Laminate flooring’s main advantages are that it is easy to install, is relatively inexpensive compared to real hardwood flooring and also hardwearing.
Laminate flooring does not fasten directly to the sub-floor. Instead the planks are clicked together. This enables the floor to be fitted quickly and with minimal mess. After you or a local installer have completed the installation of the laminate flooring, it is relatively easy to keep clean and maintain as long as you follow the simple rules. The first thing to remember is that although laminate flooring is very hard wearing and durable, and by following a few simple guidelines will ensure the life of your flooring.
The first things you should do when you have installed your laminate floor are:
- Mats should be placed at any doors that lead outside. It’s best to place one on the inside and one on the outside. This will help stop any unwanted dirt, gravel and moisture. It’s best to place a coir or astroturf type of mat on the outside and a rubber backed cotton mat on the inside.
- Felt pads that are around 3mm thick should be placed on any furniture that rest on the laminate flooring. If you have any chairs that have castors, then castor cups with felt on the bottom can be used.
- When moving any furniture do not pull or push but lift instead.
- If there is anything that holds liquid resting on the laminate floor, i.e. Pet’s water bowl, then place a good absorbent mat underneath to soak up any spillages that might occur
Everyday Maintenance
Laminate floors should be cleaned regularly to avoid the build-up of any unwanted grit and dirt. It is best to vacuum, sweep or dry mop the floor first to remove any of the dirt that has accumulated. It is also recommended that 2-3 times a week, after you have vacuumed or swept the floor, that you mop it using a cleaning solution. The best cleaning solutions are the spray ones as they stop you from getting the floor too wet. Make sure you do not leave any moisture on the flooring after mopping.
Laminate floors that have a wood grain finish or a ‘v groove’ should be dry mopped with a micro-fibre cloth. Do not wet mop these as the water can run into the ‘v groove’ and damage the flooring.
Most manufacturers have their own cleaning kits for both types of floors and it is always best to use the respective manufactures kits on their floors. Always read the cleaning instructions that they send with the laminate flooring.
Things you must never do
- You must never polish, varnish or wax laminate flooring.
- Never clean with abrasives, scouring pads or steel wool.
- When using a vacuum make sure you have and use the hard floor attachment.
Laminate floors are very hard wearing and by following these simple steps your floor will look good for years to come!
