Laminate floors might appear similar to wood or stone. But, when it comes to cleaning, you need to brainstorm a little. Cleaning such floors needs a different and customized approach. This article on how to clean laminate floors will help you keep your laminate floors like new ones. Stick to the article to learn about some easy techniques for cleaning laminate floors.
What Are Laminate Floors?
Before knowing how to clean laminate floors without leaving a film, let us have a brief look at what laminate floorings are.
Laminate floors are composite and synthetic floorings. The base layer of such flooring is made of fiberboard or plywood. Sometimes, for insulation and additional protection, an underlayment is added to the bottom of this base layer. This base layer is pasted on top of the image layer (basically an image of stone, wood, or any other material). Lastly, a transparent and slim wear layer comes to protect the flooring from damage.
The laminate floor is very popular today thanks to many of its benefits such as being durable and long-lasting, easy to clean and maintain, cost-effective, and various colors and designs.
Common Sources of Damage to Laminate Flooring
While laminate flooring is quite tough and trendy, there can be issues that surface when it isn’t used correctly. Below are some common reasons that damage your laminate floor.
- Being late to clean any accidental spills might damage your floor. Cleaning laminate flooring immediately after the spills can avoid damage.
- Using the same mop for cleaning wet floors and dry floors can damage your laminate floor. Use a separate laminate floor mop for cleaning laminate floors.
- The same applies to the cleaning cloth. If you are using a cloth to clean your shower screens and bathtubs, do not use the same cloth for laminate floors.
- Using too much water and laminate floor cleaner can also affect on the laminate floor leading to its early wear and tear.
- While laminate floor cleaning, do not use any products that are not meant for laminate floors. Using such products can damage the shiny and glossy appearance of the laminate floors.
- Your pets can also be the reason for ruining the laminate floors. Make sure to trim the nails of your pet to avoid damage.
Ways to Clean Laminate Floors
Now that we had a look at what damages laminate and floating floors, it is time to know the best way to clean laminate floors.
Step 1: Vacuum Or Sweep Floors
To know how to clean floating floorboards and laminate floors, you need to begin by dusting, sweeping, or vacuum-cleaning the floor. Make sure that your dry clean the floor thoroughly. Dusting and sweeping the floor at the beginning will remove all the scratch-causing debris.
Step 2: Use a Cleaning Solution
Next, you need to use a cleaning solution to proceed. Make sure that you do not use excess solution. Also, choose the best laminate floor cleaner Australia, see the content on the label and analyze if it suits your floor, and always ensure that the solution you are using matches your floor. You can also try cleaning laminate floors with vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and other homemade cleaning solution if you are falling short of cash.
Step 3: Damp-Mop Laminate Floors
After applying the floor cleaning solution, you can also use opt for damp mopping once the floor cleaner is all dried up. However, make sure that you do not use excess water. Use separate buckets for clean and dirty water while mopping. Using excess water will let the water reside between the wooden floor and result in swelling, thereby ruining your laminate floors.
Step 4: Dry the Floors For a Shine
How to shine laminate floors? Once you are done with all the wet work, use a clean cloth for drying up the floor. This will instantly give a shine to your floors.
How Often Should You Clean Laminate Floors?
Laminate and floating floors must be vacuumed and dust mopped on a daily basis to get rid of any dirt that can lead to damaging the floor. Besides, you should look under rugs or carpets where may trap floor-scratching dirt. And, clean any accidental spills immediately if any.
In addition, clean floating floors every week, at least every two weeks, with a floor cleaner to increase the lifespan of your floor.
Conclusion
Cleaning laminate floors is not a difficult task. However, the key lies in knowing what damages laminate and how to prevent it. It is also important to understand the best way to clean laminate flooring and how often you should do it. Following all these tips can help keep your laminate floors well-maintained for years to come.
FAQ about How to Clean Laminate Floors
Professionals use the same material and method described above, like a canister vacuum, mop, cleaner or vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and warm water. Due to their extensive knowledge and experience, professionals know how to best use the cleaner or mix the floor cleaning solution to make your floor shiny.
To maintain your laminate flooring’s pristine condition, avoid any type of abrasive cleaning materials such as steel wool. To clear up dirt and crumbs, use a broom with soft bristles or a dust mop.
Besides, abrasive cleaners such as ammonia and bleach should be avoided completely since they lead to irreversible damage to your laminated floors.
In addition, avoid steam cleaning the laminate floor unless your floor has been specifically stated of supporting steam cleaning. Otherwise, it can loosen the top slim protective layer and ruin the surface.
Acetone, also known as nail polish remover, is an effective paint remover. All you need to do is take a cotton pad and apply a thin layer of acetone over the stain. Allow it to set for several minutes before attempting to swipe away the mess; sometimes multiple applications are necessary in order to fully remove all traces of the paint from your surface.
