If you have made a difficult choice between parquet boards, linoleum and laminate in favor of the latter, then you will definitely have a question about the proper care and maintenance of this coating. Note that laminate has a structure similar to a layer cake and the most important layer is the top film. It is this that protects the coating from dust, scratches, chips, heel marks, animal claws and gives the floor shine. Therefore, proper care of the laminate flooring is very important.
Proper care is a factor in the longevity of your floor.
Both to prevent disease and to long service your gender, prevention is necessary. Namely: the main dirt enters the apartment from the street. Sand spreads throughout the rooms and plays the role of sandpaper, therefore, no matter how durable the laminate is, scratches are inevitable. Place a good rubber mat on the floor in the hallway that will trap all the dirt.
It is not advisable to use a vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring, as it leaves behind a lot of moisture.
Is it even possible to wash your laminate flooring?
The next question is about the moisture resistance of laminate flooring. There is a type of it called Aqua Resist, which can be laid even in the bathroom, and even more so, and moisture is not a hindrance to such a coating. If this is not your case, then know that ordinary laminate does not like water. It can penetrate between the seams of the coating and lead to swelling of the top layer. Also note that you cannot glue laminate flooring using water based(PVA glue) for the same reason!
How to wash laminate flooring?
Now let's move directly to the question: how to wash laminate flooring? Choice detergents and the frequency of cleaning depends on what the coating is contaminated with. Please note that it is not advisable to use a washing vacuum cleaner, as it leaves behind a lot of moisture. Regular dry vacuuming is encouraged, just use a special long-bristled brush. You can vacuum at least every day. The main thing is to prevent the accumulation of sand, dust, and other abrasive particles. By the way, 1-2 times a week after dry vacuuming, wipe the laminate well damp cloth.
A universal recipe without unnecessary chemicals
The choice of cleaning the floor with or without detergent depends on the type of dirt. An even older generation came up with a universal recipe:
- Add vinegar to lukewarm water. Calculation: 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of water.
It was with this product that our grandmothers washed windows, cleaned mirrors and dishes. We recommend using household chemicals In case of greasy stains, heavy dirt, and after cleaning, wipe the floor with a slightly damp cloth. As for the fabric material, a microfiber cloth seems to be a worthy option, although many housewives opt for ordinary household fabric.
We remove stains and other surprises
Now about the nuances. If traces of a felt-tip pen, marker, lipstick, or varnish appear on the floor, use a household solvent, acetone, methyl alcohol. Apply the product to the stain and wipe almost immediately with a slightly damp cloth. In the case of dried gum or candle wax, it is recommended to use a scraper, and then proceed as if scratches appeared - take a special pencil for laminate, select the color, and cover the mark. Grease stains are easily removed using detergents with neutral PH. If, God forbid, you have traces of dry blood on the floor, then a special nylon pad will come to the rescue.
Video: how to care for laminate and wood floors
To summarize, I would like to note that there is no need to get carried away with wet cleaning of laminate flooring. It’s better to constantly remove dust, sand with a vacuum cleaner or just sweep, and then your coating can last 10 or 15 years.
Floor coverings, which are commonly called laminate, are panels made from slabs on MDF based or chipboard and several layers of paper, which are impregnated with melamine resins and pressed under high pressure and at high temperature. This modern covering, which is designed taking into account the requirements of modern consumers. Manufacturers took care of the wear resistance of the material, for which they used a finishing coating with melamine or acrylic paint - lamination (hence the name). Caring for laminate flooring is quite simple, but you should remember some rules for using the material.
Laminate flooring will last longer if you follow simple rules for caring for it.
Care of laminate flooring and its wear resistance classes
Wear resistance classes of the material are designed so that consumers can choose products according to their needs and financial capabilities. In order for a laminate to be assigned a wear resistance class, the coating must pass about 18 tests. There is a commercial laminate on sale - a material of increased wear resistance, which is intended for covering floors in institutions and organizations (wear resistance class 32). If you buy it for your home, the coating will serve you for at least 30 years (while the manufacturer's stated service life for this coating in commercial establishments is 3-5 years). There are waterproof and non-waterproof laminates, regular laminates and high-strength laminates.
Cleaning should be damp, but not wet, excess moisture can cause serious damage to the coating
Regardless of wear resistance class, laminate flooring maintenance is necessary. Don't forget that this comes first wood material, and excess moisture can adversely affect its properties and service life.
How to wash laminate flooring
It is recommended to clean floors with a vacuum cleaner and a soft mop. If you feel that more extensive cleaning is needed (for example, you need to remove sticky or greasy spots from the floor), use a damp mop. It should be just damp, but in no case wet, with which water can flow. Mop movements should be longitudinal relative to the laminate panels. The floor should be washed warm water, and at the end of cleaning it is better to wipe it with a dry cloth. Change the water frequently to keep it clean. No polishes or waxes are required for laminate flooring.
When wet cleaning, the joints between the plates are the first to suffer; moisture must be carefully removed from them
Try not to allow water to remain on the floor, as it can seep through the joints and cause the laminate boards to warp. Therefore, caring for laminate flooring is only damp, but not wet cleaning. Take special care when cleaning in areas where there are water taps or flowerpots. If liquid gets on the laminate, it must be wiped up immediately.
Laminate care products
Spray for cleaning laminate flooring will make caring for it more effective.
Avoid abrasive cleaners and do not use soap-based solutions or cheap soap concentrates to clean laminate floors. Soap gradually corrodes the protective top layer, and it is very difficult to completely wash off the soap from the laminate. Acidic and alkaline cleaners and bleaches will also corrode the top layer, so do not use them to clean floors. As a rule, the laminate manufacturer recommends a certain brand of detergent. Be sure to purchase them, especially if the product has a warranty period. It is better to use only plain warm water than products that are not suitable for laminate flooring: the floor will lose its shine and dirt will begin to stick to it.
In general, dirt main enemy laminate floor. Therefore, do not walk on it in street shoes and do not allow your family members to do so. Due to sand particles or small stones carried on shoes, clearly visible scratches appear on the floor after a while. If scratches do appear, you can get rid of them using a special mastic.
To properly care for your flooring, it is better to use products and equipment specifically designed for this purpose.
There are a number of products available for sale that are designed to care for laminate flooring. As a rule, it is a spray or gel. They not only clean laminate floors, but can also remove difficult stains (for example, Loba laminate cleaners, Laminatclear). If you do not have these products, you can use a regular floor cleaner with a neutral pH (usually the packaging indicates that this product is suitable for all types of floors) - Mr. Muscle or Mr. Propper. They will help remove juice, wine, fat, chocolate. If there are traces of a pencil or felt-tip pen, lipstick or shoe polish, varnish, ink or cigarettes on the laminate floor, the usual remedy will not cope. You need a solvent, acetone or nail polish remover, methyl alcohol or the aforementioned Loba or Laminatclear laminate products.
If chewing gum gets on the laminate or candle wax drips, wait until it hardens completely and carefully clean it with a wooden or plastic scraper, and then apply a restoring paste. To speed up the hardening process, you can place an ice cube on top.
How to extend the life of laminate flooring
The laminate is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner every other day if the level of contamination is low, and more often if necessary
It is not recommended to walk on laminate flooring in high-heeled shoes, and modular furniture It is better to stick special felt pads. In places that are actively used, it is better to put rugs. This could be a place for games in the children's room, an area near the front door in the hallway, a place near the sofa or bed.
Try not to drop heavy objects onto the laminate. If you spill something on the floor, wipe it up quickly, otherwise you may damage the finish.
Upper layer laminate repels dust, so you can vacuum it once every two days. If you wash floors and use detergents, be sure to wipe the laminate floor with a dry cloth after cleaning. Do not use mastic or wax - they will not penetrate into the material, but will remain on the surface in the form of streaks or stains.
Is one of the plates damaged? It can be replaced, and you don’t have to go to a building materials store. You can take the stove in an inconspicuous place (under the sofa, for example) and swap places with the damaged one. Of course, this can only be done by someone who knows how to lay laminate flooring with their own hands.
If you decide to place flowerpots with flowers on a laminated floor, use special stands and trays for flowerpots.
Wire brushes or sponges, or aggressive alkaline products are not suitable for cleaning laminate floors. Use only soft brushes and cloths.
Laminate flooring with a matte surface is the most difficult to clean. Manufacturers of this coating recommend wiping the surface daily with a soft brush or cloth.
How to care for laminate so that it is always like new? After all, you must agree that when buying such a floor covering, you would like to see it always bright and beautiful, and not faded and scratched. This pleasure is not cheap, and one might even say top-end, which is second only to parquet in this role. Therefore, caring for a laminate floor is not an empty task and is quite responsible.
Basic general rules for caring for panel coverings
Caring for laminate flooring involves a number of simple but mandatory procedures. For different types For a given coating, these procedures may differ, but there are some general rules that are recommended for all owners of panel flooring to adhere to.
- Regular wet (but not wet) and dry cleaning.
- The right product for cleaning laminate floors. Minimizing the risk of mechanical damage.
- Timely response to the slightest damage and their immediate elimination (if possible, of course).
- Availability at least basic knowledge about the properties of this material, its composition and classification.
Note: Please note Special attention to item 2. in the list. Flooring, especially home grade (21-23), does not particularly like water, since its fiberboard base easily absorbs moisture, which remains there, and then it swells and deteriorates. Therefore, cleaning such a laminate should be done only with special detergents, and there is no need to abuse “water procedures”. But commercial panel flooring of class 32 or 33 is no longer so waterphobic, and it can be “bathed” more abundantly, but also without excessive fanaticism. Read more about classes.
Cleaning and detergents for laminate flooring
- For dry cleaning, an ordinary broom and a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment are ideal, but just do not turn it on the washing mode.
- You should not overuse wet cleaning - it will be enough to do it once, maximum twice, a week. For this purpose, it is advisable to use a mop that has a moisture extraction function. Dilute warm water with detergent in a bucket - and go ahead and sing. However, you can just lightly wipe the floor with a slightly dampened rag every day - we won’t swear at you for it.
- From detergents chemical substances We recommend a special product for laminate flooring, sold in any hardware store. In addition to it, you can use baby shampoo diluted in hot water. A couple of tablespoons per bucket of water will be enough.
- There is also a folk option for washing, using table vinegar and a bullet gun. This method is very relevant for loss of shine. Add a quarter cup of vinegar to a liter of water and spray this mixture evenly over the surface of the flooring. Wipe this area with a dry and soft (necessarily soft) cloth, and then wipe with a cloth soaked in plain water. Afterwards, wipe everything dry and you can rest - the job is done.
How to prevent scratches on laminate flooring
One of the main problems with this coating, in addition to all the others, is damage such as scratches, which are very easy to inflict at home. They come in big and small, shallow and deep, and of different origins, however, a small list of recommendations will help you protect yourself as much as possible from these misfortunes.
Maintain the humidity level in your home or apartment between 30 and 65%. To control humidity, use a device called a hygrostat.
- Immediately after installation, as well as to renew the floor during operation, it is a good idea to use a special polish. Apply it with a sponge along the board, and then polish with a dry cloth. This will serve as both prevention and help with existing minor, minor damage.
- Never drag furniture touching the floor. Just lift and carry it, no matter how heavy it may be. Or place towels or other thick fabric under the legs when moving furniture around the house. There is also the so-called “furniture sliders” in the form of plastic discs that need to be placed under the legs.
- If possible, place rugs on the floor, especially in places where household members are most active and mobile. Also be sure to lay them down before entering.
- Trim your pet's nails.
Glossy surface care
There is another one special kind our flooring is glossy. Outwardly, it is quite beautiful, but it has the following drawback: the slightest spots and abrasions stand out on it, even from touching it with your hands or walking on it with bare feet. Therefore, we will consider separately the question: how to properly care for glossy laminate flooring.
- Walk on the floor only in house slippers, with soft soles, or socks. You should not walk barefoot, as bare feet will leave unsightly spots. I don’t think it’s worth mentioning at all about the inadmissibility of wearing heels.
- It is not recommended to lay such flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. Any drop of fat or water will not add bonuses to its appearance, but will only spoil it.
- You can use a power vacuum cleaner, but only if it has a carpet attachment.
- From time to time, wipe the floor with a solution of vinegar and water to give it its original shine.
The general recommendations described above, such as rugs, proper movement of furniture, etc., will also not be alien here. Well, on top of everything else, it’s worth adding one more piece of advice: don’t drop anything heavy or sharp on the floor.
Using all our useful tips described in the article, you will not only provide pleasing to the eye appearance your floor, but also significantly extend its service life.
Video: Proper care of laminate flooring in brief
Caring for laminate flooring has its own characteristics, and this should not be forgotten. If everything is done correctly, the laminate floor will look like new even several years after repair. On the other hand, a small mistake can lead to swelling of the coating, deformation, and disruption of texture, pattern and color.
Caring for laminate flooring in an apartment or house consists of three main procedures:
- daily removal of dust and dirt;
- weekly wet cleaning with special detergents;
- restoration measures as necessary or every six months.
Better to use professional products for high-quality and safe care of laminate flooring, but in extreme cases, homemade, homemade ones will do. Read more about the intricacies of cleaning laminate floors below.
Caring for a laminate floor will be easier if you understand what and how it is made. It's not natural wood like parquet, but it's not completely natural either. artificial material, laminate has its own characteristics. Professional builders sometimes call this material a layer cake for its structure:
- The bottom layer is stabilizing. This is reinforced cardboard that is impregnated with melamine. Melamine enhances its strength and moisture resistance; sometimes kraft cardboard is additionally covered with a layer of sound-proofing material.
- The load-bearing layer is the body of the laminate, in budget options it is represented by dense chipboard, made of premium materials - natural wood. It is in this layer that grooves and locks are cut for a strong connection of the lamellas.
- The outer layer is decorative. It is always made from thick paper with impregnation and a laminated coating, but the design can be anything you want - depending on a natural stone, brick, wood, etc. The wear resistance and durability of the laminate depend on the quality of the laminated coating.
Recently, they have also begun to produce laminate with increased moisture resistance. Its body is not wood or chipboard, but a very durable polymer with air chambers.
Caring for this type of laminate is extremely simple, but this type of coating also costs several times more. Therefore, if you chose the classic option when renovating an apartment or house, be sure to read on; the advice of experienced users will definitely be useful to you.
Most consumers with average incomes prefer to install economy-class laminated floors in their apartments - that is, with a chipboard base. Chipboard is quite durable, economical, but at the same time very hygroscopic.
The moisture resistance of this material is not very high; if it gets very wet, the chipboard will swell, increase in volume and become deformed. Therefore, such floors cannot be flooded with water - they will deteriorate, despite the laminated coating.
But this does not mean that wet cleaning is excluded. Laminate floors can and should be washed, following certain rules.
- You can use warm or cold water and liquid products designed specifically for the care of laminate floors - for example, Mister Muscle or Propper.
- Do not wash laminate flooring with hard brushes or use abrasive pastes and powders - only liquid gels and mops with a soft attachment or rag.
- It is important to wring out the brush or rag well. Excessive moistening of the laminate will not only lead to its swelling - unsightly stains will remain on the surface after drying.
- After treatment with a solution with detergent, be sure to wipe the floor clean water, again using a well-wrung out rag or a special mop.
- Finally, the floor is either wiped dry or left to dry. naturally. It is not recommended to turn on heaters and walk on a washed wet floor.
Do not forget that before wet cleaning, dry cleaning must be done - using a soft broom or vacuum cleaner with a special attachment, remove all dust from the surface of the laminate and baseboards. By the way, you cannot use a washing vacuum cleaner to clean laminate flooring. The only exceptions are the most advanced units, in which the manufacturer provides a similar function.
Alternative detergents for laminate floors
Some housewives, in order to save money or for other reasons, prefer not to use household chemicals to clean the house. Products from the supermarket are in most cases hypoallergenic and do not affect the well-being of small children or pets. But in some cases, precaution will not hurt. What home remedies can you use to care for laminate flooring?
- pH neutral baby shampoo. For a five-liter bucket, just add two spoons of baby mild shampoo and foam the water. Then it is necessary to wipe the laminate with a clean damp cloth;
- table vinegar. You can use it in two ways. in the first case, add half a glass of vinegar directly to a bucket of warm or hot water and quickly wash the laminate. In the second case, first prepare a solution for treating particularly dirty areas: dissolve a quarter cup of vinegar in a liter of water, pour the liquid into a container with a spray bottle. First, the resulting product is applied to dirty areas and wiped with a wet cloth, then the entire floor is washed completely. Vinegar effectively removes heavy pollution, destroys bacteria and restores the shine of dull laminate flooring.
Use baking soda or citric acid It is not recommended for cleaning laminate flooring - crystals of these substances can damage the integrity of the top floor covering.
Restoration measures for damaged laminate
Laminate, like any floor covering, suffers during use. The main damages to which it is susceptible:
- various stains - juice, coffee, tea, grease, etc.;
- chips and scratches - shoes, animal claws, fragments of fallen dishes or other objects can easily damage the upper protective film on laminated floors;
- swelling - caused by spilled liquid, improper cleaning, high humidity in room;
- drawings with markers, felt-tip pens, paints - a glossy floor, especially if it is light in color, is very attractive to young artists in the family.
If you discover one of them, do not be upset - for every problem there is a solution. You can remove abrasions, scratches and cracks using a special wax pencil or paste, which can be purchased at a hardware store.
First, the damaged area of the laminate must be thoroughly cleaned of dust, and then treated with paste and pencil - the product is applied until the recess is completely filled. Then the laminate needs to be polished with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth.
A pencil is more suitable for removing scuffs and shallow scratches. if the damage is severe, it is better to use paste or mastic. Please note: you can walk on the treated lamella only after a couple of hours; until this moment it is better to cover it with a napkin or dry cloth.
You can choose the right shade by mixing several different ones. Then the restored laminate will look perfect again.
Chips on laminate flooring appear if a heavy object is dropped on the floor - a stool, pan, book, etc. The chip can only be removed using a special putty. First you need to warm it up, then quickly apply it with a spatula, smooth it out and remove the residue. After drying, the treated area is rubbed, sanded and polished.
Various stains on laminate flooring can be removed using the following means:
- felt-tip pens and markers - toothpaste or nail polish remover;
- blood - glass cleaner;
- drinks and food - alcohol or lemon.
And one last tip: colored mastic based on natural wax, which is used to mask scratches and abrasions on laminate flooring, should be applied once every six months, even if the coating is not damaged. Such products will restore the color and gloss of the floor, protect it from mechanical stress and moisture, and extend its service life.
But you should not be too zealous: Excess mastic will lead to the formation of unsightly stains on the surface and dulling of the laminate.
A clean and well-maintained laminate floor is an important part of the interior design. During use, stains, scratches, bulges, swellings or gaps between the slats may form on the floor. Improper cleaning of floors also worsens the condition of the laminate flooring. Therefore, cleaning the laminate plays an important role in its operation.
The widespread use of laminated coatings requires knowledge and skills to care for them. Housewives are often interested in the question: how to properly wash a laminate floor so as not to spoil it and to avoid streaks. Knowing the features of such a coating, you will be able to properly care for it and decide once and for all for yourself how and with what to wash the laminate.
Features of laminated coating
Laminate flooring is a set of laminate planks connected along the length and ends to each other by means of a lock. The junction of the planks forms a joint. The joints are the weak point of the laminate flooring. Damage to the laminate is most common here, since the basis of this material is fiberboard, which is sensitive to moisture. The locks of inexpensive laminate are not treated with a water-repellent compound, so they can deteriorate if exposed to water. In expensive and elite types of coating, the grooves and ridges are additionally treated with a composition containing wax, which improves the resistance of the coating to moisture.
It is very important to know how to properly wash laminate flooring so as not to damage the base layer of the board and maintain the shine of the coating.
Cleaning laminate flooring is an important and responsible moment in the process of caring for the coating. If you want to keep your home clean, then it is simply impossible to do without cleaning. Dry cleaning is carried out regularly as abrasive particles accumulate on the surface: grains of sand, small stones, small parts toys. They may scratch the coating. To clean laminate flooring, sweep away debris with a soft-bristled broom. To avoid dust, vacuum with a brush, also with soft bristles. As the floor becomes dirty and dusty, after cleaning, it is necessary to do wet cleaning.
The cleaning result must be effective and safe for both the floor and the occupants of the premises in which it is installed. To do this, you need to know how to wash laminate flooring efficiently, without streaks and stains, so that it shines and preserves the service life of the coating as much as possible. It will help protect the surface from all kinds of scratches, swelling and discoloration. the right technology cleaning, good tool and detergents.
How to properly wash laminate flooring
To properly clean a laminate floor, you must follow a certain sequence of actions.
Pre-cleaning
First, you should clear the floor of large debris. To do this, you need to collect all items that could scratch the surface when sweeping. For example, large shards of glass, metal or sharp pieces of plastic. Next, collect sand and dirt from shoes or plasticine scattered by children. This can be done using a wooden spatula or spatula. Use a broom to sweep away all large debris. Carefully scoop it up with a scoop. The broom's pile should be soft enough so as not to scratch the surface of the laminate. Using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush, you need to carefully collect all small debris, dust, hairs, without missing corners, baseboards and hard-to-reach places.
Before washing, you must first clean the laminate from contamination with special detergents, which will be discussed below.
After this, you can proceed directly to wet cleaning.
Basic rules for washing laminate flooring
- The main rule that should be followed when washing laminate floors is that the washing time and the amount of water that gets on the floor should be minimal. Then the moisture will have time to evaporate from the surface of the coating before it penetrates deep into the joints and begins to destroy them.
- For washing, use a soft cloth or mop with microfiber and an adjustment lever. It is better to use a microfiber cloth. It collects excess water well from the surface and does not leave large streaks. Wring out the rag or mop head thoroughly after each wash. Old T-shirts, other colored items and rags with lint cannot be taken for washing. When using them, the surface becomes dull and streaks remain.
- Wet cleaning it is better to carry out at open windows so that the water evaporates quickly and wet spots or puddles do not form.
- To increase efficiency, special detergents are added to the water. This will be discussed in more detail below.
- It is better to wash heavily soiled floors twice. Cleaning is done in small areas, rinsing the cloth frequently. The first time - with detergent. Then let the room dry. The second time - with plain water.
- If the floor with a laminated coating is slightly dirty and dusty, you can wash it once with just hot water (as much as your hands can tolerate), so that it evaporates faster from the floor surface.
- If small children or allergy sufferers live in a room with laminate flooring, you can wash the floor with hot water, without using any detergents. The water should be at a temperature of 70-80 degrees. Then it will disinfect the floor and quickly evaporate. You need to work with gloves. It is necessary to change the water frequently and wring out the cloth thoroughly. To avoid getting burned, it is better to use a mop with a wringing attachment.
- The room should be washed in such a sequence as to avoid walking on a wet surface.
- It is better to move the mop parallel to the laminate planks. So less water gets into the joints between the lamellas.
- Dried laminate can be polished with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove residual moisture, stains and add shine to the coating.
- If the floor is too wet, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth or dry mop. This will protect the laminate from swelling and reduce streaks.
After wet cleaning with warm water, the laminate dries faster. But clean tap water leaves streaks on the surface. To avoid this, it is necessary to neutralize it. At home, a weak solution of table vinegar is used for this. Now you know how to wash laminate flooring to avoid streaks.
What is the best way to wash laminate flooring?
This question plagues all housewives. And the answer is very simple: it is best to wash the laminated surface with detergents specially designed for this purpose, strictly following the instructions for use. Overdose or inappropriate use of the product can lead to stains, streaks and damage to the coating.
Detergents
Retail chains offer wide choose professional detergents for laminate:
- Mellerud Bio is a natural-based product that removes dirt, dust, oil and grease films well.
- Emsal Laminate - based on soap, provides gentle care, protects edges from swelling, adds shine, and prevents dust accumulation.
- Pronto - eliminates stains, adds shine and removes dirt well.
- HG is a concentrate that creates a thin film that protects against moisture.
- Laminol is an industrial product that softens water, is antibacterial, adds shine, and does not require rinsing.
Household detergents for floor coverings(Mr.Proper, Glorix, Meine Liebe, Luxus, Grass, Sarma and others) can also be used for washing laminated surfaces.
In addition to special detergents, you can also use ordinary ones that can be found in any home. However, it is worth remembering that all detergents are used with restrictions.
Detergents-shampoos, liquid soap, dishwashing detergents must have a neutral PH, be safe for the respiratory system of humans and animals, and do not contain ammonia and chlorine. Their high chemical activity can damage the surface of the laminate.
Some professional detergents do not require rinsing. Read the instructions carefully before use.
Any new detergent should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area. The average concentration of detergent is 50 grams per 10 liters of water. After using the product, you need to wash the floor with clean warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth or fiber cloth.
To remove stains and add shine, after the washed floor has dried, the surface should be polished with a dry flannel cloth or rag.
A universal recipe without unnecessary chemicals
Special and professional detergents do a good job of cleaning laminate floors from dirt, but they are quite expensive. There are universal recipes for cleaning floors without using chemicals.
The simplest, cheapest and most common way to wash a laminate floor without using professional chemicals is to use clear table vinegar. This method can be easily implemented at home. On a bucket hot water(10 l.) add 200 ml. 3-9% white vinegar. The floor is washed with this solution in the usual way– wringing out the cloth well and not stepping on the wet surface. There is no need to go through plain water a second time. Vinegar has disinfectant properties. In combination with hot water and a well-wrung out cloth, it will ensure rapid evaporation of moisture. Additional polishing with a dry cloth will remove residual moisture, increase shine and remove stains. A solution of vinegar in water removes dirt from laminated surfaces well and makes them shine.
Do not use apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar, or any other vinegar color other than clear. This may damage the laminate surface.
This method has only one drawback - during washing there is bad smell. It does not cause any harm and disappears quickly.
If you don’t have 3-9% vinegar, you can use 70% essence (acetic acid), but you will need 10 times less of it.
What kind of rag to use
As we have mentioned several times in this article, the best way to clean laminate flooring is to use a microfiber cloth. In principle, any soft fabric, which absorbs moisture well and can be wrung out well, or a special rag for washing floors.
Important! The rag should not fade and contain hard inclusions (buttons, locks, etc.) that can scratch the surface.
As an alternative to a floor cloth, you can use a mop. This will make cleaning the floor a little easier. It is better to use a universal mop with adjustable handle length. When washing large areas Professional mops with covers made of various materials on a movable nozzle of rectangular or oval shape. The movable mop head facilitates the process of washing and subsequent polishing of the laminate flooring. For washing small area It is enough to have a simple household mop.
Washing vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner
Progress does not stand still and manufacturers household appliances For several years now they have been offering to automate the cleaning process using a washing vacuum cleaner.
However, you should use a regular washing vacuum cleaner to wash laminate flooring with great care. Water that gets onto the joints when sprayed with the cleaning nozzle of a vacuum cleaner penetrates the joints and causes them to swell. Only when washing laminate flooring, the locks of which are treated with a special wax composition, can you use new generation washing vacuum cleaners. They spray water less intensely, are equipped with a special nozzle that quickly absorbs liquid and a brush that carefully collects remaining moisture.
Steam cleaners are very effective at removing contaminants from the surface of the laminate, but their use is possible only if the following basic conditions are met:
- The coating has no damage or discrepancies between the panels;
- Panel joints are taped special glue or treated with a wax-based water-repellent compound;
- The material must have a durable protective coating of class 33 or 34.
How not to wash laminate flooring
When washing laminated floors It is recommended to use special detergents for laminate flooring. It is prohibited to use products containing chemically aggressive components. They have a negative impact on the laminated coating.
- Bleach and chlorine-containing products, such as White, should not be used for cleaning. Bleach discolors the surface and changes the shade of the decorative coating.
- Do not use high concentration acid or caustic alkali. Such products corrode protective covering and destroy the fiberboard.
- It is prohibited to use disinfectants and other products containing ammonia. It affects the laminate flooring, reducing its shine.
- It is not recommended to use polishes and products intended for the care of other coatings when cleaning. Spots, cloudiness and streaks may appear on the surface.
- The use of abrasive powders, pastes and rough brushes is prohibited. This leads to scratches on the laminate, which deteriorates its appearance and leads to rapid wear.
- Do not wash the floor with a wet cloth big amount water. Penetrating into the cracks, moisture causes the fiberboard to swell and damage the coating.
- Do not overdose detergents in water solution. This is the most common reason stains on the surface and damage to the integrity of the coating.
- The use of special detergents makes the washing process easier, but unnecessary chemicals are of no benefit to anyone. Of course, it is impossible to completely abandon them, but it is better to limit the use of detergents for severe stains.
- In order to properly wash the surface without leaving streaks, you must first clean it of dirt, grease, and stains using cleaning products. It is better to use them locally, at the site of contamination.
- To keep the floor surface in good condition:
— exclude abrasive pastes and powders;
- use clean white rags or special wipes;
- follow the instructions for the cleaning product;
— after removing dirt, rinse the area with clean warm water and dry quickly with a cloth. - When using non-professional cleaners and detergents for laminated surfaces, it is necessary to take into account that an aggressive environment (alkaline or acidic) and the abrasiveness of the material can damage the laminate coating. Therefore, any product must be used wisely, according to the instructions, or by testing it on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor. Prolonged exposure of the product to the surface is not allowed.
- The simplest product that can be used to wash laminate flooring is a mild shampoo or liquid soap. Dilute 20 mg. in five liters of hot water and mix well. Dip a cloth or mop head into the soapy water and wring it out well. Start from the far corner of the room and go to the exit without stepping on the wet floor. Use a mop or rag to move along the slats. This way the joints are less disturbed, dirt is washed out better and stains are removed well. After complete drying, wipe the floor again with a cloth washed in clean warm water or in water with the addition of 6-9% white vinegar. (50 ml per 10 liters of water). Vinegar neutralizes the effects of an alkaline environment, adds shine to the laminate, and washes away any remaining dirt. We finish by completely drying the floor surface and ventilating it.
- How often can laminate flooring be washed? Wet cleaning should be done no more than once or twice a week, depending on the degree of soiling of the floor. Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or broom can be done daily.
- On a smooth, dark-colored surface (wenge, stained oak) whitish stains may remain. To avoid this, use special detergents to wash laminate flooring without streaks. They are added to water in doses according to the instructions. The floor washed in this way is wiped dry and polished with a soft, dry cloth. There will be no divorces left.
How to remove brilliant green and other stains on laminate flooring
Floor cleaning almost always involves removing various stains. In this case, the following tips will help us:
- If the laminate is contaminated with aggressive liquids or paints, it is necessary to use special cleaners. For example: Dr Schutz, Elatex, Spray Max.
- You don’t always have such a remedy at hand, but you need to act quickly. Suitable funds from household. Solvents will help remove paint from the floor. For oil paints White spirit is suitable, for nitro paints - acetone. The paint must be removed immediately with a cloth soaked in an appropriate solvent. Wipe the solvent dry. Rinse the floor with a solution of vinegar and warm water. Wipe dry.
- If it's on the floor polyurethane foam, then it must be removed from the surface with a wooden spatula, and the remains with white spirit. If the foam has dried, you need to carefully scrape it off. wooden scraper and clean the area with white spirit.
- Places of pollution acrylic paints must be washed thoroughly with warm water.
- The gypsum putty can be carefully scraped off and the area washed with warm water.
- Traces of tape are removed with white spirit.
- Wine stains and cognac stains can be easily removed with industrial or medical alcohol.
- Streaks from colored pencils and felt-tip pens are wiped off with alcohol or white spirit.
- Grease stains and blood stains are treated with a rag soaked in window cleaning liquid or white spirit.
- Wash off stains on laminate flooring from rubber shoes, bicycle tires or stroller wheels, a rag soaked in white spirit will help. They can also be easily erased with a regular school eraser.
- You can wash the brilliant green with a cloth soaked in alcohol.
- If chewing gum or resin gets on the floor, it must be frozen with an ice bag and removed from the surface. Or scrape it off with a wooden spatula and remove the remaining residue with a cloth and white spirit.
In all cases of surface contamination with active substances, you need to quickly take cleaning measures and be sure to finally rinse the area to be cleaned with warm water or water with white vinegar.
The key to success in the fight against stains is the rapid removal of the staining agent from the surface of the laminate. If the dirty stain has already dried, it will require more physical effort and stronger detergents to remove it.
What is the difference between caring for white and dark laminate flooring?
Dark particles are clearly visible on a white laminate floor. These can be grains of sand, small pebbles that are carried with shoes and scratch the surface, leaving dark marks. Dust and dirt collect in scratches and dents, making them noticeable. Therefore, it is very important to prevent mechanical damage to the surface of the white surface. When dust accumulates in joints and crevices and subsequent washing, dark stains may remain on the white surface. Therefore, the white floor needs to be vacuumed and dusted more often.
Dark laminate floors are less likely to show dents and small scratches, but gray dust and light stains from detergents are very clearly visible. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully remove any remaining detergent from the surface. This is achieved by additional rinsing with clean warm water followed by polishing with a clean soft cloth.
- Keep the floor clean and dry clean it daily.
- Do wet cleaning no more than once or twice a week as it gets dirty.
- Avoid over-moistening or drying out the room.
- Place a rubberized mat in the hallway near the door, on which dirt brought from the street will remain.
- Walk on laminate floors in soft shoes or socks. This preserves the shine and integrity of the surface longer.
- Place felt pads on furniture legs to prevent the floor from scratching when moving furniture.
- Do not allow heavy sharp objects to fall on the laminate or aggressive liquids to spill.
- Immediately clean up any spilled liquid and wipe the floor dry.
- How to clean grease from laminate flooring in the kitchen? First, remove the grease with a dry cloth. Then wipe the area with a cloth soaked in mineral spirits or window cleaner. Finally, wash the area with soap and water and wipe with a dry cloth.
- Special laminate care products should be used strictly according to the instructions and the dosage should be observed.
- To make the laminate shine, apply finishing rubbing by special means or a solution of water with 3-9% white vinegar with a well-wrung out cloth.
- The surface should not be treated with wax-containing compounds and mastics used for wooden coverings. This makes the surface slippery and can cause injury.
- To reduce slipping in the kitchen, you need to wash the laminate with a solution of soda (50 grams per 10 liters of warm water), then with a solution of 3-9% vinegar (50 ml per 10 liters of water). Wipe the floor dry and keep it dry.
- special wax pencil, selected by color. Broken and separated joints must be filled with acrylic sealant in the color of the surface.
Using our tips will help you properly care for laminate flooring during operation. By doing this you will extend its service life and enjoy your interior.
