Cleaning-Laminate-Floors

Cleaning-laminate-floors is just as important as cleaning the other fine furnishings in your home. If you're trying to decide on which type of floor use... and you've already checked out my DIY-Flooring Page, knowing what's expected in order to properly upkeep laminate flooring can be a determining factor in which floor you decide to use. If you follow my DIY flooring, maintenance and cleaning tips, caring for your laminate floors are a breeze.

Regular Maintenance is easy with laminate floors since the top layer is hard and compact and don't allow dirt or dust to adhere easily. However, don't use regular carpet and floor cleaners, they could damage or dull the finish. What I recommend is to choose a hardwood floor cleaning product specifically made for your floors finish. Check with the manufacturer of your floors... sometimes they make cleaning products as well. Basically you need to know what the finish of the floor has, for instance... Don't use wax on a urethane finish.

• Everyday cleaning is easy with a dust mop or vacuum (with a hard-floor attachment) especially between planks and around edges... Occasionally you'll want to use a damp cotton or cloth mop. Sometimes it's easier to let mud or grit dry and then sweep it up, but if you've got a liquid spill, clean that up right away to prevent water damage.
• Heavier cleaning-laminate-floors requires a cleaner or a mix of household vinegar and water (1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon warm water) or try ammonia and water (1/3 cup ammonia to 1 gallon warm water). Again, check with your manufacturer cause soap or detergent based cleaners (like the wax) could leave a filmy dull residue.

Protecting Your Floor is especially necessary in high traffic areas.

• Put protective (like felt) coasters on the feet of your couch and coffee table and be sure to keep Fido's nails clipped to prevent scratches.
• Place area rugs down in high traffic areas and mats inside any exterior doors to catch dirt and debris (like gavel) to prevent the floor from getting scratched.
• Avoid sliding heavy objects across the floor lift them (with help) instead. Minor damage can usually be repair with a wood putty, worst case it can be removed and another slat put into place. (So... don't throw that left-over flooring away).

Spot cleaning-laminate-floors when the inevitable happens. Most finishes are stain resistant so this should be a snap.

• If you've got candle wax or chewing gum just let it harden and you can scrape it off with a blunt plastic scraper (use a spatula if you don't have one).
• If you've got kids, you may end up with some crayon, marker, lipstick, ink, nail polish... or even tar - use acetone/nail polish remover or denatured alcohol.
• Use lukewarm water or a non-abrasive cleaner (like ammonia and water) for wine, chocolate, grease or juice.

That's about it... cleaning-laminate-flooring is a great product and manufacturers are improving it all the time. It's not only easy to install but it's easy to maintain as well.