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 ensure the longevity of your flooring, prevention is essential. 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 with water-based products (PVA glue) for the same reason!
How to wash laminate flooring?
Now let's move directly to the question: how to wash laminate flooring? The choice of detergents and 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 sand, dust, and other abrasive particles from accumulating on the surface. By the way, 1-2 times a week after dry vacuuming, it is good to wipe the laminate with a 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 or heavy dirt, and after cleaning, wiping 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 household solvent, acetone, or 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.
How to wash laminate flooring so that there are no traces and stains from detergent, scratches, swelling of panels - these questions are of interest to many homeowners. Laminate flooring is one of the most in demand these days: panels that look like parquet have fairly high performance characteristics and an affordable price. Multilayer material made from MDF boards and decorative paper, coated with acrylic or melamine resin, is cleaned of contaminants according to special rules, which will be discussed further.
When figuring out how to properly wash laminate flooring, you should first study the list of prohibited tools and detergents: this will help maintain the shine of the coating longer and avoid many troubles. So, when washing laminate flooring it is not recommended:
- use abrasive powders;
- use soap, soap solutions and other alkaline preparations - they damage the protective acrylic resin coating, are difficult to wash off and leave marks;
- use acids, bleaches - they also corrode the top layer of the laminate;
- clean dirt with steel wool or a stiff brush
Detergents and working tools
How to wash laminate flooring to make it shine like new? This is easy to achieve if you buy the appropriate equipment and cleaning products. Laminate cleaning kit includes:
- a regular vacuum cleaner equipped with a soft bristle attachment (or);
- a broom with soft bristles;
- flat with a microfiber attachment or a microfiber cloth;
- bucket;
- soft dry cloth.
Nowadays it’s easy to choose a special cleaner for laminate flooring without streaks. The consistency of such preparations is usually liquid or gel-like, and the pH value is neutral. The safest of them are formulations based on organic raw materials (for example, Mellerud BIO). You can also use less expensive universal gels marked “for all types of floors.”
Important: It is advisable to check detergents intended for laminate flooring in advance. For this purpose, they are tested in a small, inconspicuous area. If after this the floor is cleaned of dirt and is not damaged, the product is suitable for use.
Daily cleaning does not have to be done with detergent. from laminate without streaks in this case? To prevent alkaline water from leaving whitish traces, it is neutralized vinegar (100 ml per 2 liters of water).
Stain removers
Typically, a protective coating will prevent contaminants from penetrating into the underlying layers of the laminate. Therefore, most stains are removed with a damp and then a dry cloth. In other cases, the following recommendations will be useful.
- For complex stains, Laminatclear, Loba, and Quick Step stain removers are used. If they are not available, universal gels in concentrated form will come in handy: they will cope with traces of juice, chocolate, and greasy stains.
- Lipstick, shoe polish, varnish, ink are removed with acetone, methyl alcohol or the same Laminatclear and Loba. The same preparations will remove the strokes of a pencil or felt-tip pen.
- Stains from blood, food, and wine are removed with glass cleaner. It is sprayed onto the surface and rubbed with a soft cloth. Then the napkin is rinsed in water and the floor is wiped a second time, then treated with a dry cloth.
- Carefully remove paraffin from a candle or chewing gum with a wooden scraper. Then the surface is degreased and laminate repair paste or wax pencil is applied.
Instructions for washing laminate flooring
In order for the floor to be truly clean, it is worth figuring out how to wash laminate flooring at home and what the procedure is. A brief step-by-step instruction will help with this.
- To begin with, the floor covering is thoroughly swept.
- Remove dust with a dry vacuum cleaner, using a soft bristle brush so as not to scratch the floor.
- The detergent is diluted with water in the ratio prescribed in the instructions.
- The mop head is soaked in the solution, squeezed out, and the floor is wiped over a small area. After this, the nozzle is washed, and the next fragment of the coating is wiped. The operation is repeated until the entire laminate is washed.
Here's some advice on how to wash laminate flooring to avoid streaks. To do this, re-treat the floor by wetting the mop in clean water. During the washing process, the water is changed several times, and the nozzle is carefully wrung out. To make the laminate shine after cleaning, it is polished with a soft, dry cloth.
To properly clean laminate flooring, use a suitable mop. Note: If the floor is not too dirty, moisten it with a sprayer. When using a rag or attachment, wring it out well. With optimal spin, the washed floor dries no longer than 2 minutes after wet cleaning.
Is it possible to use a washing vacuum cleaner and a steam generator?
When people are interested in what can be used to wash laminate flooring, other than a mop, the thought immediately arises of a washing vacuum cleaner. Modern household appliances allow you to quickly remove dust - this is especially important in large areas. To prevent damage to the protective film during washing, two points should be taken into account.
- Laminate quality. Mechanized cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is recommended only for durable and wear-resistant laminate of class 32-34. In addition, it must have a wax impregnation to prevent the boards from swelling when exposed to moisture.
- Vacuum cleaner model. You should choose a cleaning unit that sprays a moderate amount of water and collects it quickly. Devices with a suction power of at least 300 W are suitable for washing laminate flooring. It’s good if the model is equipped with a parquet adapter and a device that regulates the water supply depending on the floor covering. The equipment set should include a special nozzle that instantly removes excess moisture from the floor. Among the best models it is worth noting Thomas, Vax, Bissel.
Trying to find the answer to the question of what else can be used to wash laminate flooring so that there are no marks, users sometimes pay attention to. This is a new generation unit that allows you to remove not only dust, but also disinfect the surface and destroy fungus. And two more advantages: steam cleaning is carried out without the use of chemicals, and there are no streaks left after cleaning. But this method is not suitable for processing laminate with a locking joint: steam penetrates into the gaps between the boards, deforming the material.
Important: The steam generator is recommended to be used only for laminate with an adhesive type of connection. The microfiber nozzle is folded several times, and the steam supply is turned on periodically. You cannot steam clean a wax-coated laminate floor: this will cause the surface layer to melt and become deformed.
How to clean laminate flooring after renovation
For prevention, you should cover the floor with plastic film in advance. If it does become dirty, you should find out how to wash laminate flooring without streaks after repair.
The cleaning technology is as follows:
1. Sweep away dirt and debris with a broom;
2. Quickly and thoroughly remove splashes of paint or dried paint with acetone solvent or ethyl alcohol. The solution is applied to the stain and left for a minute, wiped off first with a dry and then with a moistened cloth.
3. Scratches and chips are filled with repair paste or masked with a wax pencil.
4. Wash the floor in the usual way.
If acid gets on the laminate during the repair process, all that remains is to replace the damaged board.
How to extend the life of laminate: general care rules
To increase the service life of laminated boards, it is important to choose the right material when purchasing, as well as careful operation. Depending on the purpose of residential premises, material with different markings is used, indicating its wear resistance. It is this quality that largely determines how long the laminate will last.
- Class 21-22 is a budget option for residential premises, has low wear resistance, and fully serves for about 4 years.
- 23 resists wear better and, with proper use, performs its functions for an average of 6 years.
- The slightly more expensive 31st class gives the chance to fully use the flooring for 10-12 years.
- Laminate 32-33 classes - has a thick protective layer, moisture-resistant impregnation. The material is intended for public institutions with heavy loads, but it can also be installed in apartments. The high price pays off with a service life of 15-20 years.
- Class 34 laminate panels have maximum strength, which allows them to be used in areas with maximum load.
Currently, classes 21, 22, and 23 are no longer produced, but it is likely that someone may have such a floor covering.
To ensure that a modern coating does not lose its appearance longer, you should not only find out how to wash a laminate floor, but also learn other care rules. Here are the main recommendations received from manufacturers and cleaning specialists.
1. Prevents scratches and abrasions.
2. Prevention of damage to the coating by liquid.
- Accidentally spilled water should be blotted up immediately with a soft cloth. Floor flowerpots with flowers are placed in special pallets.
- Burnout prevention. To prevent sunlight from discoloring the laminate, you should shade the windows with blinds or curtains.
- Wet and dry cleaning. You can vacuum the coating every other day: the laminated layer repels dust. Laminate flooring should be washed 2 times a week, and with a special product – 2 times a month. After wet cleaning, it is advisable to wipe the floor with a dry cloth. Mastic is not applied to the laminate: it remains on the laminated surface in the form of streaks.
- Cleaning matte laminate flooring. Manufacturers advise wiping it daily with a soft cloth.
Tweet
Laminate flooring has many advantages, which is why it is so popular. Laminate is used in private homes, city apartments, and cottages. It looks attractive, is functional, resistant to mechanical stress and is relatively affordable. To extend the life of such a floor, it is worth knowing how to properly care for it.
Why do you need to care for laminate flooring?
Laminate has the structure of a layer cake, the top layer of which is a film that provides a glossy shine and durability of the coating. She needs proper care, otherwise she will quickly wear out. In addition to cleanliness, damage prevention is very important. We regularly bring dirt into the house from the street, and sand is an abrasive that acts like sandpaper. No matter how durable the laminate is, scratches in this case are guaranteed.
Place a rug in the hallway, preferably made of rubberized material, which will perfectly trap dirt, and shake it out every two days.
The second enemy of laminate is water. Expensive waterproof laminate flooring can be installed in the kitchen and bathroom, but not everyone can afford it. To care for the coating, you need to know how to wash it and how not to. If you have budget floors in your home, do not forget that water tends to penetrate into the seams of the coating, causing the top layer to swell. For the same reason, laminate flooring is never fixed using water-based products, such as PVA glue.
The most suitable method of daily care is dry vacuuming with a special attachment in the form of a long-haired brush. Vacuum carefully, avoiding accumulation of sand and dust. Laminate flooring requires wet cleaning at least once a week.
Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is the best option for laminate floors
What to wash to make the floor shine
There are special household products for cleaning floors, including laminate floors. When choosing them, be extremely careful. Such a product should not contain abrasive particles (powders are definitely excluded) and strong disinfectants or bleaches that can damage the glossy layer, including acids and alkalis.
Special household chemicals are produced for cleaning laminate flooring.
Such products are usually made from organic soap with the addition of fragrances, glycerin, antibacterial disinfectants and alcohol. Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer and the original composition in the range of 100–1000 rubles. But even if you need a more expensive product, don’t worry: it will last you a long time, and the money spent will be worth it.
According to the instructions on the package, the laminate floor cleaner should be diluted in a ratio of 1-2 caps per 10 liters of water. In addition, its use is allowed no more than once every 3-4 washes, that is, approximately once a month.
When choosing detergents for laminate floors, avoid abrasive, alkaline, acid-containing and bleaching products.
We take into account the class of coverage in the apartment
In laminate production there is such a thing as wear resistance classes. They were developed to simplify product selection based on the relationship between the needs and capabilities of the buyer.
There are 2 groups of laminated coatings based on type of use: for commercial (31, 32, 33) and home use (21, 22, 23). Group 1 laminate is much stronger, which allows it to be used in high-traffic areas where there are always a lot of people. To simplify the selection of a suitable coating, markings are also used that indicate the level of strength and durability.
This table will help you understand the laminate class markings
Caring for different types of coatings, albeit slightly, is still different. For example, a moisture-resistant laminate is practically not afraid of prolonged exposure to liquid, and you can use a washing vacuum cleaner and a wet rag to care for it, unlike the usual non-waterproof laminate, with which you will have to be much more careful.
Moisture-resistant laminate is practically not afraid of prolonged exposure to liquids
Let's take a closer look at the classification of laminate flooring.
- Class 21 - household (home) coating. Service life is about 2 years. There is no reliable coating, so the laminate can quickly lose color and wear out easily. Afraid of water, not resistant to scratches and chips.
- Class 22 (household coating) is stronger than the previous one, but nevertheless is not suitable for rooms and corridors where there is frequent foot traffic. It will last longer than 2-3 years if you put carpet on it, which will significantly reduce the load.
- Class 23 is suitable for rooms of any purpose because it has a high level of strength. Service life - up to 4 years.
- Class 31 (commercial laminate) is the most economical coating option for commercial premises. It is stronger than household laminate of any class and will last you 10–12 years at home.
- Class 32 (commercial coating) can last from 3 to 5 years in commercial premises with average load. At home, this laminate can not lose its qualities for 15 years, even in the kitchen and hallway.
- Class 33 (commercial) can withstand intense loads, so in an apartment it will last you up to 20 years. In addition, this laminate is not afraid of high humidity and hides sounds when walking.
When caring for household flooring, you should not use wet rags or a vacuum cleaner, or try to remove stains with caustic substances. Dry cleaning should be done once every 2 days, wet cleaning - once a week. It is better to cover class 21 and 22 laminate flooring with carpet in areas of high traffic, to minimize the movement of furniture on it. Defects that appear on such a coating should be restored immediately, as the damage quickly worsens.
Wipe grade 21, 22 and 23 laminate floors with a thoroughly wrung-out cloth.
Commercial grade laminate flooring can be vacuumed less often and washed more often, and is also more resistant to the alcohol, acids and alkalis you may need to remove stains. When cleaning, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth. Defects on such a coating appear much less frequently.
Laminate flooring care instructions
As already mentioned, it is enough to wash laminate floors once a week; on other days, it is enough to sweep away the dust or use a vacuum cleaner. The good thing about laminate is that you don't have to use wax or other shine products, so maintenance is kept to a minimum.
- First, you need to check the safety of the floor care product. When you clean your laminate floor for the first time, choose an inconspicuous area and treat it. If the result is good, feel free to expand the cleaning area.
- Special products designed for washing laminate flooring contain substances that will do an excellent job of removing almost any kind of dirt. Dilute them in warm water according to the instructions. If you don’t like household chemicals, you can use a simple, proven recipe for cleaning: 1 tablespoon of vinegar per 5 liters of water. This solution has long been used to successfully wash windows, mirrors and other glossy surfaces. It will cope just as well with a smooth top layer of laminate.
- Start washing the floor from the window, moving towards the door. This way you won't have to walk on the washed surface.
- For convenience, use a mop that has a rag wringing mechanism. This way you will get rid of excess moisture. When washing by hand, give preference to a microfiber or flannel cloth. They are quite soft and absorb moisture well.
Do not forget! Cleaning should be damp, not wet. Therefore, wring out the cloth thoroughly.
If wet stains remain on the floor after cleaning, it means that your rag does not absorb moisture well enough. If necessary, wipe the floor dry with a cotton rag.
Use a special mop with a microfiber attachment and spin capability.
These simple precautions will significantly reduce the risk of defects in your laminate flooring.
Problem solving
No matter how durable the laminate is, various minor troubles can happen to it during operation. Still, the floor can withstand considerable loads: heavy furniture, restless children, adults constantly busy with household chores.
After removing stains, wipe the surface with a solution of 1 tablespoon of 9% vinegar per 5 liters of water so that the floor regains its former shine.
Restoration of scratches and chips
It’s worth talking about products such as wax crayons, paste and restoration varnish for laminate flooring separately. You can purchase any of them at a specialty store. It is advisable to take care of this immediately when purchasing laminate, so you will save time. In addition, you need to have a sample of the coating with you so as not to make a mistake with the color.
You can buy a complete set for laminate repair, in which you will find convenient spatulas and shovels, as well as all the necessary materials.
A wax chalk is suitable for treating minor scratches and abrasions. It consists of wax, paraffin and dye. The work flow is as follows:
- Thoroughly clean the laminate surface from dirt, grease and dust and allow to dry.
- Move the chalk over the damaged area until the scratches are completely covered with the compound.
- After a few minutes, when the wax has dried, polish the surface with a dry cloth.
If the scratches are deep or chips have formed on the laminate, use a special wax paste of the desired color. The processing process is almost the same as in the previous case:
- Clean the laminate.
- Apply the heated paste onto the chip with a plastic spatula until it completely covers the damage.
- Remove excess product with a wet cloth.
- Wait for the paste to dry and polish the area.
Finally, you can coat the restoration area with a clear repair varnish for laminate flooring.
Photo gallery: materials for laminate restoration
The restoration paste must be warmed to a liquid state before use. 
The sealant is useful not only when laying laminate flooring, but also for preventive maintenance 
Applying wax paste to a scratch in the laminate is done with a small plastic spatula 
Wax crayons are the easiest way to quickly restore abrasions and shallow scratches.
Laminate is a practical and easy-to-clean floor covering that does not require specialized care. However, if your home has undergone renovations or the floor is stained with stains of various origins, you must adhere to several important rules when cleaning. First of all, it is necessary to take into account that the laminate cannot be wetted with plenty of water, as this will damage its structure and appearance. From our article you will learn how to properly clean this floor covering from different types of contaminants.
Advice: When washing laminate flooring, minimize the amount of moisture and wipe the surface dry as soon as possible. Do not use abrasive sponges or hard brushes.
How to clean laminate flooring after renovation
If an abundance of construction dust has accumulated on the floor or stains of primer, whitewash and glue remain, it is necessary to clean the surface step by step. To clean a cottage or apartment, follow the step-by-step instructions.
Advice: To ensure that the surface does not lose its glossy shine, treat the floor 2-3 times a month with a special polish for laminate, which is sold in stores.
How to clean laminate flooring from dirt and stains
During use, food stains and household dirt inevitably appear on the floor. You can remove them yourself using improvised means.
Attention: Do not leave spilled liquids on the floor, clean them up immediately with a soft absorbent cloth; proper cleaning is impossible without this.
Types of stains and cleaning methods
Most stains are easiest to remove with window cleaning spray. If the stain remains, use one of the methods below.
Wine, spirits. Moisten a clean rag with denatured alcohol and wipe the contaminated area.
Traces from heels, black stripes from the sole. Wipe off the dirt with a paper eraser. Or using a baking soda solution.
Ink, nail polish, marker. Wipe the stained area with a soft cloth moistened with white spirit or acetone.
Tea and coffee, berries, blood. Wipe the surface using glass cleaner.
Wax, chewing gum. Wrap a few pieces of ice in a dry cloth and apply to the stain. Once it has hardened, carefully scrape it off with a rubber scraper.
Grease stains. Dilute dish liquid in water, whip up foam and wash the dirty area with it.
Advice: To avoid damage to the decorative surface and the integrity of the panels, the laminate cannot be removed with a vacuum cleaner.
Regular care
To wash laminate flooring during daily cleaning, warm, clean water and a well-absorbing cloth are sufficient. Wash the floor once with a damp microfiber, wipe a second time with a rag wrung out of moisture. Use special detergents for laminate flooring after 3-4 cleanings with clean water.
Attention: Laminate flooring must not be washed with products containing acid.
As a rule, laminate flooring is cleaned daily with a vacuum cleaner and wet cleaning is carried out once a week. To combat tarnishing, use water and vinegar.
Deeply ingrained and old stains that cannot be cleaned can be masked with a special restoring paste for laminate flooring. When processing, follow the instructions on the package.
Advice: Make sure that water does not penetrate into the joints between the panels. This causes them to swell and swell, which will require expensive repairs.
If you are concerned that you will not be able to properly remove stubborn stains without damaging the surface, contact a cleaning company. Cleaners use specialized equipment and products that safely clean the floor and renew its appearance.