Laminate floors are very popular highly durable and inexpensive, but they need some upkeep to look their best. Your floors’ lifespan will be extended with proper cleaning. Keep the surface dust-free to prevent scuffs and premature wear, and take extra care while spilling and cleaning to avoid causing permanent water damage. Unlike hardwood floors, laminate flooring in Alpharetta, GA, requires specific maintenance because damage or stains cannot simply be repaired by refinishing the surface. Maintaining your flooring and treating them with care is essential to prevent costly replacements.

Here’s how to clean laminate floors like an expert, whether you have brand-new laminate flooring or want your existing surface to appear as good as the day it was installed.

Ways To Clean Laminate Wood Floors

Dry Mop:

Making it a habit to dry mop your floors and aiming for a daily wash down can help you avoid surface damage on your laminate floors. Choose a broom with a broad microfibre head to capture and hold onto the regular dirt tracked across your floor. Reusable and machine-washable microfiber heads are available.

Dry mopping has two advantages:

Before cleaning your flooring, remove debris (such as dirt and dust tracked in by shoes and pets) to lessen the possibility of that filth eventually scratching the laminate due to continual foot activity.
Before performing any deeper spot cleaning, a dry mop is vital since, if left unattended, the dirt particles could serve as sandpaper between your rags and the laminate surface.

Vacuum:

Use a vacuum to keep dust and grime out of corners, off the floor surface, and under furniture for hard-to-reach areas or quick daily cleaning. Many vacuum cleaners include attachments, such as a microfiber pad that fits directly behind the vacuum head to gather dust and any particles missed by the vacuum’s suction. These are particularly useful for cleaning hard surfaces like laminate floors. Robotic vacuums are excellent for cleaning laminate surfaces and can significantly lessen the strain of hand cleaning.

Gentle Cleansers:

Spot-clean any dirty spots with a mild cleanser, and always finish by wiping the area with a dry and absorbent cloth. You can easily clean the laminate using a lightly soaked cloth, a solution of 1 part rubbing alcohol, three parts water, and a dab of dish soap.

The most crucial component of keeping laminate floors in Alpharetta, GA, maintained is preventing water damage. If you must wash the entire floor, it is best to do so by hand using a towel that has been lightly moistened with cleaner. As you scrub the surface, immediately wipe it with a dry, absorbent cloth to stop water from seeping into the spaces between the laminate planks.

What To Avoid When Cleaning Laminate Wood Floors

Follow these guidelines to prevent harming the flooring’s surface or layers when cleaning laminate floors because there are several cleaning don’t to be aware of.

Avoid using steam cleaners. Over time, the heat and moisture will impact the adhesive layers and cause water damage.
Avoid mopping the floors with a drippy solution.
It’s advisable to stay with a soft microfiber dry mop rather than a bristle broom because the latter has the propensity to leave behind particles that can hasten surface degradation.
Avoid anything that encourages shine. Getting rid of the waxy buildup might be challenging.
Avoid using wood cleaners such as Murphy Oil Soap. It will look streaky and leave a residue on the surface.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or grating sponges. Even baking soda can harm laminate floors if applied and rubbed rough.
Despite being a common component in DIY cleaners, vinegar is very acidic and can damage laminate surfaces when used in high amounts over time.

What Should Be Done When Cleaning Laminate Wood Floors

Consult the manufacturer’s directions for your floors before you start cleaning. Based on the materials employed, the brand might have specific recommendations. Most businesses’ websites include comprehensive product manuals and instructions for cleaning laminate floors.
Mop your laminate flooring every two months to keep them looking new. Microfiber damp mops are soft enough to be used on laminate flooring. Wring out a standard mop until it is nearly dry if you intend to use one.
Oil-based cleaning supplies can harm the flooring’s protective coating and produce stains and residue. Apply laminate cleaner sparingly to a mop or microfiber cloth rather than the floor if you must.
The best cleaning techniques for challenging stains, like candle wax or ink, are readily available. To remove chewing gum and candle wax after it has been set, use a plastic knife, scraper, or credit card. Apply a plastic bag of ice to the substances. Rub alcohol can remove crayons, paint, ink, and nail polish.
Add furniture pads under the legs of chairs and tables to prevent additional scratches, especially if they are moved regularly. Rugs and floor mats, especially near entrances, will assist stop wear and tear.

What To Consider Before Cleaning Laminate Wood Floors

Water and laminate flooring don’t mix well, especially with laminate wood flooring Alpharetta. As long as the water stays above the plastic wear layer and inside the boundaries of the board, which is an uncommon occurrence, it is acceptable to let water collect on top of laminate floorboards. Water could seep through the seam and into the laminate board’s fiberboard core. The fiberboard core will swell when it absorbs enough water and won’t shrink back to its former size once it has dried. The image layers and wear layers may also start to separate.

Avoid using liquids that soak into surfaces while cleaning laminate flooring. To preserve your floors and keep them beautiful for years, use specific cleaning products and a two-step process of dry cleaning followed by wet cleaning for laminate flooring.

You can keep your laminate floors in top condition by learning how to clean them. Despite being water resistant, laminate floors can become harmed if submerged in water. You ought to frequently sweep and mop them. Use a specialized mop to clean them without using too much water.

Utilizing solutions designed specifically for laminate floors in Alpharetta, GA, is the best method to clean them.