Helpful Tip Friday

Tips to Clean Laminate Flooring

Laminate is is a durable and long lasting choice in flooring.  With four bonded layers and melamine resin on both sides, it is resistant to wear, fading, stands, water, and most impacts.  However, like most things, regular cleaning will keep laminate flooring looking its best and here are some tips to help.

1. General Cleaning
Even scratch-resistant laminate can develop damage if dirt, hair, and debris build up.  Sweeping, vacuuming with a soft brush attachment, and mopping will help keep your floors clean from these hazards.

2. Hot Water
It doesn't have to be scalding, but go for as hot as you can stand to touch, when using to clean.  It will evaporate faster and will avoid streaking.

3. Vinegar Solution
Dried on dirt, or other stains, can be helped with a 1:16 solution of vinegar and water.  Just figure 1/4 cup vinegar for every 4 cups water.  Use a spray bottle of it over areas where dirt is particularly caked or darker stains appear.  Just do a little a time, wiping as you go, you don't want vinegar sitting too long on the laminate's protective coating.

4. Dry
Like hardwoods, you still want as little liquid possible sitting on floor for the least amount of time.  Dry your floors after cleaning with a soft towel or help air dry with your homes heating or air conditioning on.

5. Stains (Tips from WikiHow)
Blood = Window Cleaner
     Spray a small amount on stain and wipe away immediately with a warm, mildly damp,
      cloth.
Chewing Gum = Plastic Knife
     Scrape up gum using plastic, because metal may be too hard and cause scratches
Soda/Wine/Crayon/Ink = Damp Cloth
     Just wipe using a clean cloth, and clean sections of cloth, until stain is cleared.  (For waxy
     crayons, try a cloth dampened with mineral spirits.)
Polish (Nail or Shoe) = Acetone Nail Polish Remover
     Lightly rub over stained area.  Wipe clean with a cloth dampened with water afterward.
Heel Marks and Scuffs = Pencil Eraser
     Use a regular pencil eraser to rub over scuffs
Grease = Freeze Away
     Freeze the grease with an ice pack, then scrape up with a plastic knife.