Are your laminate floors losing their lustre? Wondering how to keep them looking as good as new? With a bit of love and a few simple steps, you can breathe new life into your flooring and make it last much longer.
Avoid costly replacements and learn how to extend the life of laminate flooring with these helpful tips. From laminate floor scratch prevention to proper maintenance, we've got you covered in this laminate flooring maintenance guide.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: The First Step to Longevity
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Tips
Keeping your laminate floors looking great is easier than you think! One of the best ways to maintain laminate floors is by sweeping or vacuuming every day (if you can) to get rid of dirt, dust, and tiny pieces that might scratch the surface. If you use a vacuum, make sure it has a hard floor attachment to keep things smooth and scratch-free.
Robot vacuums can be a great addition to your laminate flooring routine, especially if you have pets that shed. Choose models with a hard floor setting to prevent damage to your laminate surfaces. Remember to empty the dustbin and check the wheels for debris to ensure optimal performance.
Once a week, use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop to eradicate dirt without causing any water damage; we don't want any swelling floors! Try to avoid traditional mops that leave puddles behind (your floors will thank you).
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
Picking the right cleaning products is key to keeping your laminate floors looking great. The best products for cleaning laminate flooring are mild, pH-balanced and made just for these floors. Avoid harsh chemicals, steam mops, or too much water; they can harm the laminate and cause swelling. Stick with gentle cleaners and a slightly damp mop to keep your floors clean and shiny. Read our helpful guide for more cleaning tips for laminate flooring!
Preventing Scratches and Dents
Furniture Pads and Rugs
Step one of how to prevent scratches on laminate flooring: protect your floors from heavy furniture and sharp objects! Luckily, protecting laminate flooring from damage is easier than you think. Felt furniture pads are a lifesaver for heavy items like sofas, chairs, and tables. These pads spread out the weight and cut down on friction.
Throwing a few rugs around is also a great idea, especially in busy spots like hallways, living rooms, and entryways. And remember, always lift your furniture instead of dragging it to keep those floors looking nice and scratch-free!
Pet and Footwear Precautions
This is one of those laminate floor maintenance tips you might not think about until it's too late. While laminate flooring is generally durable, it can still be scratched or dented by sharp pet claws or high heels. Keep your pets' nails trimmed to avoid scratches. Try a no-shoe rule inside, but if that’s tough, go for cosy, soft-soled slippers to keep the floor looking great.
Handling Spills and Stains
Quick Response is Key
Handling spills on laminate flooring requires prompt action to prevent damage. Imagine accidentally knocking over a glass of water or juice; the liquid could quickly seep into the seams if not addressed right away. This might cause the seams to swell and warp, affecting the appearance and durability of your floor.
So, as soon as a spill happens, grab a soft cloth and gently blot the area. You want to absorb the liquid without spreading it or causing further damage. Remember, rubbing too hard can scratch or mess up the laminate's surface, so it's best to be gentle.
Tackling Stains: Dos and Don’ts
When dealing with common stains like grease, ink, or pet accidents, start by using a damp cloth paired with a mild cleaner. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing methods, as these can scratch and damage the laminate surface.
If you encounter a particularly tough stain that won't come off easily, try applying a small amount of cleaner directly to the spot. Then, gently rub the area until you see the stain begin to lift. Remember, the key is to be gentle yet persistent, ensuring you keep your surfaces looking great without causing any harm.
Repairing Minor Damage to Keep Floors Looking New
Filling Scratches and Chips
Little scratches and chips are bound to happen, but fixing minor laminate flooring damage is easier than you think! Most flooring suppliers sell kits for DIY laminate floor repairs that include wax pencils, putty, or touch-up markers. These tools help hide those pesky marks so your floor looks great again. Just follow the instructions in the kit, and you'll be all set.
Replacing Damaged Planks
If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace individual planks. Fortunately, laminate flooring is designed to be easy to install and replace, so you don't have to worry about costly repairs. This can often be a DIY task, or you can opt to have a professional handle it for a seamless fix.
Pro tip: Make sure to keep extra planks handy from the original installation for future repairs!
Additional Tips for Long-Term Care
Managing Sunlight Exposure
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade some types of laminate flooring. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window films to protect the flooring from UV damage. This will keep your floors looking bright and fresh, like the day they were installed!
Seasonal Care Considerations
Best practices for laminate floors also include seasonal care. Keeping your indoor humidity just right is key to stopping laminate floors from expanding or shrinking. Depending on your needs, consider using a humidifier or dehumidifier. In winter, try putting mats at your doors to keep out salt and dirt from the snow that can scratch your floors.
Summary
Keeping your laminate flooring in great shape is easier than you think! With some regular cleaning, a little prevention, and quick fixes when needed, your floors can look amazing for years. Try these tips to keep your floors beautiful and long-lasting.
If you'd like more advice on how to care for laminate floors, tips for laminate floor cleaning, or home flooring protection tips in general, check out our other helpful resources:
Shop Best4Flooring’s range of products to help with all your laminate flooring care. Our friendly staff is ready to give you extra advice so you can really make the most out of your floors!
