Life Hack: Six tips on how to care for your laminate flooring
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Laminate flooring needs special care compared to other surfaces like hardwood.
Hardwood floors can be refinished to disguise or remove scuffs and stains, but laminate cannot.
Particularly in high-traffic areas, it is important to treat your flooring with care. Here are some top tips.
Don't let stains sit on the laminate surface for longer than necessary.
You can extend the life of your flooring by keeping on top of any sweeping and vacuuming jobs.
Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush when sweeping to avoid scratching the flooring.
If you spill something, use a microfiber cloth or sponge to blot the spill until it is fully absorbed. Anything left on the floor for too long has the potential to damage or discolour it.
It may or may not seem obvious but don’t be tempted to turn to tougher tools when dealing with tougher stains.
Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep up and when vacuuming make sure you’re using an attachment that will not scratch the surface.
For deeper cleans, avoid using items like steel wool on your flooring and cleaners like bleach should be avoided too.
Check the manufacturer’s guidelines if available for any particular products or ingredients to avoid as some abrasive substances could cause damage rather than clean your flooring. Oil-based cleaning products can leave streaks and residue and you should never use wax or polishes on laminate floors. If you go down the DIY route, mix a drop of dish soap into hot water or mix one part vinegar to 10 parts of water for gentle cleaners.
Mopping most laminate flooring once every two months will keep it fresh. A damp mop, such as one made of microfibre, is safe to use and a regular mop may be used too but ensure it is wrung out as much as possible to avoid excess water sitting on the floor. Dry the floor immediately afterwards. You want to avoid water pooling or seeping into the flooring’s top layer, leading to that section of flooring potentially needing to be replaced.
If you have furniture that will be moved regularly on top of laminate flooring, invest in furniture pads for their legs. Rugs can also help to prevent wear and tear on laminate surfaces. If you have a pet living in your home, keep their nails neatly trimmed as a dog or cat’s nails can easily mark laminate flooring.