How to Care For A Laminate Floor

Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years. It's easy to install with just a few tools, even if you're a homeowner with no experience. Laminate floor is durable and attractive. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors to suit any décor--such as wood grain or stone tile--making it a versatile flooring choice for most homes. It's also relatively inexpensive, costing as little as $1.50 per square foot. This makes it an affordable choice when compared to pricier hardwood flooring.

One of the best aspects of laminate flooring is its "easy care" feature. Caring for your laminate floor is a simple matter. Just follow these easy steps and your floor will stay beautiful for years.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Floor cleaner
• Mop
• Broom

1. Watch out for sharp edges. Although laminate floor is very durable, it can be scratched by sharp edges. Cover the feet of your tables and chairs with self-stick felt pads. They come in a variety of sizes and can be cut to fit. These felt pads will help your tables and chairs slide easily over the floor without scratching the surface.

2. Mop up puddles quickly. If you spill your beverage or drip some water on your laminate flooring, make sure you clean up the mess quickly. Liquid that sits on the floor for a long period of time could, potentially, seep into the cracks. Your laminate flooring will then absorb this liquid, causing the floor planks to swell and warp. Whenever you notice spilled liquid on your laminate floor, make sure you mop it up and dry the surface as soon as possible.

3. Use a soft broom. Hard brooms--like corn brooms--could scratch the surface of your laminate flooring. A soft plastic broom or even a string mop is a better choice for removing bits of dirt and debris from your floor. Another great option is a Swiffer-type mop that uses a soft cloth to basically "dust" your floor. These types of brooms are soft enough to prevent any scratches on your laminate flooring.

4. Use laminate floor cleaner. Because the surface of your laminate floor is different from hardwood or tile, you need a special laminate floor cleaner when it's time to clean your floor. You can purchase it at most hardware stores or a store that sells laminate flooring. Spray a light mist over the surface of your floor and then use a Swiffer-type mop or a terry cloth rag to buff your laminate flooring clean.

5. Scatter some rugs. A few throw rugs (with rubber backing to prevent slips) in the right spots can help keep your floor looking beautiful. Try putting a rug by entrances to remove pebbles and stones from visitor's shoes. Consider placing one by sinks where water spillage is a concern. You might also want to place a rug beneath cabinets or pantries that contain heavy items--like canned food--which can chip or scratch your laminate flooring if they're dropped.