For Laminate & Vinyl Flooring:
Many South African homeowners are opting for laminate or vinyl flooring over carpets in their homes. Not only are these floors more budget-friendly compared to real wood, but it's also incredibly easy to install, clean and maintain.
Fortunately, keeping laminate or vinyl floors clean doesn't demand much effort. However, it's essential to remember that laminate flooring isn't waterproof, so it's wise to use minimal water when cleaning, and we recommend the same procedures for cleaning a vinyl floor.
Regular cleaning is key to preserving the pristine condition of your laminate floor. While regular maintenance helps ward off scratches, it's crucial to avoid harsh cleaning products and excessive brushing, as they can cause damage over time. Interested in discovering the best methods for cleaning laminate flooring? Keep reading to find out more.
How to clean
Keeping your floors free from dirt buildup starts with daily sweeping or vacuuming. While some may claim laminate flooring is scratch-resistant, any hard surface can be scratched by debris, affecting its finish. Opt for a soft brush or attachment on your vacuum to prevent scratches over time.
Tackle spills promptly to prevent water damage. Wipe up spills as soon as possible to avoid staining and deterioration of the protective coating. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to ensure the floor is completely dry.
Give your floors a thorough cleaning every few months to maintain their beauty. Life's mishaps, like muddy paw prints or spilled drinks, are inevitable, so it's wise to schedule regular cleanings. Use a mixture of warm water and a suitable laminate floor cleaner, ensuring the microfibre mop is only slightly damp, not soaked. Avoid letting puddles form to prevent potential long-term damage.
Tips on cleaning the right way
- Ensuring your floors stay pristine requires the use of the right tools. Ideal for this purpose is a microfibre mop, designed to efficiently remove excess water, allowing for a gentle, damp wipe without saturating the floors.
- Whenever you notice your floors could benefit from a dusting, simply dry-mop or sweep them to remove dirt and minor debris.
- When deep-cleaning laminate floors, you're essentially removing stains, buildup, residue, debris and anything else that's soiling your floor. It's generally recommended to do a deep-cleaning session every two weeks.
- Positioning doormats strategically at every entrance of your home can effectively prevent dirt from being tracked indoors. This not only reduces the frequency of cleaning required but also helps protect your laminate floors from potential damage caused by excess dirt.
- Occasionally, we encounter requests to replace planks with mysterious discolourations and odours, often stemming from pet accidents. While it's challenging to prevent these mishaps, especially when they occur unnoticed, there's a solution. In such cases, opt for a pH neutral laminate floor cleaner to tackle the issue effectively.
Things to steer clear of
Avoid these common mistakes when cleaning laminate wood floors:
1. Using a broom to sweep: Broom bristles are ineffective at picking up loose soil and dirt, often pushing debris into floor cracks.
2. Vacuuming with a beater bar attached: While effective on carpets, beater bars can damage laminate wood floors.
3. Excessive use of liquid cleaners: Too much moisture can harm laminate floors. Steam cleaners may leave excess moisture, leading to floor joint damage.
4. Using inadequate cleaners: Stick to specialized laminate wood floor cleaners. Waxes, soaps, and all-purpose cleaners can leave streaks and films, dulling the floor's surface.
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your laminate wood floors stay pristine.
Invest in a dedicated cleaning kit from our store, which includes a washable microfiber mop head and a high-quality cleaning solution. This kit will ensure thorough and effective cleaning while maintaining the integrity of your floors.
By following these steps and using the appropriate cleaning tools and products, you can keep your floors looking clean and beautiful for years to come.