Over the last several decades, laminate flooring has surged in popularity among homeowners. And every year, the quality of laminate floors gets better. More durable and beautiful materials are used to mimic hardwood. In this case, you’re able to get the look of hardwood without the price. You’ll also be installing flooring that is much more durable and can stand up to the daily rigours of pets and kids. But once you have it down, the secret to keeping it looking good is to take care of it properly and that includes cleaning. In this blog, the flooring professionals at Zelta Floor & Design will explain how laminate flooring is installed and how to care for laminate floors.

Laminate Flooring

waterproof laminate

Originally introduced in the 1970s, laminate flooring has grown to become one of the most common flooring types found in homes. Known as both cost-effective and functional, laminate doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

And over the years, technological innovations have allowed engineers to develop even better-looking and more durable laminate flooring options that are even desired in higher-end homes. 

Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

The Pros

  • Laminate floors consist of a smooth, seamless surface that is very durable and easy to clean. 
  • No wet mopping is required — usually, just a dry mop or sweep will do the trick. If you do need to mop, it’s best to use a mild cleaning solution rather than just water. 
  • Some laminate flooring types are also more resistant to scratches and scuffs, which makes them an ideal choice for homes with kids and pets. 
  • Laminate flooring is more affordable than other types of flooring such as composite and engineered hardwood.

The Cons

  • Laminate flooring is not advisable to install in areas of your home that are prone to consistent moisture, such as a basement, bathroom, laundry room or kitchen. One unfortunate flood or plumbing accident could destroy the material. 
  • While it is durable, laminate flooring is susceptible to chipping, in which case, you would have to replace the piece rather than repair it.

Installation of Laminate Floors

People love laminate flooring because it is a DIY project if you want it to be. Just like hardwood, laminate uses tongue-and-groove installation to come together as a “floating floor”. However, you don’t need dangerous saws or a nail gun to secure it into place.

A simple utility knife and a straight-edge ruler are enough to craft the right size of pieces you need to cover your floor. Although, before you install the laminate, be sure to install an underlayer as well as a vapour barrier to protect your subfloor from moisture.

Best Methods to Clean Laminate Floors

Do you want your laminate floors to look their best? Follow these helpful hints for what cleans laminate floors:

Vacuuming and Sweeping

So how do you clean a laminate floor exactly? If you want your laminate floors to look great and last for many years to come then it’s important to consult the owner’s manual for any type of flooring that you buy. If you regularly sweep and vacuum your laminate floors, then this will mean you’ll have to do less “deep cleaning” in the long run.

Laminate has a thin layer of plastic on top that protects from scuffs and scratches that may be caused by kids and pet claws, but you still need to be careful when vacuuming. Always ensure that your vacuum is on the special setting for hardwood floors so the brush doesn’t spin and if you do use a brush, switch it out for the soft brush attachment if you have one.

Mopping Floor

Do not use excessive amounts of water when you are mopping your laminate flooring. Too much moisture can lead to damage and bubbling. For the best results, use a slightly damp microfibre mop. When you’ve finished mopping, go over the floors again with a dry mop to remove any leftover water drops.

You can buy a special cleaning solution specifically made for laminate flooring, but you can also make your solution at home. We’ll get more into that soon. And while it may be tempting to steam clean laminate floors, most flooring experts agree — including the ones at Zelta Floor & Design — that you should never steam clean laminate floors.

Clamshell Oak3

Spot Clean Floor

If you make a small mess on the floor, clean it up as soon as possible with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. Don’t use anything that could cause friction and scratch on the laminate’s protective surface coating.

But if you want to know how to get paint off laminate floors, for example, if it’s another tough stain like lipstick or ink, you can safely use a bit of nail polish remover or acetate to get rid of the mess. Just put a small dab on the affected area, wipe it away with a cloth, and continue this process until your floor is clean.

Use a Cleaning Solution

While there are so many laminate-specific cleaning solutions available at your local hardware store, sometimes it can be overwhelming to choose one. And sometimes it might not be in your budget to buy another special cleaner to keep stocked in your cupboard. However, don’t worry because there is an alternative DIY solution you can make at home — and you probably already own the ingredients.

Taking a gallon of water, mix in a teaspoon of mild dish soap, baby shampoo, or glass cleaner that’s free of ammonia. Don’t use any oil-based cleaner and avoid ammonia at all costs, as this chemical could react negatively with your laminate’s protective coat — leaving it permanently ruined.

Contact Us

Now that you know how to clean laminate floors and how to mop laminate floors, are you thinking about getting a laminate floor installed in your home? Zelta Floor & Design is the Greater Toronto Area’s preferred installer of laminate floors in homes and businesses across the region.

Call us today to book your free consultation.