Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homes, not least because it’s made from wood composite rather than solid hardwood, making it a more cost-effective option than a solid wood floor. Laminate brings a contemporary edge to your home, and is available in many different tones, so is sure to complement your existing interiors. Keeping it clean is relatively simple, although there are areas in which you ned to exercise some care to avoid ruining it; read on for some hints and tips.
Running a vacuum cleaner over your floor is a good way to keep on top of any dust and fluff that accumulates, although if your vacuum cleaner has rollers it is advisable to turn off the rotating brush to avoid scratching the flooring and scattering dust everywhere! If your vacuum cleaner rollers do not turn off, sweeping the floor with a soft dry broom is a good alternative.
If your floor is in a high-traffic area, it’s worth giving it a mop every week; for lesser used areas, once a month will suffice. Use a small amount of warm water to avoid saturating the floor, or a spray cleaner manufactured specifically for your type of flooring. It may sound obvious, but please do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or anything else likely to damage the floor’s protective coating. In the event of any spills, clean up immediately to avoid causing long-term damage to your floor.
Steam cleaners are a no-no on laminate flooring; they can cause warping and damage. If your steam cleaner states it is safe to use on your floor, please also check with your flooring manufacturer before use as it may void your floor’s warranty.
And finally: do not polish or wax your floor, not only is it not good for the floor, it can also make it dangerously slippery!