Details for Laminate Flooring

Cleaning Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is certainly one of the toughest and hardest wearing floor coverings around, and that's in addition to it being one of the easiest to care for. Laminate floors are fade, stain, dent, burn and scratch resistant. However, it is still possible that you may end up with a scratch, "nick" or dent that will require repair. Laminate flooring is very tough, but it is not "bullet proof". If a problem arises, there are a few ways to repair or hide the damage.

Maintaining Laminate Floor

General daily maintenance requires vacuuming, sweeping and dust mopping. Several generic cleaning solutions are also available to clean laminate floors. Most major laminate flooring manufacturers also have their own cleaning kits with instructions. Most kits contain a terry cloth mop and a spray-on cleaning solution. The cleaner is sprayed onto the mop-head and then the floor is wiped clean. It is very important that you follow the maintenance schedule of the product you purchase. Ask your retailer or manufacturer on the specifics of maintaining your floor. Virtually all of the warranties require a specific maintenance schedule be followed

To Do's

Vacuum, use a dust mop or wipe with a damp cloth.
For spills, just wipe up with a cloth or sponge.
Promptly remove all spills.
Allow time for floor to dry after washing.
Immediately wipe up wet areas from spills, foreign substances, or wet feet.
Place a natural or colorfast mat at outside entrances to collect tracked-in dirt and absorb excess moisture.
For added indentation resistance, use felt floor protectors on chairs and other furniture. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protector should be.

In Case You Didn't Know

Woodpecker floor cleaner is recommended to use with a light damp mop.
Do not use soap based detergents or “mop and shine" products as these may leave a dull film on your laminate floor.
Do not use use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring powder, which can scratch your floor.
Do not use wax or polish your floor.
Do not flood the floor with water.
And, in very sandy areas or at the beach, sweep or vacuum regularly.