Hey, my fellow homebodies! If you have laminate flooring, then you know it is one swell and fairly reasonable choice for beautifying your home. It looks like hardwood but is way easier to maintain! But, how exactly would you keep those showy planks looking neat?
No need to worry, read out this ultimate guide to cleaning laminate flooring.
Laminate Flooring Construction: How It Works
So, what is laminate flooring? It is not just a solid piece of wood; instead, it’s a multi-layer wonder! On top comes the hard protective coating, then a design layer made from wood or stone. Later on, the core layer gives stability and the backing layer prevents moisture.
Because of this layered nature, it would be resistant to scratches and fading, but one must treat it with care nonetheless. Heavy-duty cleaners? No way!
Gather Cleaning Supplies
Well, before we get started, let us make sure you have all you need to tackle those floors. You are going to want a broom or a vacuum-just make sure it’s set for hard floors so you don’t scratch anything.
For this, a microfiber mop will be your best friend since it is soft and picks up dust like a pro. For your cleaning solution, stick with something made for laminate, specifically, or mix up a little DIY concoction with vinegar and water. Finally, a couple of dry towels will come in handy should there be any spills or extra messes.
Daily Cleaning Made Easy!
With easy-peasy cleaning methods, your laminate floors don’t have to be such a chore. For everyday maintenance, you can literally just break out the broom or vacuum. This lets you quickly go over the floors.
Seriously, this takes only a few minutes! By keeping up with the dust and dirt, you will not need to deep clean nearly as much, which is a win in my book. Plus, your feet will thank you for walking on a much cleaner surface.
Spot Cleaning for Quick Fixes
Accidents happen! For spot cleaning, grab your damp microfiber cloth and a bit of your mild cleaner. Just wet the cloth-just damp, don’t soak it!-and gently wipe the area. If you have a tougher stain, let the cleaner sit for a minute before wiping.
Make sure to dry off afterwards, since laminate does not agree well with standing water.
Deep Cleaning Your Floors
Now that we have daily and spot cleaning down, let’s get to the deeper clean. Give your laminate floors a deeper clean every 1-3 months, depending on the traffic and messy factor of your home. First, take your microfiber mop and dampen that with your cleaning solution. Remember, less is more much liquid will have your laminate swelling or warping.
Now, mop the floor in sections. Move your mop with the planks. This will help you avoid streaks and make sure you see the place you missed. Don’t be afraid of frequently changing water inside your mop bucket when it gets dirty. Allow the floor to air dry after you are finished or use a dry microfiber towel to speed the process along.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
Avoid using anything too harsh. When it comes to cleaning, skip ammonia, bleach, and wax, which could damage your laminate’s finish. Instead, look for gentle cleaners specifically designed for laminates, or make your own by mixing solutions like vinegar and water.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Floors in Good Shape
Let’s make those floors even better! Place furniture pads under the couch, chair, and table legs. This is such a simple solution that makes all the difference in the world. If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed so those little paws will not give you those scratches.
Area rugs are another fantastic means to protect high-traffic areas and add a pop of style to make sure they’re non-slip!
DONTS: What to Avoid While Cleaning
Now, here is a quick list of cleaning some forbidden things. Don’t use steam cleaners, as these can bring about moisture issues and warping; also avoid harsh chemicals and oil-based cleaners, as these do leave your floors that dull, greasy look.
And seriously, get rid of those stiff-bristle brushes- your floors will thank you!
Admire your Sparkling floors!
After all that cleaning, step back and admire your work! Nothing Quite does the trick as well as a vision of sparkling floors to make your house feel fresh and inviting. Not only that but maintaining laminate in top shape extends its lifetime, meaning you’re saving some serious cash over time.
Conclusion: Shine On!
And that’s a wrap! Cleaning laminate flooring is quite effortless once you understand the right techniques involved and have at your disposal the right tools for the job. A little day-to-day loving, some speedy spot cleaning, and a deep clean now and again will have your laminate gleaming for many years to come.