Laminate Care and Maintenance: Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty

 




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.