Flawless Floors: A Maintenance Plan for Your Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a top choice for homeowners in Atlanta due to its incredible durability and easy maintenance. It offers the beautiful look of natural materials without the intensive upkeep. However, while laminate is highly resilient, it is not indestructible. The key to keeping your floors beautiful for a lifetime is to follow a simple yet effective maintenance plan. At Select Floors, we believe that enjoying your new floors should be a pleasure, not a chore. With over two decades of experience in the industry, we have seen firsthand how a consistent routine can preserve the look and feel of your floor. This guide will help you create a flawless floors routine for your laminate flooring, covering daily and weekly practices, safe cleaning products, and preventative measures to protect your investment.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning Practices

A simple, consistent routine is the best way to prevent dirt and grime from damaging your floor over time.

Daily Practices: The Quick Sweep

• Remove Dirt and Debris: The number one enemy of laminate flooring is grit and sand. These small particles can act like sandpaper, slowly scratching the floor’s surface. A daily or every-other-day sweep with a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a soft floor attachment is all it takes to remove this abrasive dirt.
• Wipe Up Spills Immediately: While modern laminate is more water-resistant than older versions, it is not waterproof. Spills, especially acidic liquids like juice or vinegar, should be wiped up immediately to prevent any damage to the surface. Use a dry cloth to blot the spill and then a lightly damp cloth to clean the area.

Weekly Practices: The Deeper Clean

• Dust Mopping: Use a microfiber or dust mop to pick up fine dust and dirt. This is an excellent alternative to a broom for a deeper clean.
• Occasional Damp Mopping: For a more thorough clean, use a damp, not wet, mop. The golden rule for laminate is to use as little water as possible. Never pour water directly onto the floor. Use a spray bottle with a laminate-specific cleaner and mist a small area at a time before mopping.

Safe Cleaning Products: What to Use and What to Avoid

Using the right cleaning products is crucial to protecting your laminate floor’s protective wear layer.

What to Use

• Laminate-Specific Cleaners: The best products to use are those specifically designed for laminate flooring. They are pH-neutral and won’t leave a sticky residue or damage the protective wear layer.
• Vinegar and Water Solution (Carefully): A solution of one part vinegar to ten parts water can be used as a natural cleaner. However, use this solution sparingly and ensure your mop is barely damp.
• Microfiber Mops: These mops are an excellent choice because they are highly absorbent and require minimal water, which is ideal for laminate flooring.

What to Avoid

• Wax-Based Cleaners or Polish: Laminate flooring has a clear, durable wear layer and does not need to be waxed or polished. These products will leave a dull, waxy buildup on the surface.
• Abrasive Cleaners: Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or pads, as these can scratch the surface. This includes steel wool pads and scrub brushes.
• Steam Cleaners: Steam cleaners use high-pressure, high-temperature steam that can penetrate the laminate’s seams and damage the core layer, causing swelling and warping.
• Excessive Water: The single most important rule to remember. Never use a wet mop or pour water directly on your laminate floor.

Preventing Common Issues: Scratches, Scuffs, and Moisture Damage

A little proactive prevention can save you from a lot of frustration down the line.

Protecting Against Scratches and Scuffs

• Furniture Pads: Place felt or rubber pads on the legs of all your furniture to prevent scratches and scuffs when furniture is moved.
• Area Rugs: Use area rugs in high-traffic areas and at all entryways to trap dirt and debris before it can be tracked across your floor.
• Trim Pet Claws: Keep your pet’s claws trimmed to prevent scratches on the surface.

Guarding Against Moisture Damage

• Use Floor Mats: Place floor mats near sinks, refrigerators, and any area where spills are likely.
• Maintain Humidity Levels: Hardwood-based laminate cores are susceptible to changes in humidity. Use a dehumidifier in the summer and a humidifier in the winter to keep your home’s humidity level stable, preventing the planks from expanding or shrinking.

Following a simple yet effective maintenance plan will ensure your laminate floor continues to look as beautiful as the day it was installed. At Select Floors, we are committed to helping you protect your flooring investment for a lifetime.

With over two decades of experience, Select Floors has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Our team of skilled professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project, a commitment that has earned us a feature in the Best of Atlanta magazine. As a trusted vendor for both CBUSA and the Atlanta Greater Home Builders Association, we are dedicated to providing top-notch flooring solutions that consistently exceed your expectations. Contact us or visit our showroom in Marietta, GA, today to get started.