Spring cleaning often means a frantic battle against grimy floors. But what if you could keep your laminate looking fantastic year-round? Prevention is key! Here are some simple strategies to ensure your laminate floors stay beautiful and dirt-free for years to come.
Want laminate floors that shine year-round? Skip the spring cleaning scramble!
Dex Flooring offers high-quality laminate flooring and expert advice to keep it looking beautiful. Download our free guide for 7 simple steps to laminate bliss!
7 Steps to Laminate Flooring Bliss
Laminate floors add beauty and style, but keeping them pristine requires a little effort. Here’s how to ensure your floors stay looking new for years to come:
- Welcome Mat Magic: Your entryway sees the most foot traffic, making it vulnerable to scratches from debris. Place a high-quality welcome mat outside to trap dirt and a softer one inside to catch any lingering particles.
- Mopping Marvels: Regular mopping removes dirt and protects your floor. Use a squeegee mop to minimize moisture, as excess water can damage the seams. For most cleaning, a diluted dish soap solution in warm water works wonders.
- Pampered Paws: We love pets, but their claws can scratch laminate. Regular nail trims minimize the risk of damage.
- Furniture Felts: Even light furniture can leave indentations. Apply felt pads to the bottoms of furniture, especially heavy pieces, to distribute weight and prevent scratches.
- Lift, Don’t Drag: Dragging furniture creates friction and scratches. When rearranging, lift furniture to avoid damaging both the floor and the furniture itself.
- Rugs for High Traffic: High-traffic areas like entryways wear out faster. Placing a stylish rug in these zones adds a decorative touch while protecting your floor.
- Humidity Harmony: Maintain a balanced humidity level in your home. Excessive humidity can cause warping, while very dry conditions can make the floorboards shrink and separate. Additionally, avoid soaking your laminate floor, as the wood can expand and cause damage.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your laminate floors looking beautiful and ensure they last for years to come.
Use doormats to prevent scratches
Laminate floors, while resilient, can still be susceptible to scratches from everyday wear and tear. The culprit? Tiny, abrasive debris like gravel and sand tracked in from outside. Here’s where doormats become your laminate’s best friend.
Place a high-quality doormat at each entrance to your home. Choose one with a coarse surface that effectively traps dirt and debris before it gets tracked onto your beautiful floors. Consider a double doormat system: a scraper mat outside to remove the worst of the grime, followed by a softer, more absorbent mat inside to capture any lingering particles.
But the magic doesn’t stop there! Develop a “no shoes inside” habit. Encourage everyone entering your home to remove their shoes at the door. This simple step dramatically reduces the amount of debris reaching your laminate. Plus, it’s a chance to unwind and slip into some comfy slippers – a win-win for both your floors and your feet!
Use the correct vacuum attachment
We all have that go-to vacuum attachment, the one we use on autopilot for every cleaning job. But when it comes to laminate floors, specialization is key!
Most modern vacuums come with a variety of attachments, and for laminate, the “hard floor setting” or a specific hard floor brush is your best friend. These attachments typically have softer bristles or microfibers that gently pick up dust and debris without scratching the delicate surface of your laminate.
Don’t worry, you can still vacuum your laminate floors daily without worry of damage – as long as you’re using the right tool for the job. If you’re unsure about your current vacuum’s capabilities, consult the manual or manufacturer’s website. Taking this extra step will ensure your floors stay sparkling clean for years to come.
And when it’s time to upgrade your trusty vacuum, consider models specifically designed for hard floors and laminates. These vacuums often have additional features like improved suction control and even more specialized attachments to tackle every cleaning challenge on your laminate floors.
Mop regularly
Laminate floors add a touch of elegance and style to any home, but keeping them looking their best requires consistent care. Mopping regularly is key to removing dust, dirt, and everyday grime, but how often and with what tools is crucial to avoid damaging the floor.
Here’s where the trusty squeegee mop comes in. Unlike traditional mops that retain a lot of water, a squeegee mop allows you to wring out most of the moisture before cleaning. This is vital for laminate floors, as excess water can seep into the seams between planks, causing warping or swelling.
- Frequency: Unless you have a high-traffic household with pets or frequent guests, mopping every other week should be sufficient. For homes with more activity, weekly mopping might be necessary.
- Cleaning Solution: Skip the expensive specialty floor cleaners. For most everyday cleaning needs, a solution of heavily diluted dishwashing liquid in warm water works wonders. Aim for a ratio of about a half-cup of dish soap to a gallon of warm water.
- The Shine Factor: For an extra dose of shine, laminate floor manufacturers often sell specialty products designed to enhance the luster of your floors. However, the diluted dish soap solution will provide a good baseline clean in most cases.
