LAMINATE CARE & MAINTENANCE

 

Laminate floors are easy to clean because they’re so dense. Most if not all polishes won’t stick to their surface area, so all that’s required is vacuuming, dust mopping and maybe a damp towel every now and then.

Most brands carry a 10–25 year residential warranty against staining, wearing, and fading. They’re designed to look good for years with minimum effort.

While laminates are meant to stand up to wear, they keep that new look if you follow these simple tricks:

• Vacuum or dust mop to remove loose dirt or grit.
• Damp mop using warm water. (Do not saturate the floor.)
• Change water as necessary to keep clean.
• Don’t use polishes or waxes.
• Never clean with abrasives, scouring powder or steel wool.
• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Don’t allow liquids to stand on your floor—including your pet’s water bowl.

The primary enemy of your laminate floor is dirt. Over time, walking causes fine scratches that lead to dullness, and larger particles of sand or rock cause visible scratches. A couple of tricks here include:

• Use glides or cushion bottom protectors under chairs and table legs to prevent scratching
• Use floor mats and foot brushes to pick up dirt at all outside doorway entrances
• Vacuuming and dust mopping regularly to keep grit off the floor.

If your laminate scratches, you might be able to order a touch up stick from the manufacturer. The repaired area is often invisible, and it will hold up to traffic and wear just like the rest of your floor.

If damage is more severe (which is unlikely to happen) have a trained professional replace a plank. Done properly, the new plank should be almost indistinguishable from the rest.

SPOTS
Oil, paint, permanent marker, tar, rubber heel marks -
Use a neutral cleaner on a clean, light-colored cloth or nail polish remover if needed.

Blood, fruit juice, wine, beer, soda pop, pasta sauce -
Use warm water and/or a neutral cleaner on a clean, light-colored cloth.

Candle wax, chewing gum -
First harden with ice, then scrape gently. Wipe with warm water on a clean, light-colored cloth.