How to Care for Laminate Flooring to Get Damage Deposit Back

The new floor in your home or apartment deserves special care to keep it looking beautiful. You don't need harmful cleaners or hours each week to maintain your laminate floor.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Broom & Dustpan
• Vacuum Cleaner with Attachements
• Squeeze Mop
• White Vinegar
• Large Bucket
• Rags
• Luke-warm Water
• Area Rugs

1. Before anyone walks into your home, make sure you have sufficient area rugs at the entrances and a spot to place shoes after removing them. This is where 90% of the dirt on your floor originates.

2. Sweep your floor thoroughly at least once per day. Vacuum your area rugs at least once per week, more often if soiled.

3. Cleaning Day: Sweep your floor, paying special attention to the corners and under the area rugs. You may also use the "floor" setting on your vacuum cleaner, if you have it, as well as the hose attachment. Hang area rugs outside, if possible, to air out while you are cleaning your floor.

4. Fill a large gallon bucket with tepid water, add 1/2-1 cup white vinegar.

5. Wet and then wring out your mop thoroughly. Starting at the point furthest from the sink, begin mopping the floor, bringing any dirty water TOWARDS you. This puts the filth on the area that has not yet been cleaned.

6. Continue until the entire floor is completed, getting fresh water / vinegar as needed. Yes, you will get stranded near the sink! Lay down 2 clean rags (or paper towels) and use those to "slide" across the floor to finish that last area.

7. Thoroughly rinse your mop head. Refill your bucket with water only, and repeat the steps above. This step is not necessary, but will remove any residue and dirt that may have been missed the first time.

8. Using your rags, slide around the floor, paying special attention to the edges under your cabinetry. Absorb any standing water.

Tips & Warnings

• If you desire, you may add 1/4 cup of household ammonia to the wash bucket, but will also require a thorough rinse.
• Floor cleaners are expensive, and very often leave a residue behind. It is this residue that ATTRACTS dirt, resulting in more frequent cleaning.
• Make sure your mop head is cleaned after each use, and replace when necessary.
• All furniture should have protective "slides" placed on the bottom, reducing the chance of scratches and tears.
• Never use a "scrubber" on your laminate flooring. This will damage the finish applied and result in a "dull" spot.
• For specialty floors, always read the manufacturer's instructions. Many require that you purchase their cleaning products. Check out what they contain, many are ammonia / vinegar based anyway, therefore you should be able to use this method.
• Never combine ammonia with ANY commercial cleaning product!! To do so may result in harmful or fatal fumes or possible explosion!