrung out well as even water can warp or stain the laminate floor if allowed to stay on the floor in excess amount. Start from one end of the room and work your way out to the other end. Also, if the floor is barely wet, you can allow it to air dry. Else, wipe it with a dry, clean, microfiber cloth. Do not use any rough cloth as it can scratch the flooring.
- Vinegar or Mild Detergent Cleaning
As another cleaning option, you can use vinegar or a mild detergent labelled for use on laminate floors. Always make sure to check the label and use the detergent correctly, as this little cleanser can cause you a lot of trouble. Avoid using cleaning products that promise to give your floors a shiny surface, as they can cause a waxy build-up on your flooring. Similarly, do not use pine-scented cleansers on your laminate flooring, as they make leave a soupy, dull residue on the surface.
If you want clean your floor with vinegar, then all you have to do is pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle (60ml vinegar for a 1000ml bottle) and fill the rest of the bottle with water. Diluted vinegar works best when your laminate flooring has been caked with mud or stains that have made it dull or faded. Make sure you spray the solution on the floor a little a time and wipe it off immediately, before it begins to damage the protective coating.
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