Laminate Flooring Care
The laminate flooring from Floor Factors is versatile, eco-friendly, and easy to install. The flooring material comes in an impressive assortment of styles that mimic the look of wood. Laminate is a great choice for almost any residential space. It’s durable, easy to clean, and scratch resistant.
After installing your new flooring, you may be wondering about the best way to take care of it so it lasts. Luckily, the natural durability of laminate floors from Floor Factors makes maintenance and cleaning a breeze.
How to Maintain Laminate Floors
Well-maintained laminate in residential spaces can last for up to 30 years. To prevent scratching and protect your floor’s finish, place area rugs or floor mats both inside and outside of entrances. This will prevent dirt, grit, rocks, mud, grease, and other outdoor particles from being tracked inside. Use anti-slip rug pads to keep your mats and rugs in place. In addition, vacuum your floors regularly to remove loose dirt and debris.
Moisture Control for Laminate Flooring
The most important thing to remember about maintaining laminate floors is that the material can become warped or damaged due to excessive moisture. Water damage may also void the warranty for laminate flooring. Try to avoid water coming into contact with your laminate floors and make sure spills are blotted or mopped up promptly. It’s also a good idea to maintain indoor humidity levels at 35 to 65 percent. During the winter, you can avoid shrinkage by using a humidifier, especially in rooms with a stove or electric heating unit. In the summer months, an air conditioner and dehumidifier will help your laminate floors maintain their shape.
How to Clean Laminate Floors
Avoid steam cleaners, sponges, or string mops that collect lots of water. Instead, clean with a microfiber mop and blot spills as soon as possible with a damp cloth. For paint, oil, tar, makeup, crayons, or other spots that are more difficult to clean, use acetone (or nail polish remover) with a clean, white cloth. After gently scrubbing the spot, use a damp cloth to remove any residue and wipe the area clean. To remove sticky substances such as gum or wax, apply ice to the material to harden it, and then scrape it off with a plastic scraping tool or credit card. Wipe the area clean using a damp cloth.
For regular cleaning, use a broom, duster, or vacuum cleaner. If possible, vacuum your laminate floors with a hard floor attachment. To mop your floors, use a cleaning solution made specifically for laminate flooring. We recommend Bona Stone, Tile, and Laminate Cleaner or a cleaning solution from the manufacturer. Using a spray bottle, apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber mop and gently wash your laminate floors. Do not use soap, detergent, or any other liquid floor cleaner.
It’s also crucial to avoid abrasive cleaners that contain chlorine, bleach, or ammonia. Additionally, don’t use scouring pads or steel wool as they will scratch the material. Keep in mind that laminate flooring should not be waxed, buffed, or polished like traditional hardwood floors. Cleaning frequency will depend on where you live, the time of year, and how much foot traffic your floors get.
Your Laminate Flooring Store in Portland
Keeping your laminate floors looking great doesn’t take a whole lot of effort. If you prevent scratches, and clean your floors regularly, laminate will look good and hold up for many years to come. In addition to being the go-to laminate flooring store in Portland, Floor Factors is your resource for all types of flooring materials as well as cabinets, countertops, and window treatments. We stock a variety of floor cleaning supplies and are happy to make recommendations. Contact us to learn more.