Maintaining your laminate flooring
The once rarely used synthetic flooring is now in trend in high-premium homes, and it is known as laminate flooring. This flooring style came into existence in the year 1977 and was introduced by the Swedish company Perstorp. Over the years, its quality and texture has improved considerably. This flooring is made of particle board wood. The installation is more like hardwood, as it has a tongue and groove system of joining. Laminate flooring is more like the DIY style flooring. If the top of the laminate flooring, which is the vinyl layer, is tightly seamed, the flooring becomes waterproof.
What is the laminate flooring installation method?
- Laminate flooring is installed as floating floor, as the installation of this synthetic flooring product does not involve the rigorous procedures followed in the installation of a engineered wood or hardwood flooring.
- At the start of this installation procedure, the inexpensive foam underlayment is rolled out.
- Then, these underlayment layers are taped together, followed by the laying down of the laminate planks.
- Depending upon the type of laminate flooring one buys, the planks can be installed together either by glue or the snapping system, but since one plank is joined to another, they do not slide around.
What are the various layers of a laminate flooring?
- Wear layer: This is the surface layer of laminate flooring that consists of two thin sheets of paper coated with melamine. This layer is a hard-transparent plastic sheet securely protected from damaging elements, such as high heels, pets like dogs and cats, etc.
- Image layer: When the laminate flooring is viewed closely, it still provides a genuine look. The quality of images looks real under the wear layer.
- Base layer or core layer: Under the image layer, there lies half an inch of wood chip composite, which is susceptible to damage.
What factors are the types of laminate floorings based on?
- Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of options based on various factors.
- There are factors such as style of installation, material imitated, texture, floor construction, pattern, and AC ratings.
How can you keep laminate floors clean?
- Laminate flooring needs to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent damage.
- However, dry cleaners is how not to clean laminate floors, as this can damage the flooring.
- While washing the floor, ensure that you start from the center and work outward, covering the entire floor.
- After wet washing, let the flooring dry naturally. If at all the flooring does not dry in a few minutes, dry it with a dry microfiber cloth.
What are the general cleaning methods for laminate flooring?
- For regular cleaning of the floor, one should use a dry mop across the surface.
- Regular sweeping can prevent the flooring from being damaged by hair or other debris, although the laminate flooring may be scratch-resistant.
- The aligned laminate flooring should be swept in order to clear off the debris much more easily.
- For extra care, a dry duster should be avoided.
- It is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner with the soft brush attached to it.
- Avoid using brushes that come with stiff straw-like bristles, as these can damage the flooring.
How can spills on laminate floors be cleaned?
- How to clean laminate floors in this case is to use a dry cloth or sponge to blot the spills immediately.
- Especially liquid spills shouldn’t be allowed to stay on the flooring for long, as it can cause damage to the wear layer of the flooring.
- For any residue, the cloth or sponge should be dampened to wipe the spot.
How is hot water used to clean laminate floors?
- After a few months, when the flooring becomes really dirty or muddy, it can be washed thoroughly with water.
- The water doesn’t require to be boiling hot; however, it should be a little hotter than lukewarm.
- This is because hot water does not let streaks of dirt remain on laminate flooring, and neither does it affect the protective coating when washed perfectly well.
- Soak a sponge in hot water and thoroughly wring it; wash the floor with this mildly damp sponge.
- For this purpose, a sponge mop is a better option than the traditional mop.
How can vinegar be used to clean laminate floors?
