Looking After Your Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has gained in popularity over time against the more expensive hard wood alternative. This is due in the main to its affordability and durability. To ensure your laminate flooring maintains its pristine appearance and lasts for years, it's essential to follow proper care and cleaning practices. In this article, we'll explore how to keep your laminate flooring looking good and how to clean it effectively.

Prevention is better than the cure

The best way to keep your laminate looking new and fresh is to avoid doing things that can cause scratches and damage in the first place. I know, it sounds a little obvious in hindsight.

• Try to place doormats at entrances to capture dirt and debris that can scratch your laminate's surface, and remove your shoes when indoors.
• Be cautious with footwear like high heels, and try to keep your pet's claws clipped, as they can both leave marks on the surface.
• Consider using rugs in high-traffic areas to help reduce direct wear and tear.
• Use felt or rubber pads on the legs of your furniture to prevent scratches and scuffs when moving things around, or try to use furniture sliders.

Regular Cleaning

A quick sweep with a soft bristled brush or a regular vacuum will remove loose dirt and dust. Try to use a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor setting or attachment to prevent abrasive particles from scratching the surface.

For regular cleaning, use a microfiber mop with a small amount of water or a specially formulated laminate floor cleaner. Minimise the water used to prevent long-term damage caused by repeated exposure, as laminate is vulnerable to expansion and lifting if it absorbs excessive moisture, especially along its joins. If you opt for a traditional mop, ensure it's thoroughly wrung out, almost to the point of being dry, before starting to use it.

Stains and Spills

Avoid the use of harsh chemicals, ammonia, wax-based cleaners, or abrasive materials during cleaning, as they have the potential to cause lasting damage. When uncertain about a cleaner's compatibility with your laminate, consider conducting a test on a spare board beforehand.

• Try to act quickly. Blot up liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. For solid spills, gently scrape them away with a plastic spatula or your fingernail.
• Use a laminate-specific cleaner or a mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap for tougher stains.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and excessive water, as these can damage the laminate.
• Never steam clean. Avoid steam cleaners at all costs, as the high heat and moisture can damage the laminate's protective layer.

Deep Cleaning

You should periodically perform a deep clean to remove built-up grime and restore some shine to your laminate floor. There are two methods we recommend you use, but whichever you choose, you should sweep the area thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush beforehand to remove any excess dust and dirt.

Firstly, you can use a microfibre mop in conjunction with a laminate floor spray cleaner; this is probably the easiest option. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle, and you will have sparkling laminate floors in no time.

Secondly we have the homemade DIY version. For this, you will need a microfibre mop, a bucket, some baking soda, white vinegar, and unscented dishwashing soap. Once you have everything to hand, start by lightly sprinkling the baking soda over the floor and leaving it to sit for 10-15 minutes.

While you are waiting, mix 4 litres of water with 250ml of white vinegar and a teaspoon of dishwashing soap in your bucket. Dampen your microfibre mop lightly with the solution and apply it to the floor. Start in one corner and move towards the opposite corner of the room. Work your way down the room, going side-to-side to avoid trapping yourself. Once you're finished, dry the floor with some kitchen roll or a towel. Ensure the floor is completely dry to prevent moisture damage.

Remember not to use an excessive amount of water.

Things To Avoid

• Avoid using excessive water; we cannot state this enough. It will cause swelling and warping and ruin the floor.
• Do not use abrasive tools like steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface.
• Avoid using wax or polish, as they can make your floors incredibly slippery and a hazard to walk on.

How do I remove shoe scuffs from my laminate?

Just wiping them off with a damp sponge should be sufficient, or you can use a rubber eraser along the grain of the wood. Don't use a plastic or gritty eraser, as that might actually cause damage.

How do I remove chewing gum from my laminate flooring?

The best thing to do here is wait for it to dry and then scrape it up gently using a spatula or plastic scraper. Once it's removed, simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth. This method will also work nicely for hot candle wax as well.

Can I fix scratches on my laminate floor?

Yes you can, depending on how badly damaged the floor is. If it's only a light surface scratch, you can use a specialist pencil or marker to help hide the damage. If the scratch is quite deep, you will likely need a laminate flooring repair kit, which will come with a special putty or wax that needs to be applied to the scratch. Every repair kit is different, so we would advise you to follow the instructions that come with the one you choose for the best results.

In the worst case scenario, you can replace the seriously damaged planks; you may want to keep a few spare when your flooring is fitted for this purpose.

By following these tips, you can keep your laminate flooring looking great for years to come. Regular maintenance and gentle cleaning will preserve its beauty and durability, making it a practical and attractive choice for your home.

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