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By: Richard Keech
One of the great advantages that laminate flooring has
over other types of flooring is how easy it is to keep clean.
Once installed, the after care that laminate flooring requires
is very little and extremely simple, and if it is carried
out regularly, your floor can be kept looking like new for
many years to come.
Generally speaking a simply brush over with a soft headed
brush or a very slightly damp mop, is all that is needed
when cleaning laminate flooring. Follow this with the use
of a vacuum cleaner around the edges of the room, and also
around any larger pieces of furniture that cannot be moved,
and that is all that is generally required.
Special cleaning pads are available which look very much
like a mop, and have replaceable wipes that wrap around
the pad which attracts the dust, etc. These make cleaning
laminate flooring even easier but can become expensive.
When using a damp mop to clean the laminate, do not use
to much water. Make sure you only use enough water to make
the mop damp so that it holds the dust, etc., do not soak
the floor, as this could cause the edges of the laminate
boards to start to expand and the whole floor may start
to buckle.
For stain removal, do not use a strong detergent. Firstly,
try using just warm water, but again, only use enough for
removal of the stain in the small local area. In other words
– don’t over-wet the area. If this doesn’t
seem to work then try using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.
For cleaning of larger stains, etc. on laminate flooring,
use a mop with ammonia or a mixture of water and vinegar.
Where ever possible try to use citrus-based cleaners, and
not the conventional soap-based cleaners. When trying a
cleaning product for the first time always test on an area
of laminate flooring that is out of sight, such as under
the cooker or fridge for example. Once you’ve tested
the new product, leave this small area for 30 minute’s
just to be certain that there are no adverse effects to
the laminate surface.
When trying to clean laminate flooring do not use steel
wool, sand paper, or scouring powder on the laminate surface,
as these will quickly break down the laminate and lead to
very early failure of the flooring. Also never try to sand,
wax, or apply lacquer to the laminate flooring.
Try to always use a door mat at every exterior doorway.
This will help to trap any dirt etc., and also trap small
stones and grit which may easily scratch the surface of
your laminate flooring. To avoid any marks that could potentially
be left by furniture, always use felt pads under the furniture
legs, or castor cups under any furniture wheels.
Always read the manufacturer’s "care" instructions
that come with your flooring, and adhere to them. It is
important that the correct installation and after care procedure’s
are followed so that any manufacturer warranties are valid.
By following the manufacturer’s instructions and
these supplementary tips on cleaning laminate flooring,
your floor should look as good as the day it was installed,
for many years to come.
About The Author
Richard Keech has over 20 years experience working in the
construction industry. This article may be republished as
long as this author box remains unchanged.
For further information on laminate flooring, installing
laminate flooring, and cleaning laminate flooring please
visit http://www.thelaminateflooringguide.com.
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