Maintaining your laminate flooring, while seems easy, can be problematic.. from what you use on the floor, to cleaning agents, and more.
Before you get to cleaning, please consider consulting the manufacturer’s instructions for your floors. The brand may have specific recommendations based on the materials used. Most companies have detailed product guides and instructions on how to clean laminate floors on their websites.
Steam cleaning, sound like a good idea, right? But, actually, you should not use a wet steam mop on laminate flooring. Please check out the manufacturers’ cautions and avoid letting hot steam lead to damaged hardwood planks on your laminate floors, as for example, it can cause warping!
Basic cleaning
1. Use a soft cloth or soapy sponge when cleaning laminates.
The day-to-day cleaning of laminates can be carried out using any soft cloth like microfiber or a soapy sponge. In case of any stubborn marks or stains, make sure to only use organic solvents such as spirit and acetone or any non-harmful liquid or cream. You can also use proprietary window cleaners that are safe and do not leave any dry marks.
2. Immediately remove persistent marks and stubborn stains.
Laminates are non-porous in nature, which makes them highly resistant to stains, however, allowing any stains to sit on the surface for a long time can lead to discoloration. It is, therefore, advisable to immediately remove any stains with appropriate solvents, liquids or creams.
3. Pay special attention to laminates with textured finishing.
Laminates with textured finishing require more attention as compared to those with non-textured finishing. Textured laminates require deeper cleaning, which is why you should use a nylon bristle brush along with recommended cleaning agents to get the best results.
Some things to remember
1. Don’t use any sharp objects or abrasive materials.
While laminates are scratch resistant and can withstand wear and tear from daily use, one should avoid using any sharp objects or abrasive materials such as steel scrubbers and scouring pads. They can cause irreversible damage to the laminate sheets, robbing them of their beautiful aesthetics and charm.
2. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Laminates tend to fade when directly exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. Avoid placing any furniture with laminate sheets surfacing in a position where they are directly exposed to the sunlight. There are many ways you can tone down the intensity of sunlight coming through areas such as windows to protect laminate surfaces from discoloration.
3. Avoid strong cleaners with harmful chemicals.
Never use any cleaners with strong chemicals as they can damage the surfaces of laminate sheets. You should also avoid using bleaching agents, wax furniture polishes, and cleaning products with strong acidic or alkali bases.