Laminate – modern flooring material, which has gained unprecedented popularity in last years thanks to its merits. Durable, environmentally friendly, wear-resistant, with a beautiful appearance, it can make the floor of an apartment warm and cozy.
Proper care is the key to long service life of laminate flooring.
The structure of the laminate is something like a layer cake, where the top film is the most important part. She performs protective function, protecting against chips, scratches, dust, and heel marks. Therefore, it is important to take care proper care for the condition of the laminate. It will be possible to extend the service life of such material if you follow simple rules.
- The main enemies of laminate flooring are dirt and sand. To prevent them from spreading across the rooms and scratching the flooring, a well-rubberized mat should be placed in the hallway.
- To minimize the likelihood of damage to the top layer, you can line the legs of chairs and tables, as well as other furniture that has to be moved frequently, with soft felt.
- It is necessary to clean the area daily using a vacuum cleaner or broom, and wet cleaning 2-3 times a week.
- Since laminate flooring is sensitive to water, you should not use a vacuum cleaner, which leaves behind a lot of moisture.
- Removing from flooring oil stains, traces of paint, markers, streaks from rubber soles is carried out using a clean cloth and neutral detergents.
- To get rid of traces of sauce, juice, beer, wine on laminate, plain warm water or a weak solution of neutral detergent is suitable. To complete the wet treatment of contaminated areas, wipe the area with a dry cloth.
- Sticky chewing gum or wax is pre-cooled with an ice cube and then carefully scraped off.
Over time, laminate flooring may become dull. This situation is completely fixable. It is enough to apply special means, capable of returning appearance the floor has its original shine. These are compounds used to rub the top layer.
Purchasing and installing laminate flooring is only half the battle. It is important to wash it correctly so as not to damage the surface. Modern market offers big choice special products designed to care for this type of coating. But there are also compounds whose use should be avoided when cleaning laminate floors.
Detergents that can be used when cleaning laminate flooring:
- a soft cloth or mop equipped with a special attachment;
- certain detergents produced by laminate manufacturers for their products;
- various compositions used when cleaning an apartment;
- Alcohol or acetone will help remove difficult stains;
- allowed to use laundry soap, dishwashing detergents, shampoos;
- polishes designed specifically for laminate surfaces;
- broom, vacuum cleaner.
Important! It is not recommended to use detergents to treat the surface of the laminate every time you put things in order. Most best option– 1 time every 4 cleanings. It can be done even less often, depending on the degree of contamination of the floor.
Detergents, the use of which is not allowed when cleaning laminated surfaces:
- cleaning powders;
- abrasive compounds;
- solvents;
- hard rags, metal brushes;
- liquids containing acid;
- products used for cleaning parquet and parquet boards;
- compositions containing mastic or wax.
The danger of using such products comes down to the high probability of damage to the surface layer, which, in turn, significantly reduces the life of the floor covering.
- First, you should remove larger debris and vacuum the floors. It is better to move things and pieces of furniture that will interfere with cleaning to another room for a while.
- After this, a composition is prepared that will be used to wash the floors. You can add half a glass of distilled vinegar for every liter of water (ammonia is an alternative). These additional nuances neutralize the negative effect that water can have on the laminated coating. To prevent stains on the floor, it makes sense to add a third of a glass of alcohol to the water.
- A rag soaked in the prepared liquid is thoroughly wrung out. It is used to wipe the floors along the laid floor planks. If a mop is used to wash laminate flooring, it should be a regular one, without a spin function. At the end of the procedure, you need to let the coating dry. It is not recommended to use dry pieces of cloth for this; just open the doors and windows.
- If you need to treat a small area of the floor, it is not necessary to wash the entire floor. It is enough to use special cleaning products available in the form of sprayers. This preparation is applied to the problem area on the surface and wiped with paper napkins.
Washing vacuum cleaner and laminate
Many housewives wonder: is it possible to use a vacuum cleaner when cleaning a laminate floor? In fact, the principle of operation of such a device comes down to spraying water and its subsequent collection. But the liquid for laminate flooring is destructive. Therefore, the use of such a mechanism is undesirable.
You can, of course, clean the floor with a washing vacuum cleaner and thoroughly wipe away any remaining moisture. But this will significantly complicate the cleaning process. The best option is to treat the surface with a conventional vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle, after which wet cleaning is carried out according to the instructions described above.
Laminate manufacturers guarantee that when correct operation such coating can last from 10 to 30 years. If in practice you follow all the recommendations listed above, then laminate floors will serve faithfully in your home for a long time.
Video: how to care for laminate floors
Laminate is the most popular flooring option. It spreads easily and, in principle, is inexpensive. High strength and its advantages attract the attention of many modern people. However, when it comes to cleaning your floors, you have to be very careful. Basically, laminate boards are made up of layers of wood and fibers, and its surface is sealed with a protective coating that gives an attractive shine to the surface.
What is the best way to wash laminate flooring without damaging the coating?
If you use regular detergent on laminated surface, this may damage the protective sealant. On the other hand, any other cleaning solution that contains soap or ammonia may cause the floor surface to lose its beautiful shine. For this reason, cleaning laminate flooring without streaks or damage is not an easy task. Therefore, let's look at the most effective method washing floors without harming the coating.
If a room with a laminated floor is a walk-through room, wet cleaning of the floor must be mandatory. The problem is plain water, which is slightly alkaline in nature. If you use it to clean the floor, it often leaves white marks on the surface of the floor. Therefore, you must neutralize the water by adding a little vinegar and thereby prevent streaking. Mix one-fourth cup of white vinegar in 2 quarts of warm water to prepare a cleaning solution. Most important tool for washing wet floors is a micro-fiber mop, which has adjustments for a softer cleaning. Dip the mop into the solution, wring out excess water, and wash the laminate floor. After you have cleaned the entire surface, you need to leave it for some time to dry with the windows open. You can only enter the room when the laminate floor is completely dry. If a lot of water remains on the floor surface during washing, you need to dry it with a clean and dry cloth. This must be done, otherwise water left on the laminate for a long time will lead to severe damage.
Do not use hard or rough rags or sponges, as this can easily damage the surface of the laminate. With the advent of laminated floors, laminated floors have been developed that not only cope well with dirt, but also serve as protection for coatings that may fade or change color over time.
How to clean the floor after renovation
After the repair has been completed, the main task is to properly wash the laminate, which is very easy to damage. Regardless of the type of repair, traces of building materials in any case they remain on the floor. Cleaning the laminate from remaining traces and various contaminants may seem like torture. In order to clean the floor after repair without harming the coating, you need to follow the basic rules.
- The first thing to do is to remove all the dirt and accumulated debris with a broom.
- or traces of paint can be removed with special products that contain acetone or ethyl alcohol. This must be done carefully and quickly. Apply the solution to the stain and wait about a minute. Then use a soft and damp cloth.
- The resulting scratches can be masked using a wax pencil.
- The final step is washing the floor.
Wiping the laminate with a damp cloth requires 2-3 times a week to avoid heavy contamination.
Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner?
Of course, washing vacuum cleaner it's wonderful and convenient thing. But to answer the question: “Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner?” you need to remember how such floors react to moisture. It is moisture that can lead to destruction of the material, especially if the thickness of the floor does not exceed 5-7 mm.
When washing floors with a vacuum cleaner, the cleaning solution is sprayed over the entire surface and only after some time is the remaining moisture removed. For tile or carpet floors, this type of washing is considered ideal, but laminate flooring may not withstand it.
Recently, more advanced models of washing vacuum cleaners have begun to appear, which in turn are used for washing laminate flooring. The bottom line is that the detergent is sprayed in smaller volumes, and the nozzle has greater suction power, and in addition, a special brush that is capable of removing residual moisture.
What about a steam cleaner?
Just like washing vacuum cleaners, a steam cleaner cleans the floor using steam, and steam is water (just in a gaseous state). The fact is that steam penetrating between the joints will simply destroy their integrity and lead to deformation of the laminate. But this is not in all cases. The use of a steam cleaner depends entirely on the installation method. If the laminate is bonded adhesive base, then you can safely start cleaning the floors with a steam cleaner.
Special detergents
Cleaning laminate flooring with a damp cloth is of course good and free. But today there are a large number of different detergents intended for laminate floors. Special detergents can not only cope well with dirt and stains, but also serve as a means of protection.
Caring for laminate flooring requires the use of only those products that are intended specifically for this material. One of them is Mellerud BIO detergent. This cleaner can make your floor look great. It easily copes with dust, dirt, greasy deposits and shoe marks. After washing the floor with Mellerud BIO, the laminate will take on a well-groomed appearance.
Emsal Laminate is liquid agent, which is based on soap. When washing the floor, Emsal Laminate effectively impregnates the surface of the laminate, adding shine and reliable protection from moisture and dust.
Mister proper. Copes well with dirt and stains, has pleasant aroma, which has been in the air for a long time.
It is important to use all cleaning products according to the instructions. Do not use rough rags or sponges. A mop with a soft attachment and wringer is ideal.
How often can this cleaning be done?
The clean and well-groomed appearance of laminate flooring pleases the eye. But, it is important to know that cleaning a laminate floor with detergents should not be used as often as we would like. There is no need to add chemicals to the water every time you clean. Every 3-4 times of regular washing will be enough. And maybe even less often. The more remote the room, the more often you can use special detergents for cleaning.
Each floor covering requires special care. In order for the laminate to look attractive and retain its original shine, you must follow certain rules cleaning Improper care can lead to dulling of the glossy finish and damage to its surface.
Choosing a good laminate cleaner
We remember about environmental friendliness
There is a huge selection of products on sale specifically designed for laminate floor care. However, it is not recommended to use them often - only in case of heavy contamination. The most effective cleaning products can be quite toxic. Therefore, if there are children and pets in the house, then it is better to use traditional methods. When the dirt is minor, you can wipe the floor and plain water.
Universal products help you save money
In hardware stores you can find special products for cleaning laminate flooring. Manufacturers claim that only these cleaners are safe for expensive flooring. However, in fact, universal detergents that are inexpensive are quite suitable for washing laminate flooring. The main thing is to ensure that the composition does not contain abrasive particles or aggressive acids.
Popular detergent brands
Cleaners that can be used to clean laminate flooring:
- Mister Muscle;
- Mister proper;
- Bugs;
- Glorix
- Tyron
- Emsal
- Pledge.
If you don't like chemistry
You can easily prepare a laminate cleaner yourself from available materials. Here are some recipes:
- Mix baby shampoo (5 tablespoons) with plain water (about 5 tablespoons per bucket). Shampoos for children have a composition that is safe for laminate.
- Mix a glass of table vinegar and 4 glasses of warm water. This mixture perfectly removes contaminants of various origins.
- Laminate polish: 2 cups of water, a glass of lemon juice, 1.5 cups of table vinegar, a little dishwashing detergent. Stir until foam forms and wipe the floors thoroughly. This product will not only remove dirt, but also add shine to the surface.
Which means should not be used under any circumstances:
- abrasive powders;
- liquids containing acids;
- parquet polishes, polishes;
- products intended for washing other floor coverings, including parquet.
Important! Laminate flooring requires careful handling. Hard brushes, rags, and unsuitable detergents can leave scratches and other unsightly marks on this floor covering. If cleaning is being done for the first time, it is worth testing the selected product and tool in an inconspicuous place so as not to damage the entire floor covering.
Let's start cleaning the laminate flooring
What you need to clean laminate flooring:
- a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment, or a brush with soft bristles (not a broom!);
- selected detergent
- a bucket of warm water;
- mop with a soft sponge or cloth.
Getting rid of dust
Before washing the floor, it is advisable to sweep it to remove dust, debris, and pet hair. This can be done with a broom or a mop with a microfiber cloth. You can also remove dirt using a regular vacuum cleaner, using a special soft attachment that prevents scratches on the laminate. Special attention Pay attention to corners where dust accumulates. You can skip this step if you wash your floors regularly and don't have cats or dogs that shed.
Wipe the floor until it shines
Make a cleaning solution by mixing the selected product with water according to the instructions. If you are using this cleaner for the first time, we recommend that you first test it on a small, inconspicuous area to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If everything is in order with the coating, then you can safely start cleaning the floor. Soak the mop in the cleaning solution, wring out the cloth thoroughly, and wipe the area of the floor. Repeat until the entire floor has been washed.
To avoid divorces
In most cases, after washing, you need to replace the water with clean water and wipe the floor from the cleaning solution so that there are no unsightly white spots left from the foam. You can also prevent the appearance of streaks by frequently replacing the water in the bucket and squeezing the mop cloth thoroughly.
Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner?
It depends on the class of your coverage. Laminate flooring of classes 32 and 33 can be cleaned using a washing vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner. However, it is recommended to do this no more than once a week. This laminate is quite resistant to water and moisture, so it is often installed in the bathroom and kitchen, where liquids may get on it. Other types of laminate are better washed traditional way– with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
Stains on laminate: remove without a trace
If stains appear on your expensive coating, you need to get rid of them very carefully and carefully. If you are not sure about the product you have chosen, always test it first small area. This Golden Rule will help you prevent noticeable damage to your flooring.
In case of complex stains, we advise you to always use white spirit and a plastic knife (to scrape off dried stains). Never use products containing acid (or your laminate will be destroyed forever), and do not use sharp tools.
Ink from pens and markers
Ink stains can be removed with a damp cloth soaked in warm water and a laminate cleaning solution. You can also buy regular ink solvent. Marker stains need to be wiped off soft cloth soaked in white spirit or ammonia.
Blood and alcohol
If it happens that there are blood stains on the laminate, you can get rid of them with an alcohol-based glass cleaner. It can also remove stains from any alcohol, including red wine. Apply the product to the stain and wipe with a soft cloth. But it is highly not recommended to use aerosols containing ammonia - they remove the stain along with protective covering laminate
Shoe marks
Black stripes from the soles and heels can be easily removed with a regular office eraser.
Gum
We take a plastic knife and scrape off as much as we can. We wipe off the remains with white spirit.
Long life of laminate
To extend the life of laminate flooring, treat it with care and precision. Let's recall a few simple rules that help keep your flooring in good condition:
- To clean laminate flooring, we always use only soft rags and brushes to avoid scratches on the surface.
- To remove difficult stains we use white spirit, acetone, plastic brushes and knives.
- If you spill something on the laminate, wipe the floor immediately. Remember: prolonged contact with liquid leads to deformation of the floor covering.
- Laminate flooring can lose its shine due to use with wax and various parquet polishes, so we do not use these products.
- If you are moving furniture or household appliances, use a protective floor covering during such work. Otherwise, scratches and other mechanical damage may appear on your laminate.
- Do not walk on laminate flooring in shoes, especially heels. Soft slippers and socks - best friends laminate :)
- Place special felt pads on the legs of furniture that you plan to place on laminate flooring. In places that are actively used, lay cozy rugs (for example, near the threshold).
How to wash laminate flooring to avoid streaks? How to avoid damaging the coating when wet cleaning? Having gained sufficient experience, I want to give answers to these questions and talk in detail about washing this floor covering.
A few words about the features of laminate
Laminate has a layer structure, which largely determines the rules for caring for it. The fact is that upper layer is a film that protects the decorative layer from damage, and also gives the material a glossy or matte shine.
Rough cleaning results in this film becoming covered with small and large scratches. Accordingly, the floor covering loses its shine and attractive appearance.
It must be remembered that laminate flooring is destroyed by moisture. This is especially true for cheap coating models.
Depending on its resistance to moisture, laminate can be divided into two types:
- Moisture resistant (wear resistance class 21-23). Can only withstand moisture for a short time, but not water. Typically, when humidity and temperature levels change environment the coating changes greatly in volume, and the top decorative layer swells.
This laminate can only be wiped with a damp cloth, avoiding the accumulation of liquid on its surface. Moreover wet cleaning it is advisable to carry out no more than once a week;
- Water resistant (wear resistance class 31-33). Water-resistant HDF board is used as a base, as a result of which the material is less susceptible to moisture. Therefore, even direct contact with water is allowed.
As a rule, manufacturers add the word “aqua” to the name of such a laminate, for example, Aqua-Step.
True, this laminate cannot be called absolutely waterproof either. The fact is that problems can arise if water penetrates under the laminated coating, i.e. into the laminate structure through the cracks. Therefore, moisture resistance largely depends on the quality of installation.
But, in any case, prolonged contact with water is undesirable even for the highest quality laminate. Therefore, it is necessary to wash the floor carefully, avoiding accumulation of large quantity moisture in certain areas.
To increase the moisture resistance of the laminate, it can be coated special composition wax based. It will protect the coating from moisture penetration into its structure.
Thus, before you start wet cleaning, you need to find out what type of laminate is laid on the floor.
Features of washing
Choice of product
So, we figured out the features of this flooring. Now let's look at the best way to clean laminate floors.
I’ll say right away that you should avoid detergents containing abrasive particles, as they will scratch the top film and the coating will never shine again. Therefore, exclude powders.
In addition, it is necessary to exclude chemical substances, which may react with . Such substances include:
- Strong disinfectants or bleaches;
- Acids;
- Alkalis.
It is best to use special detergents for laminate flooring. As a rule, they include the following components:
- Organic soap base;
- Fragrances to add aroma;
- Glycerol;
- Disinfectant antibacterial substances;
- Alcohol.
The price of laminate cleaner depends on the manufacturer:
In addition, there are folk remedies, allowing you to efficiently wash the laminate from stains and other contaminants. The most effective of them are the following:
- Table vinegar y or lemon acid;
- Vodka or medical alcohol diluted in a soap solution.
If the laminate surface is scratched or stained chemicals, it can be restored. For this, there are special repair kits that include wax. The last thing to cover is the damaged areas.
Washing nuances
Wet cleaning. Now let's look at how to wash a laminate floor so as not to damage the surface and achieve shine. You can wash any type of laminate using this method, regardless of its moisture resistance.
The floor cleaning process looks like this:
| Illustrations | Description of actions |
 | Inventory:
|
 | Preparation. Remove dust from the floor with your own hands so that there are no streaks after washing. It is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner or a soft broom for this so as not to scratch the floor surface. |
 | Floor cleaning:
As a rule, you can clean the floor until it shines the first time. If the floor is heavily soiled, you can repeat the procedure. |
If you use enough for cleaning hot water, it will quickly evaporate, so additional wiping of the floor with a dry cloth will not be required. If the floor is wet after cleaning, wipe it with a napkin.
If after wiping there are still streaks, then your rag does not absorb moisture well. Therefore, it is best to use cotton rags for these purposes.
You should wash the floor in much the same way using detergents. To make it shine, one or two caps of product per liter of water is enough.
Detergents should be used no more than once every 3-4 washes. The rest of the time, wash clean water or with the addition of vinegar. This will extend the longevity of your flooring.
Cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner. Housewives are often interested in whether it is possible to use a vacuum cleaner to wash laminate flooring? Not so long ago, these concepts were simply incompatible, but recently the situation has changed.
Many modern models Vacuum cleaners have a gentle cleaning function. They usually have special nozzles, and manufacturers indicate that they are suitable for this floor covering. True, only waterproof laminate can be washed in this way.
If the instructions for the vacuum cleaner do not contain information about the presence of this function, it is better not to risk it and wash the floor by hand.
Conclusion
Now you know how to wash laminate flooring without streaks and without damaging it. Additionally, watch the video in this article. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments and I will be happy to answer you.