Laminate is a go-to flooring option for many Madison homeowners for its adaptable, durable, and budget-friendly characteristics. With the right care, it can keep your home looking polished for decades.
It’s important to know the best way to care for laminate flooring, including how to clean your floors every day, cleaning by the week, and how to deal with difficult messes. Understanding how to clean laminate floors will help you avoid accidental damage and protect your floors so they stay strong and beautiful for years.
Luckily, the team at Floor Coverings International® of Madison, WI, is able to offer expert advice on best care practices for your laminate floors.
What Affects Your Laminate’s Lifespan?
How long does laminate flooring last? With proper care, quality laminates can often last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. As a durable, budget-friendly option, it holds up well with daily life. However, the flooring’s actual lifespan depends on a few factor:
- Laminate quality. Higher-end laminate (with an abrasion class rating of AC3-AC4) is more resistant to scratches and regular wear. This makes it more durable and long-lasting than a less expensive laminate.
- Installation. Effective installation will give the floor a stable starting point with a proper underlayment and tight, even seams that protect against friction and moisture damage.
- Cleaning and maintenance. How you care for your laminate can extend or shorten its lifespan. That’s why understanding how to clean and care for your laminate floor is essential.
How Often Should You Clean Your Laminate Floor?
When it comes to cleaning, laminate is relatively easy-going. To properly clean laminate floors, you won’t need heavy cleaners or laborious cleaning routines. Instead, you can keep the floors looking beautiful with a quick daily sweep, a bi-weekly vacuum or mopping, and by spot-cleaning spills and messes along the way.
A Guide to Cleaning Your Laminate Flooring
Taking care of laminate flooring isn’t complicated, and with a few easy habits, you can keep your floors clean, beautiful, and strong for years. The key is protecting the finish to prevent early damage. By practicing the right techniques, you can easily care for your floors and enjoy their like-new shine.
Here’s the best way to clean laminate floors to make sure they stay in great shape:
Start with Dry Cleaning
Laminate is sensitive to water, which can seep in the seams and cause the core to swell and warp, so it’s important to avoid over-wetting the planks. Starting with dry cleaning methods like microfiber cloths, soft brooms, or vacuuming to clear away most of the daily dust. By staying clear of stiff or abrasive brushing and choosing “soft” tools, you can prevent extra scratches and wear on the flooring.
How Often Should You Mop Laminate Floors?
Mopping every day isn’t necessary; in fact, it could wear away the floor’s protective layer or cause moisture damage. Mopping once a week or once every two weeks, depending on how active your home is, can keep your floors clean. If you have kids, pets, or a busy home, you may choose to mop every week.
Here are some helpful tips for mopping your floors:
- Only dampen the mop. A safe way to avoid over-wetting your laminate floors is to make sure the mop you use is damp but not soaking wet.
- Choose gentle cleaners. When you’re considering what to use to clean laminate floors, always go for gentle cleaners. There are several gentle commercial flooring detergents on the market, or you may opt for a simple diluted white vinegar solution.
- Avoid harsh cleaning methods. Your laminate floor’s protective coating is durable for handling everyday wear, but not strong enough to deal with harsh chemicals, steam mops, waxes, or polish, which can all strip away the protective layer and leave your floors exposed.
Cleaning Stubborn Stains
Cleaning everyday dust and grime can turn into an easy habit for regular laminate floor care, but how do you deal with the tricky messes along the way? How would you get ink off the floor? Or what about wax or gum?
Here are a few techniques for sticky situations when it comes to cleaning your laminate:
- Gum, wax, and sticky spots: Apply ice to chill the sticky spot and then use a scraper to scoop up the hardened mess.
- Ink, markers, and scuffs: With a damp cloth and a mild cleaner, you can clean away the marks. Afterwards, make sure the floor is completely dry to avoid moisture damage.
- Food and drink spills: It's best to wipe these messes up immediately — especially liquid spills — to avoid making the floor swell.
Ready to Update Your Home with Fresh Laminate?
Commonly styled with beautiful hardwood finishes, laminate flooring is a beautiful, durable option that many homeowners in Madison love. And like other floors, the way you take care of laminate flooring can make it last longer. Wiping up spills right away, using dry cleaning methods for daily dirt, and only mopping every other week will keep your laminate looking its best in the long-run.
If you’re looking to refresh your home with beautiful, new laminate floors, reach out to our team at Floor Coverings International® of Madison, WI. Schedule a free in-home consultation or give us a call at (608) 590-6672 today.
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