Cleaning Laminate Floors
Can you make the Time for Cleaning Laminate Floors?
Cleaning laminate floors has got to be one of the most exhausting things you can do if not done properly. Laminate floors can add a lot of beauty to your home, but when they aren’t cleaned often enough the build-up of dirt can certainly be abrasive and over time with enough scratches will dull your beautiful floors.
Laminate floors are not only attractive, but they are very durable. You can now get laminate floors in more styles than were available years ago, so the selection is out there. Buying laminate flooring is just simply a matter of whether or not you can be committed to cleaning it on a regular basis.
One easy trick to cleaning laminate floors is to go over the surface with a Swiffer dust mop every day. Especially if you have pets this can be very helpful. If you have cats, they can track in litter because it gets stuck in between their little toes on their paws. Litter can be extremely abrasive if it isn’t swept up on a regular basis, because it can get stuck in the tiny crevices between each panel of laminate. Pet hair is also something that you want to sweep up on a regular basis, so you can still use the dust mop or a regular broom. Dust mops are usually preferred because the Swiffer cloths are soft and non abrasive, and attract dust or pet hair very easily.
One thing you must be cautious of in using when cleaning laminate floors is a standard vacuum. The wheels can cause tiny indentures in the surface, and can track other stuff onto the laminate floors if you have used it in a carpeted area. Vacuum attachments are much needed in this case. They are very easy to use, and can clean up quickly without a lot of bending over into tight corners, and can prevent you from having to move around heavy pieces of furniture.
Once you have cleaned your floor with a dust mop, you can proceed to a very light damp mop. Don’t be too generous with the water because if water can cause your laminate flooring to swell if large amounts seep down into those crevices, or saturate the surface of your panels. The best and least expensive advice is to get a good floor mat that will collect moisture as it comes off of people’s shoes. The cutest welcome mats are not always the best. Choose the practical option, and if you aren’t sure be sure to ask questions at your local hardware store, or a Bed, Bath and Beyond.
The one thing worth mentioning that can help in caring for your laminate floors are glides or other types of furniture protectors. Sometimes they look like tiny rubber discs, or you might see the felt pads in little packages. The felt pads are commonly used for end tables, and corner shelves, while the larger ones are generally used for entertainment centers, sofas, recliners, lamps, and coffee tables. When you are cleaning around these large pieces of furniture, make sure you aren’t lifting and dragging them across the floor as this will leave you with scratches. Simply lift if you can, or get someone to help you so you can spot clean with a damp rag.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the laminate flooring will offer you types of cleaner that were made specifically for what you purchased. This is not a bad option, and is great for spot cleaning. With a damp mop, water and white vinegar diluted is a great cleaner and amazingly enough add some sheen to your floors.