Often called durable and low-maintenance, laminate flooring is more than meets the eye. In other words, it’s not completely worry-free. Even a little care and consistency help your laminate floors look beautiful for years to come.
At Hamernick’s, our goal is to make your floors perform their best. Whether we recently installed your laminate floors or you’re maintaining existing floors, this guide will teach you how to protect, clean and care for your laminate flooring.
Understanding Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is often called the perfect combination of beauty and practicality. It looks like hardwood, but requires much less upkeep. Despite this, laminate is made from layers of composite materials. That makes it react differently to moisture and temperature than natural wood does.
Some newer laminate products tend to be water-resistant, but they aren’t completely waterproof. Because of this, you have to be careful when cleaning your laminate floors. Check your flooring’s care guidelines or ask the Hamernick’s team about the safest approach.
It’s important to avoid standing water or excessive moisture. Doing so goes a long way toward preserving your floor’s finish and structure.
Daily & Weekly Laminate Floor Care
Regular maintenance will keep your laminate floors looking their best. It keeps dirt and debris at bay and prevents them from scratching the surface. Here’s our advice:
- Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Clean with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with a hard-surface flooring attachment. Beater bars can damage the surface of laminate floors. Try to sweep or vacuum a few times per week to prevent dust and grit from dulling your floors.
- Dry Mop for a Polished Finish: Consider trying out a microfiber dust mop for quick cleanups between deeper cleans. It gently lifts dust and dirt without leaving scratches or streaks behind.
- Clean Spills Immediately: Some styles of laminate can resist moisture, but they aren’t waterproof. Blot spills away with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Letting liquids sit can let them seep between seams and cause swelling or warping.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaning Methods: Never wet mop or steam clean your laminate floors. Excess water or heat can break down the surface seal and cause long-term damage. Use manufacturer-approved laminate floor cleaners, applying them sparingly with a microfiber pad.
After your laminate flooring installation, preferred to have by professional flooring Installers, regular maintenance is essential. Establishing a routine will go a long way.
Handling Spills & Stains
When you live in a busy home, accidents are bound to happen. When they do, you have to act quickly and take the right approach to the problem. Here’s how to clean up everyday messes:
- Everyday Spills: Blot right away with a soft, dry cloth. Lightly dampen a towel with water or a laminate-safe cleaner and wipe gently. Dry thoroughly afterward.
- Sticky or Hard Substances (like Wax or Gum): Start by hardening the substance using an ice cube wrapped in a cloth. Once firm, gently scrape it off using a plastic scraper or credit card edge. Be careful not to use sharp objects as they can scratch the surface.
- Oil or Color Stains (Lipstick, Ink or Paint): Take a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover on a clean cloth to spot-treat the stain. Wipe dry right after.
Dealing with difficult stains? Refer to your flooring manufacturer’s care instructions. If you’re still unsure, the team at Hamernick’s can provide advice on the best method and cleaning products for your specific laminate floor.
Deep Cleaning & Long-Term Maintenance
Laminate is easy to take care of day-to-day, but it can benefit from occasional deep cleaning. That’s the best way to remove buildup and refresh its finish. Take these steps to help your laminate floors look their best:
- Use a Manufacturer-Approved Cleaner: Use a laminate-safe cleaner and lightly dampened microfiber mop for an occasion deep clean. Remember not to soak the floor as less is more.
- Keep Humidity Levels Balanced: Laminate tends to expand and contract with humidity changes. Maintain indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent gapping, buckling or warping.
- Protect Against Sunlight: When exposed to direct sunlight, laminate can fade over time. Use blinds, curtains or UV-protective window film in areas with strong sun exposure to preserve the color and finish of your floors.
- Schedule Seasonal Checks:Check if your laminate planks are shifting or separating along the seams at the end of each season. Fixing small issues can prevent bigger problems later.
Is your laminate starting to look dull after regular cleaning? It may be due to cleaner residue. Wipe your floors with a slightly damp microfiber mop and plain water to remove buildup.
Preventative Protection
Other than having professional flooring services, cleaning is what’s important for your floors. Besides cleaning, there are other ways to protect your laminate floors from wearing out. Even small, simple habits can make them last longer. Try these out:
- Use Entryway Mats: Put mats inside and outside entrances to catch dirt, sand and moisture before it damages your floors.
- Add Area Rugs: Rugs make the busiest areas of your home more comfortable, while protecting against daily wear. Use breathable rug pads as rubber-backed mats trap moisture.
- Furniture Pads: Attach felt protectors under the legs of tables, chairs and furniture to avoid scratching your floors when you move your furniture.
- Pet Care: Trim your pet nails and clean their paws to prevent scratches and dirt from building up.
After your laminate flooring installation, it’s important to protect your floors from damage. At Hamernick’s, we want you to make the most of your investment.
Long-Term Laminate Floor Care
Laminate flooring has quickly become one of the most durable options on the market. That said, maintaining its beauty over the years requires consistency. Here’s our advice:
- Stay Away from Wax and Polish: Each laminate plank has a protective wear layer. Waxing or polishing it can create cloudy buildup.
- Watch for Edge Wear: When seams start to lift or show signs of damage, reach out to a professional. Repairs are better handled early.
- Replace Transition Strips as Needed: Thresholds and trim pieces wear over time. Replace them to keep your floors looking their best.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: Worried about damage or long-term wear? Book a professional flooring inspection.
When you choose us, you can continue to rely on us for years to come. If you want to keep your laminate in top shape, we’re here to help.
Keep Your Laminate Floors Looking Beautiful
Many turn to laminate for its combination of beauty, durability and affordability. With a few simple habits and some advice from Hamernick’s, you can reap these benefits for years to come.
Questions about laminate care or maintenance? Visit one of our showrooms in the following locations to check out our premium flooring collection:
or contact us today to learn more!
