Home Flooring Guide

Laminate flooring is very popular among homeowners because it is affordable, does not easily scratch or stain, and resistant to water. However, it can be difficult to repair once it becomes damaged, so it is very important to care for your laminate flooring to keep it looking like new. Unlike other types of flooring, laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. 

Laminate flooring is made up of an external shell made of fiberglass or plastic. Cleaning this surface would be like cleaning any other piece of plastic. To keep your laminate flooring clean, a simple mop-up with cold water and gentle household cleanser would do.

Cleaning the seams of your laminate flooring is also easy. Laminate floors are usually installed as a single contiguous piece, so it has very few seams. The seams are usually located along the walls, door posts, and lintels. They are filled in with rubberized sealant to prevent moisture from seeping into the backing. You can clean them by using a small, soft-bristled household brush, cold water, and some mild detergent to scrub out the dirt.

When cleaning your laminate flooring, do not use abrasive cleaning tools such as steel wool or metal-bristled brushes. They can scratch at the laminate shell and expose the core underneath to moisture. The laminate shells do not harbor mold and mild, but the exposed cores do, so it it important to protect the shells from getting scratched. Also, using steel wool on your laminate flooring can ruin its finish. It is impossible to refinish it once it has been scratched or scuffed.

Do not use strong bleaches and other acids to clean your laminate flooring. Acids can break down the hard plastic surface, soften it, and completely wear it down. If your laminate floor is regularly treated with these cleaning agents, it can look dull over time. A dull surface is a sure sign that the laminate shell is severely worn. Also, strong cleaning agents are not necessary since your laminate flooring is airtight and not prone to mold and mildew infestation. When choosing a cleaning agent, get one with a pH level of seven. They should neither be acidic nor basic.

Do not scrub your laminate flooring with warm water. Heat always has a negative effect on plastic and it can cause the plastic laminating material to melt and eventually peel away.

Avoid wearing leather-soled shoes on bare laminate flooring. Once leather has been scuffed, it can be an abrasive material. Leather-soled shoes can leave gouges and scratch marks on your laminate floor. When at home, consider wearing flip-flops or going barefoot.

Keep pets away from laminate flooring, particularly dogs and cats, because they can leave large gouge marks on your floor. Their claws can quickly scratch the laminate shell and expose the core underneath.