Laminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring options in the United States. Cost effective, durable, and customizable, laminate flooring fits perfectly into many lifestyles. While laminate flooring is made to last, there are a few things that homeowners can do to ensure the long life of their floor.
Following your laminate floor installation, the first thing you will want to do is protect your new floor. Area rugs and floor mats can help prevent people and pets from tracking mud and grit onto the new floor. Keeping your pets’ nails trimmed will protect your floor and boost their overall health. Heavy objects and furniture with castors should be placed on floor protectors to avoid denting or scratching the floor. Alternating between running humidifiers and dehumidifiers can keep the floor from expanding, shrinking and warping as the seasons change.
Cleaning laminate flooring is a bit different from cleaning tile or vinyl flooring. Mopping with soap, oil-based detergents, or other liquid cleaners can cause warping, swelling, or discoloration of the floor. Similarly, you should avoid abrasive cleaners, steel wool, and floor buffing products, as they will scratch the protective surface of the floor. A damp cloth is acceptable for cleaning up spills as they happen, and tougher stains can be removed with a cloth soaked in nail polish remover, then wiped with a damp cloth.
Consistent sweeping or dusting can prevent dirt from getting ground into the flooring and causing scratches or dulling the finish. Should you wish to do a deeper clean, you may wash the floor with a cleaner specifically manufactured for laminate flooring. This will prevent dull finish, and strengthen the laminate flooring’s protective layer.
While laminate flooring may be higher maintenance than carpeting or hardwood flooring, the maintenance itself is not difficult. Protecting the floor from scratches and using an appropriate cleaning solution will work wonders toward prolonging the life of your laminate flooring. More.