Laminate floors are not difficult to clean and care for if you follow these simple maintenance tips.
Laminate floors are gaining in popularity. This alternative to hard wood looks great and is easy to maintain. That makes them a good choice for family rooms and kitchens, as well as bedrooms and more formal areas of the house. If you're interested in having a laminate floor installed but aren't sure of the responsibility coming with it, perhaps this article can help.
The main thing you can do to keep your floor looking clean and fresh is to keep dirt from being tracked in. The best way to do this is to leave shoes at the door. If this isn't an option, make sure your friends and family thoroughly wipe their feet before entering your home.
Before placing furniture over a laminate floor, it's important to put something on the bottom of each item so it doesn't cause any damage. Furniture and hardware stores have many options, such as rubber and felt pieces, which can be put under the bottoms of chair legs. High heels should probably be removed before walking across a laminate floor and pet's nails should be neatly trimmed to avoid scratching. If you're going to be rearranging furniture, use a hand truck, dolly or furniture blanket so the floor doesn't get marred. Always place a protective matt under pet food and water bowls to avoid moisture damage.
To keep the floors from scratching or dulling because of everyday dust or tracked-in dirt, vacuum or sweep on a regular basis. Once a week or so, run a damp mop over the floor. Every so often it would be a good idea to clean the floor using a product specifically formulated for laminate floors. It's important the mop not be too wet as this can cause the floor to warp. It should go without saying that any spill should be wiped up immediately with a damp cloth or sponge. If the damage is beyond that which can be mopped up with a sponge, you might need to use an acetone-based cleaner such as nail polish remover. Your manufacturer will also have recommendations. When using any chemicals, however, it might be wise to test the product in a hidden area first to make sure no further damage will be incurred. It should also go without saying that nothing abrasive should be used to clean a laminate floor as this will only cause damage. Avoid strong ammonia-based cleaners as well. There's no need to wax, buff, polish or sand laminate flooring.
If the floor is damaged, some of the boards may need to be replaced. When in doubt call the manufacturer or installation agent for recommendations.
It's important to note that laminate floors can be slippery. If you'll be placing area rugs on the floor, be sure to place a product underneath to prevent slipping and skidding. Your floor's care instructions will have recommendations for the best type of non-skid product for under the rug; in most cases something made from vinyl is recommended.
Laminate floors not only look good, they're easy to maintain. Because they're not as delicate or expensive as hard wood, they make an appealing alternative. Even so, these floors require a bit of care. Your owner's manual will provide you with specific tips, and common sense should always prevail. Maintained properly, laminate floors will last for years.
