Do’s and Dont’s of Laminate Floor Care
Laminate Floor Care begins with selection. When you purchase a laminate floor ask the salesperson for a copy of the laminate manufacturers laminate floor care instructions. Follow these instruction for your laminate floor care.
Don’t get taken in by a salesperson or infomercial and purchase a steamer or a wet cleaning system unless the laminate manufacturer’s instructions approve of these cleaning methods, and they will not.
Improper floor care will void your warranty. Beware and understand the care of the product before it is even purchased or installed.
Protect Floor from Scratching
While laminate flooring has a harder finish than many types of floor covering, all types of floors can loose their appearance from dirt. Abrasive soil scratches and cuts at a floor surface resulting in a dull appearance.
- Trap dirt, sand and grit by using doormats at outside entrances.
- Use felt protectors under chair, table and other furniture legs. On large items that may scratch a floor place a piece of felt under it.
- Use a dust mop or vacuum to remove loose dirt or grit. Avoid uprights or carpet attachments, as these may scratch the floor.
Cleaning Laminate Floors
- Sweep, dust, or vacuum with a flooring tool – never use a beater brush on a laminate floor.
- Damp mop with warm water; never saturate the floor, and change the water as necessary to keep it clean. Important: A damp mop is a very damp mop. A saturated map will damage your floor.
Cleaning Spots and Small Areas
- Use a clean damp cloth or clean sponge to wipe up most spots. Grease, chocolate, juice or wine. Use warm water and one of the following: mild detergent, vinegar or ammonia. (Never use excessive water)
- Crayon, asphalt, dried foods, shoe or nail polish, ink, paint or other materials that would stain most floors: Rub with a clean rag dampened with mineral spirits, denatured alcohol or acetone (nail polish remover). The room should be well ventilated.
- Candle wax, chewing gum harden with ice, then gently scrape with a blunt scraper. Wipe with warm water and a clean white cloth.
Don’t s of Laminate Floor Care
- Never clean with abrasive cleaners, scouring powder or steel wool.
- Do not sand, use wax, polish or varnish.
- Select the Correct Care Instructions: Always ask for and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions when purchasing a laminate floor to ensure proper maintenance and warranty validity.
- Avoid Inappropriate Cleaning Methods: Do not use steam cleaners or wet mops unless explicitly approved by the manufacturer, as improper cleaning can void the warranty.
- Protect the Floor from Scratches: Use doormats, felt protectors on furniture legs, and a dust mop or vacuum to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the floor surface.
- Do not allow liquid to stand on a floor.
The short time spent caring for your floor will keep it looking great for years. Improper floor care will void your warranty. Beware and understand the care of the product before purchase.
