How to properly care for laminate flooring
Vinegar, lemon, furniture leg pads and other products that will protect your flooring.
Features of laminate flooring
A laminate flooring is a set of laminate slats that are clicked together along the length and ends. The joint between the slats forms the joint. Joints are the weak point of laminate flooring. This is where laminate damage is most common, since the basis of this material is a wood-fiber board that is sensitive to moisture. The locks of inexpensive laminate are not treated with a water-repellent compound, so they can deteriorate when exposed to water. In the expensive and elite types of coverage grooves and combs are additionally treated with a composition containing wax, which improves the resistance of the coating to moisture.
It is very important to know how to wash laminate flooring correctly, so as not to damage the main layer of the board and to maintain the luster of the coating.
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Clean up regularly
1. Wipe the floor with a dry microfiber cloth to pick up debris
Microfiber is ideal for laminate flooring. It easily picks up dust, crumbs, and hair. If you don’t have a mop with a microfiber nozzle, use a terry cloth or cotton.
2. Vacuum with a soft-touch nozzle
Vacuuming regularly will get rid of dirt, dust and debris. Just make sure you use a soft attachment so you don’t scratch your laminate flooring. Don’t forget to turn on the cleaning function for wood floors.
3. Wash your laminate floor with baby shampoo and water
Baby shampoo is milder than ordinary cleaners. Add one tablespoon of shampoo to 3.8 liters of water. Wet a microfiber cloth, squeeze out excess water, and scrub the floor as usual. Then wipe it with a dry cloth. Excess moisture can warp laminate, so don’t skip this step.
4. Wipe the floor with hot water and vinegar to make the laminate floor shine
Use 240 ml of vinegar per 3.8 liters of water. Use a normal, soft, microfibre cloth for cleaning. Do not do this more than once a month to avoid damaging the protective coating at the joints of the laminate flooring.
Remove shoe stains and marks
1. Use a nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol for stubborn stains
Try to remove the stain as soon as it appears. Paint, oil, tar and marker stains can be removed with rubbing alcohol or acetone nail polish remover. Put a small amount on a soft cloth and rub the stained area. Repeat the process if necessary.
2. Remove stubborn objects from the floor with ice cubes and a plastic scraper
Wax and gum will harden if you put ice on them. Then gently scrape them with a plastic card or scraper. Do not use metal objects to do this: they can scratch the laminate.
3. Remove rust stains with lemon and salt
Metal objects can leave rust spots on laminate. Sprinkle a little salt and half a lemon to remove it.
If the stain is old, leave the lemon juice and salt mixture on overnight. In the morning, wipe it with the other half of a lemon. Wipe off any remaining juice with a damp cloth or paper towel.
4. Get rid of scuffs with WD-40
Spray a little of this versatile product on scratches and shoe marks, then wipe with a rag or paper towel. Wash the treated areas with baby shampoo or a mixture of water and vinegar to keep the floor slippery.
Protect laminate flooring from burns and scratches
1. Put a rug by the outside entrance
That way dirt, snow, sand, and other debris won’t get on the floor. Also place mats in areas of the apartment where you walk a lot. For example, in front of the sink and stove. This will protect the laminate flooring from wear and tear.
2. Put protective pads on furniture legs
Moving heavy tables and chairs around a lot can cause scratches to your laminate flooring. Be sure to put protective pads on the legs of furniture that you usually move. For example, on chairs and stools in the kitchen.
3. Cover windows to keep direct sunlight off the floor
Excessive heat and bright light can cause your laminate flooring to lose its color. Protect it by covering the windows with curtains or blinds.
4. Move carpets and furniture around from time to time
If you keep them in one place for several years, the laminate flooring will age unevenly. Once a year, try to rearrange furniture and move carpets so that you don’t leave faded stains on the floor.
Applying our tips will help you take good care of your laminate flooring while it is in use. This will prolong its life and enjoy your interior.