How to Clean Laminate Flooring
Keeping your laminate floors clean and in good condition requires a few specific steps and practices. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
1. Regular Maintenance
- Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a soft-brush attachment. Sweep or vacuum in the direction the floor is laid to catch debris between the interlocking pieces. This helps to pick up loose dirt and prevent scratches .
- Wipe Spills Immediately: Clean up spills right away to prevent staining and water damage. Laminate floors are water-resistant but not waterproof .
2. Damp Mopping
- Damp Mop the Floors: Use a damp mop (not wet) to clean the floors. Avoid overly wet mopping, which can cause water to seep behind baseboards and damage the floor .
- Two-Bucket Method: Use two buckets—one for clean water and one for dirty water. This prevents spreading dirt around and causing streaks .
- Mop with Water or Mild Cleaner: Water is usually sufficient, but if needed, use a manufacturer-approved laminate floor cleaner or a small amount of vinegar mixed with water .
3. Drying the Floors
- Dry Floors After Mopping: If there is standing water, dry it with a microfiber cloth to prevent water damage .
- Steam Cleaning: Use a steam mop sparingly and ensure the floor is dried immediately afterward .
4. Stain Removal
For specific stains, follow these guidelines:
- Blood: Use a window cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth .
- Candle Wax: Let it harden, then scrape off with a plastic knife .
- Chewing Gum: Freeze with ice, then scrape off with a plastic knife .
- Grease and Tar: Use mineral spirits .
- Heel Marks: Rub with a pencil eraser .
- Ink and Crayon: Remove with rubbing alcohol .
- Nail Polish: Use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover sparingly .
- Red Wine: Wipe off with a damp cloth .
- Shoe Polish: Use rubbing alcohol .
5. Protective Measures
- Use Mats and Rugs: Place mats by exterior doors and use area rugs in high-traffic areas to reduce wear .
- Furniture Pads: Place felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches .
- Trim Pet Nails: Keep your pet’s nails trimmed to avoid scratches .
- Avoid Heels and Cleats: Remove shoes with hard soles before walking on the floor .
6. General Tips
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use wax, acrylic products, bleach, or oil-based cleaners as they can damage the floor’s finish .
- No Abrasive Tools: Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers as they can scratch the surface .
By following these steps, your laminate floors will remain clean and shiny for years to come.
A1Flooring(VIC) provides these products and categories in Australia especially in MELBOURNE.
