How to Maintain and Clean your Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors are a great alternative to hardwood floors. Not only is it cost-effective but it’s easy to maintain. If properly cared for your laminate floors will maintain its beauty and give you many years of enjoyment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• sponge
• micro fiber mop
• vinegar
• water
• felt
• laminate flooring
• wide base casters
• repair kits
• broom

1. 

   First comes first. Toss out the detergents, cleaners, soap, waxes, and harsh chemicals. Unfortunately, these products will leave a film that is simply unforgiving by leaving your floors dull and may possibly discolor your floors.

2. 

   Instead of using the cleaners mentioned above treat your floors to with a broom, damp mop, or a light vacuum with a hard floor attachment. In most cases a sponge works great for spot cleaning.

3. 

   Never use scrubbing pads or sandpaper on the floor. If the stain is stubborn continue to sponge clean it or use a damp mop. Simply mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of vinegar or mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle to spot clean.

4. 

   To minimize scratches it’s best to sweep your floors on a daily basis.

5. 

   Never use a jet mop or a wet mop. Unfortunately, laminate floors are not waterproof. Instead use a damp mop or a micro fiber mop.

6. 

   Never wax or polish your laminate floors. The gloss on the protective layer is just enough. In fact many manufactures for laminate floors recommend you to not polish or wax your flooring.

7. 

   When moving furniture remember to lift instead of scooting the furniture across the room. In addition, it’s probably a good idea to use felt pads or wide base casters under all pieces of furniture to help prevent chipping, gouging or scratching.

8. 

   If chipping or gouging does occur there are repair kits located at any home improvement store.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use harsh chemicals, detergents, soaps on laminate flooring
• Never polish or sand your floors
• Never use a wet mop on the laminate floors

[miasavc]

on 2/15/2009 Very timely article! I need these tips! :-))