Top Tips for Cleaning Laminate Flooring

Depending upon which definition you use, there are actually two different dates that mark the first day of spring:

1st March 2019 is the first day of the Meteorological Spring
20th March 2019 is the first day of the Astronomical Spring

So we can safely say that Spring has Sprung!

That can only mean one thing… Time for a Spring Clean!

We’re often asked how is best to clean & maintain the quality of laminate flooring… So we’ve put together some Top Tips!

(If you’ve not got time to read the whole article, then skip to the bottom for our summary of Do’s & Don’ts)

Laminate flooring cannot be refinished like hardwood flooring, so it is worth your time & effort to appropriately clean & look after it as regularly as possible! The flooring gets its attractive appearance from protective plastic layers, which are placed over photographic wood reproductions & secured with a foundation of wood-based materials. This creates the reliable, sturdy, beautiful & ever-so-more popular flooring type that is laminate! But how is best to clean it, & therefore, maintain its quality?

14 Top Tips from Shelswells:

Always use a soft microfiber cloth or mop for cleaning & sweeping

Regular soft sweeping of everyday mess will prevent scratches, marks & potential damage

Avoid standard floor brooms & brushes with stiff bristles

Try to avoid hoovering (given time constraints, this isn’t always possible, so if you choose to use a hoover always make sure the soft brush head is attached)

Try to sweep & clean in the direction that the floor was laid, to avoid trapping dirt in the groves

Less water is best when cleaning – liquid can cause warping, lifting & irreversible damage

Always clear up spills as soon as possible to prevent staining, warping & lasting damage

Mild soapy cleaners are best – avoid harsh cleaners which can damage & streak

Never use abrasive cleaners, such as bleach or other strong cleaning chemicals

Avoid using steam mops which can force moisture into the flooring boards

Sponge mops & string mops can also be tricky, as they hold more water & often leave streaky marks

Go for a soft microfiber mop & use minimal warm soapy water every few weeks

Never push heavy furniture along the floor!! Use a blanket or sheet underneath for protection

For stains & tricky markings you can try a small amount of window cleaner, rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits, and not so well known, a rubber (great for shoe & furniture marks)!