Once your laminate floor has been installed and looks gorgeous, you want to keep it that way, right? The truth is, keeping your flooring in pristine condition might seem like an arduous job, but it doesn’t have to be.
Unlike other floor types, laminate wood flooring is relatively low maintenance and there are lots of things you can do to keep it in good shape – like using a good quality laminate underlay to ensure a comfy underfoot for years to come.
Here we share a few top tips for caring for your laminate flooring:
Do
- Clean up spillages right away
- Regularly sweep the surface with a well-wrung mop or soft broom
- Place doormats and rugs by doors
Don’t
- Drag or push furniture around on laminate flooring
- Use abrasive cleaning products
- Over wet the laminate in a bid to remove stains
Cleaning laminate floors
With regards to what cleaning products you should use on your laminate wooden flooring, you must always refer to the manufacturer’s notes. Other than that, a soft broom and mop are quite sufficient for keeping your floors looking like new.
Of course, there are other (affordable) steps you can take to keep the floor clean, like asking everyone to remove their shoes at the door; and doormats are great for preventing dirt and debris from being trodden into the home.
Mixing one cup of vinegar with warm water can really bring the shine back. However, the most important thing to remember when mopping your flooring is that it isn’t waterproof. Soaking your floors can cause water spots or warping, that’s why you should only use a slightly damp mop.
Dealing with spills and dirt
As we’ve briefly mentioned, using an overly wet mop to clean up spillages is not advisable. If left too long, water can soak into the joins between the planks and into the laminate. Instead, use a damp cloth to remove the residue and follow up with a dry cloth.
Laminate flooring comes with a scratch-resistant surface and is commonly used in busy areas within the home. However, leaving dirt to build-up can cause scratches, which is why you should regularly sweep your floor – either using a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum with a hard floor attachment. Any excess dirt and dust can be removed and collected using a dry microfibre cloth.
Stain and scuff removal
Coffee? Red wine? Pasta Bolognese? Beetroot? These are all things that can stain if not mopped up quickly and, more importantly, effectively. Whilst there are many stain remover products on the market today, there is a simple solution for getting rid of pesky food stains from laminate flooring…
Try mixing washing up liquid with water and apply it directly to the stain. Rub with a sponge or cloth and leave to dry thoroughly. Alternatively, for tougher stains, leave baking soda on the stain overnight and wipe clean in the morning. Acetone or nail varnish remover can also help to eliminate the unsightly appearance of stains. Simply apply a small amount to a paper towel and wipe the floor in a scooping motion until the mark vanishes.
For shoe scuffs, quickly wipe the mark with a wet sponge and use a rubber eraser to rub along the wood’s grain. Repeat this process until the scuff has gone.
Another top tip to prevent scratches, scuffs and dents is to keep pet’s nails trimmed and place soft castors under chairs and table legs. If any furniture needs moving, be sure to lift it rather than dragging it.
Think it’s time to replace your laminate flooring?
Unfortunately, no matter how diligently you care for your flooring, it won’t last forever. So, if your floor is damaged beyond repair, or you’re simply wanting to upgrade the dull floors in your home, then be sure to check out the extensive range of styles on offer. And if you’re replacing the flooring, you might as well go the whole hog and invest in new laminate underlay too.
You must pick the right underlay as it adds a cushioned depth of comfort underfoot. It also helps with soundproofing and acts as a shock absorber and insulator, which means it protects the condition of your floor whilst saving you money on your energy bills.
Check out the fantastic range of laminate flooring underlay online at Carpet Underlay Shop today. They have a plethora of leading brands, including Royale™, Cloud 9 and Duralay to name just a few, and aim to dispatch orders made before 2pm – Monday to Friday – on the same day. So, you needn’t wait too long to get started on your new flooring project.