How to care for laminate flooring

Laminate is the most common flooring material. It can act as a worthy and high-quality imitation of natural wood or natural stone. Laminate is highly wear-resistant and durable. In order to extend the service life of the material, several rules must be followed. We will tell you how to properly care for laminate flooring at home.

Cleaning laminate floors

The structure of the laminate consists of several layers, and therefore the material itself requires special care. The coating has good durability, but lack of proper care and non-compliance with the rules can cause rapid wear of the coating. Removal of stains or cracks should be approached with extreme caution and specific recommendations. A similar rule applies to cleaning. Both types are suitable for laminate: wet and dry.

The choice of cleaning should be made based on the type of coating itself. Experts have developed several varieties of it. They are distinguished by their strength and internal structure, and therefore require the right type of washing.

Dry cleaning

This type is suitable for coatings whose class is below 33. Laminate of this type is highly sensitive to humidity and therefore will not withstand washing. During the cleaning process, it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner to remove all dirt.A mop with a soft brush will also work.

The frequency of cleaning depends on the degree of surface contamination and personal preference. In order to protect the floor covering from premature failure, you can use a vacuum cleaner daily. During the cleaning process, be careful to ensure that the brush does not scratch the surface. This will help avoid cracks and deterioration in the appearance of the coating.

Important! You should avoid using a washing vacuum cleaner, as it leaves a large amount of liquid.

Washing rules

Wet cleaning can be carried out either with clean warm water or with water with the addition of special detergents.

It is important to use suitable cleaning agents. They are selected in accordance with the class of the laminate and the degree of contamination.

In order to maintain the correct structure of the coating and maintain an attractive appearance, it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning 1-2 times a week and when dirty.

Warm water and a soft, dense cloth that will not scratch the surface are suitable for washing. When cleaning, carefully wring out the rag or sponge: it should be moderately damp, but not wet.

In a family with small children, disinfection is given a special place. In order to avoid the widespread use of chemicals, you can use traditional methods. For example, 1 tablespoon of vinegar added to 5 liters of water will help clean the surface and remove germs.

Important! After treatment with vinegar solution, the laminate should be wiped with a clean sponge soaked in warm, clean water.

Proper stain removal

If stains occur on the surface, prompt action should be taken to avoid the composition being absorbed into the structure of the laminate.

To remove grease marks, chocolate or drink stains, a cleanser with a neutral pH level is suitable. To clean, the contaminated area should be treated with a soft cloth soaked in a cleaning solution. After cleaning, wipe the floor with clean water.

Help: if there is no effect, you can use a cotton pad soaked in alcohol.

A degreaser is suitable for removing stains left by shoe polish. Here you can use White Spirit. To work you will need a cotton pad. After cleaning, the surface should be thoroughly washed with warm water.

Attention! When working with moisture-sensitive laminate, the surface must be wiped dry with microfiber.

This will collect excess moisture and prevent it from penetrating deep into the coating.

How to remove scratches and cracks

Floor care also includes timely restoration work. They are necessary because the floor covering can be damaged during use in the apartment: get small cracks, get scratched. Damage to the floor covering is somewhat more difficult to eliminate than dirt. You can deal with them in the early stages, when the cracks are still small and not clogged with dirt.

For superficial damage, a regular school eraser will help. To remove it, you need to rub the damaged area a little.

If the cracks are deeper, it is necessary to remove clogged contaminants. A paste made from baking soda and water will help here. When working, use a cotton pad or soft cloth.Once completed, the area should be wiped with a damp cloth and buffed dry.

Tips for caring for laminate flooring

• Vegetable oil and flannel cloth will help remove small cracks or scratches.
• To extend service life and maintain an attractive appearance, preventive measures are necessary. For example, felt pads on furniture legs will help protect the laminate from scratches.
• When cleaning particularly dirty places (kitchen, dining room, hallway), a solution of two liters of water and a tablespoon of baby shampoo is suitable. This product will be useful in families with allergies or small children.
• The use of cleaning products with a high alkaline content should be avoided. Abrasive powders and pastes are also not suitable.
• To repair small chips or damage, a wax pencil is useful, traces of which can be hidden with varnish.

Laminate flooring significantly transforms the appearance of any room. This coating has a bright and attractive appearance, as well as some special features. Several recommendations will help with proper care and extend the life of the laminate.