Whether you are new to having laminate wood floors or a veteran, it never hurts to review a quick guide on how to care, treat, and maintain your laminate wood floors. Keeping your flooring cleaned not only contributes to the indoor health of your home, but it also prevents damage and keeps your floors in optimal condition for its lifespan. We at Mike’s Custom Flooring would like to share a laminate wood floor care guide to help you properly care for your floors.
Dusting Laminate Floors with a Microfiber Mop
For starters, you will need good equipment to care for your laminate floor because, like all floors, the dirt and debris collects on the surface and the debris and traction will eventually damage your laminate. The first thing you need to clean the floors is a microfiber mop. The microfiber mop is equipped with a swivel head that quickly glides over large areas and can go under and around furniture effortlessly.
Protect Laminate Flooring from Water & Liquids
Contact with liquids should be avoided when it comes to laminate wood floors and needs very little for cleaning purposes. Remember too much moisture will cause the flooring to warp. When tackling the spots or achieving a sanitary level of clean, you can opt to use a DIY solution or stick with the manufacturer’s premade formulas, but the DIY solution is less costly and just as effective.
Homemade Vinegar Laminate Floor Cleaner Recipe
Combine 3 parts water, 1 part white vinegar, and a small squirt of liquid dish detergent in a squirt bottle and make certain the ingredients are well mixed.
1) Use either a microfiber mop or a vacuum to thoroughly remove the layers of dirt and debris. If you prefer to use a vacuum make certain the beater bar is not operating during vacuuming as it can damage the surface. Whether you opt to use a dust mop or a vacuum, follow the direction that the floor is laid in as it collects all the dirt between the grooves instead of trapping it.
2) With your microfiber pad, lightly dampen with warm water and mist your preferred cleaning formula directly on the microfiber pad.
3) When cleaning the surface, use a grid-like pattern to ensure thoroughness and completely clear off the dirt, dust, and debris from the corners, sides, and center of the floor.
4) Make sure to rinse, replace and reapply the cleaning solution as the microfiber pad gets too dirty to effectively mop.
5) Once the floors are clean, toss the microfiber pad into the washing machine after you have rinsed off the clumps. If there is any lingering moisture residues, wipe them up with a dry towel.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Laminate Floors
– Do not use string mops or sponge mops that use a lot of water for mopping the laminate floors.
– Only dampen the microfiber pad for wet mopping your floor, never over saturate.
– Prevent liquids from constant contact with the laminate floor as moisture will cause damage and warping in a short amount of time.
– Laminate flooring is not true wood and does not need waxing or polishing, do not use it.
– Avoid using products with chemical agents that proclaim to clean and shine, it is never effective and makes a mess.
– Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners as well as steel wool or scouring pads because they will only scratch and scuff your flooring.
Hardwood Floor Installation, Refinishing & More in Charles Town & Eastern Panhandle of Berkeley & Jefferson Counties in WV | Winchester & Frederick County | Round Hill & Loudoun County | Berryville & Clarke County | Herndon & Fairfax County VA
When it comes to laminate flooring, Mike’s Custom Flooring is readily available for installation, repairs and refinishing of hardwood floors. And we can offer you additional advice on maintaining the sheen and condition of your laminate flooring. Contact us today!