Laminate flooring is making waves in the world of design. It is stylish, affordable, and looks like an expensive hardwood but doesn't put a hole in your pocket because it is budget friendly. No matter how sturdy they are, they are not going to stay beautiful without proper maintenance. The article discusses tips that will help you keep your laminate flooring looking as good as new.
The Basic Care
These
are the things to do from day to day to ensure the laminate maintains
its beauty. Routine care is the best option.
Sweep the dirt
Dust,
dirt, and grit are the bane of a laminate existence. These tiny
particles cause micro-scratches that make its dull over time. You
should sweep or vacuum the floors daily or a couple of times a week.
A soft-bristled brush is all you need, but if you choose to use a
vacuum, make sure it is good for hardwood or bare floor
Mop don't Drench
A
common myth is that laminate
sheets
are waterproof. While they may handle a little moisture, too much
water can damage them. The trick is to remember damp, not drenched.
Do not drench your floor with water when mopping. The water can seep
into the seams and cause swelling and warping.
Don't let the dirt in
Prevention
is better than cure. The best way to keep your laminate clean is to
avoid introducing dirt in the first place. Make use of doormats at
every entrance. You can even have no shoe policy
Clear Spills immediately
Acting promptly will help keep your laminate in good condition for a long time. As soon as something spills, use a dry cloth to clean it up.
Advanced Tips
Basic
cleaning is effective in the day-to-day upkeep of the house. But
there are other things you can do beyond cleaning as preventive
measures.
Fix minor scratches
Scratches
cannot be avoided especially in busy places of the house like the
kitchen and sitting area, or a house with children and pets. Laminate
repair kits are available and come in various colours to match your
flooring. Once you clean the area properly to remove the dust, use
the repair kit wax stick to carefully fill the scratch.
Pad your Furniture
When
you drag furniture—maybe to clean, pick something up from
underneath, or change your setup—some scratches can be hard to
ignore. The solution is to attach felt pads to the legs of your
furniture or wheels so they can roll or slide. This makes it easy to
move the furniture around without damaging your laminate flooring.
Protect against wear and tear
You
should make use of mats and rugs in the hallway entryways or in the
kitchen to shield your laminate from everyday wear and tear. Also, do
not drag heavy items across the floor.
Yearly Inspection
Being careful and acting promptly is good. However, from time to time, get a professional who can identify what could become a serious issue like a loose plank or water damage
Tips on What to Avoid
Having
taken a look at the dos, this part covers the don’ts.
Using Hard materials
You
will do more harm than good when cleaning your laminate if you choose
to use hard materials like scouring pads or hard-bristled brushes.
They can leave permanent marks on the surface.
Using Harsh Chemicals
Harsh
chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or oil-based cleaners will remove the
top casting of the laminate floor. If you do not find products
labelled laminate safe, you can DIY it by mixing water with mild dish
soap.
Using
steam Cleaners
They may seem convenient, but they are too harsh for laminate floors. The high heat and moisture can weaken the adhesive.
Conclusion
The tips are to help you keep your decorativelaminate floors looking as good as they did from the first day. Some of the things to remember are to clean from time to time, pad your furniture under, use mats and avoid using harsh chemicals. Most importantly you should act immediately to resolve any issues before they become complicated.