With proper care laminate flooring is able to last for decades. There are some simple rules that will help to prolong its life:
• Daily cleaning with a special mop for laminate flooring or a vacuum cleaner.
• Selection and use of detergents according to the type of laminate flooring.
• Cleaning of heavy dirt and stubborn stains using the right techniques and means.
• Using for wet cleaning only slightly damp mop or floor cloth, as the laminate flooring is “afraid” of water.
Removing stains and heavy dirt from laminate flooring
To remove stains from laminate flooring some special cleaning sprays are recommended for use. The agent is applied to the stain, and after a few minutes, is removed with a slightly damp cloth. Then the floor is wiped dry. It is strongly not recommended to use a hard bristle brush for this purpose – you will unlikely get rid of the stain, but the structure of the laminate flooring will be damaged.
Different methods of removal are used for the stains of different types.
For the stains of:
• juice, chocolate, alcoholic beverages and fat – special cleaning sprays;
• nail polish, lipstick, ink, pencil and resin – acetone or methyl alcohol;
• chewing gum or wax – mechanical methods (after drying of the stain it should be carefully scraped off).
There are also some peculiarities for different types of laminate flooring:
• Matte laminate flooring.
Such flooring becomes dirty very quickly, that is why it requires more careful maintenance and regular cleaning. To remove heavy dirt, use a special spray for matte surfaces. If you overdid with the agent, an oily film may remain on the surface, which can be easily removed with alcohol-containing spray.
• Polished laminate flooring.
On a smooth polished surface the slightest contamination is much more visible: hairs, dust and even water stains. So after cleaning it is always recommended to rub the floor using a special dry mop. Moreover, you should not walk barefoot on such flooring – the footprints are left on the surface, especially if some cream was applied to the feet before this.
Following these simple rules and recommendations, you will maintain the purity and beauty of laminate flooring, significantly prolonging its service life.