With its hardwood appearance, low maintenance qualities and value for money, there’s little to dislike about laminate flooring! But of course, as with any flooring, taking the time to care for it adds to its longevity. So don’t make your floor a chore, read on to find out how to put the sparkle in your step with our expert guide on cleaning and caring for your laminate flooring, starting with some top tips on how to keep your flooring as fresh as the day it was laid.
House Rules
- Removing your shoes goes a long way to protecting your flooring. Not only will it reduce the amount of dirt brought into your home but it will also stop any unnecessary dents caused by heels, football boots or anything else that would create unsightly marks.
- Use a doormat to brush off any excess dirt before entering your home.
- Mop up any spills as quickly as possible to avoid any moisture from penetrating the boards.
Pets
- Always wipe pets muddy paws before letting them loose on your flooring, as well as keeping their nails nice and trimmed too. This again reduces the amount of potential dirt and scratches.
- Place a non-slip mat under their water bowl to reduce the amount of water soaking through the flooring.
Furniture and Living Areas
- When placing furniture on laminate flooring it’s worth popping some felt pads under each leg to reduce the number of scuffs, scrapes and dents.
- When moving furniture around, resist the urge to slide, always make sure it is lifted then carefully lowered into place.
- Using rugs and runners on laminate flooring is not only a great way to add a pop of colour to your decor, but it also helps to keep your flooring at it’s best, especially in high traffic areas, and it also cuts down on the level of noise too.
Mops, Microfibre and Moisture
- Little and often is the key to maintaining your flooring. A quick sweep at the end of the day reduces the amount of build-up, therefore, the amount of deeper cleaning and mopping you have to do, but of course, only you know the amount of traffic your flooring sees, so if you only need mop once a week then great, but if you have a busy home with children, pets and partners then bring out the mop more often, your floors will thank you for it.
- Never use a string mop and bucket or one that is too wet as laminate doesn’t react kindly to water. If too much moisture seeps into the flooring, you will find that it begins to bow and lift the boards as the water expands. But fear not as there are so many nifty mop systems out there now, so you can get your gleam on while waiting for the kettle to boil, as quick as that!
- Microfibre is your new best friend. It collects dust effortlessly and always leaves a streak-free shine. Use a damp (not wet) microfibre cloth or mop to whizz around your floors in no time.
- Always use laminate compatible products. Some chemicals can be too harsh on laminate so it’s worthwhile double-checking before you spritz away.
- Keep your mops and cloths close by to mop up any mud or spills as they happen.
How To Clean Laminate Flooring
So now we know how to look after our floors, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making them shine!
- A quick vacuum or sweep up to remove any visible dirt, hairs, food or anything else that’s made its way to the floor.
- Take your specific laminate floor cleaner (or see below for a homemade laminate floor cleaner). Remember, it must be compatible or you run the risk of stripping the top layer of your boards, resulting in dull, lacklustre floors. Dilute with water if necessary (if not already in a spray bottle).
- Lightly spritz the floor, or mop itself, with the solution, then, begin cleaning your floors making sure you go with the grain in smooth strokes for a streak-free shine.
- Allow to air dry, et voilà, beautiful floors before your eyes.
What Is The Best Homemade Laminate Floor Cleaner?
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective cleaning solution using only your kitchen favourites then check out this quick and easy recipe below.
- Using 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar, simply mix the solution together and pop it into a clean spray bottle, it’s that simple. You could even add a few drops of your favourite Zoflora, which I’m sure we don’t need to tell you but is packed with antibacterial and antiviral properties not to mention a dreamy scent that will fill your home for beautiful hygienic flooring. Alternatively, add a few drops of essential oil for a custom made scent you will love to use.
Take a look through our range of pay weekly laminate flooring. Available in a selection of finishes, allowing you to find the perfect look to add to your home.
