A popular choice for many homeowners nowadays, laminate flooring is durable, affordable, and looks great in any home. That said, there are a few cleaning tips to keep in mind that will help it maintain its quality and aesthetic appeal, and if you use the services of a professional cleaning company, you can be sure they’ll follow these too:
Everyday cleaning tips
- Sweep or vacuum daily
If you do this daily, it shouldn’t take long each time, just be sure to use a broom with soft bristles, or a vacuum with an attachment specifically for hard floors. If you need to carry out a quick spot clean, you can use a dry, microfiber mop.
- Use doormats
Doormats placed at every entry to the home (and even at the entrance to each room if you so wish), can help limit the amount of dust, dirt and small particles of debris entering the home. A ‘shoes off at the front door’ policy can be helpful, too.
- Tackle spillages as soon as they happen
By cleaning spillages up as soon as they happen, you can prevent any liquid from penetrating into the seams, which can lead to swelling. Blot the spillage instead of rubbing it, and for sticky stains, use a moistened cloth.
- Clean with a damp mop
A damp microfiber mop (moistened with water or a specialist cleaning solution for laminate flooring) can be used to remove dust and grime from laminate flooring, just take care to avoid getting the mop too wet, as this can cause the flooring to swell.
Cleaning solutions that are eco-friendly
If you’re buying products to help you keep your laminate flooring clean, try to choose brands that don’t use harsh chemicals, and which are biodegradable. Certifications like EcoLogo or Green Seal on a products label, can help you determine their safety and level of environmental responsibility.
If you choose to create your own cleaning products, here are some natural ideas:
- Vinegar and water
This simple but effective solution uses pantry essentials to help you tackle all manner of grime on laminate flooring. Create a solution that’s equal parts water to white vinegar, and use it as and when needed.
- Baking soda
If you’re tackling tougher, more stubborn stains, you can make a paste from water and baking soda, and use a cloth dipped in it to gently scrub stains away without scratching the flooring.
Long-term maintenance tips
To keep your laminate flooring looking spotlessly clean and in pristine condition for longer, try the following:
- Refinishing
Floor polish products designed specifically for laminate floors can help fill in minor scratches, and restore its shine. By using a floor polish on a regular basis, you can protect the flooring’s outer layer, and keep it performing well for many years to come.
- Professional cleaning
If you don’t already hire a cleaning service to help you keep your home clean, doing so can help your laminate flooring live longer, and look better. With their specialist knowledge of a range of flooring types, they’ll know just how to tackle each area so that your homes floors are both functional and attractive.
Laminate flooring can look great and perform outstandingly well for decades when cared for properly, and by following the cleaning and maintenance tips above, you can enjoy your flooring for many years to come.