Proper care of laminate flooring. What is the care of laminate floors and how to maintain a neat appearance of the coating. What does laminate consist of?

Laminate flooring has many advantages, which is why it is so popular. Laminate is used in private homes, city apartments, and cottages. It looks attractive, is functional, and is resistant to mechanical stress and relatively affordable. To extend the life of such a floor, it is worth knowing how to properly care for it.

Why do you need to care for laminate flooring?

Laminate has a layer cake structure, upper layer which is a film that provides glossy shine and durability of the coating. She needs proper care, otherwise she will quickly wear out. In addition to cleanliness, damage prevention is very important. We regularly bring dirt into the house from the street, and sand is an abrasive that acts like sandpaper. No matter how durable the laminate is, scratches in this case are guaranteed.

Place a rug in the hallway, preferably made of rubberized material, which will perfectly trap dirt, and shake it out every two days.

The second enemy of laminate is water. Expensive waterproof laminate flooring can be installed in the kitchen and bathroom, but not everyone can afford it. To care for the coating, you need to know how to wash it and how not to. If you have budget flooring in your home price category, do not forget that water tends to penetrate into the seams of the coating, causing the top layer to swell. For the same reason, laminate flooring is never fixed using water based, for example, PVA glue.

Most suitable way daily care is dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment in the form of a long-haired brush. Vacuum carefully, avoiding accumulation of sand and dust. Laminate flooring requires wet cleaning at least once a week.

Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner - best option for laminate flooring

What to wash to make the floor shine

There are special household products for cleaning floors, including laminate floors. When choosing them, be extremely careful. Such a product should not contain abrasive particles (powders are definitely excluded) and strong disinfectants or bleaches that can damage the glossy layer, including acids and alkalis.

Available for cleaning laminate flooring special means household chemicals.

Such products are usually made from organic soap with the addition of fragrances, glycerin, antibacterial disinfectants and alcohol. Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer and the original composition in the range of 100–1000 rubles. But even if you need a more expensive product, don’t worry: it will last you a long time, and the money spent will be worth it.

According to the instructions on the package, the laminate floor cleaner should be diluted in a ratio of 1-2 caps per 10 liters of water. In addition, its use is allowed no more than once every 3-4 washes, that is, approximately once a month.

When choosing detergents for laminate floors, avoid abrasive, alkaline, acid-containing and bleaching products.

We take into account the class of coverage in the apartment

In laminate production there is such a thing as wear resistance classes. They were developed to simplify product selection based on the relationship between the needs and capabilities of the buyer.

There are 2 groups of laminated coatings according to type of use: for commercial (31, 32, 33) and home use(21, 22, 23). Group 1 laminate is much stronger, which allows it to be used in high-traffic areas where there are always a lot of people. To simplify your selection suitable covering Markings are also used that indicate the level of strength and durability.

This table will help you understand the laminate class markings

Coating care different types albeit slightly, but still different. For example, a moisture-resistant laminate is practically not afraid of prolonged exposure to liquid, and you can use a washing vacuum cleaner and a wet rag to care for it, unlike the usual non-waterproof laminate, with which you will have to be much more careful.

Moisture-resistant laminate practically not afraid of prolonged exposure to liquid

Let's take a closer look at the classification of laminate floor coverings.

Class 21 - household (home) coating. Service life is about 2 years. There is no reliable coating, so the laminate can quickly lose color and wear out easily. Afraid of water, not resistant to scratches and chips.
Class 22 (household coating) is stronger than the previous one, but nevertheless is not suitable for rooms and corridors where there is frequent foot traffic. It will last longer than 2-3 years if you put carpet on it, which will significantly reduce the load.
Class 23 is suitable for rooms of any purpose, because it is different high level strength. Service life - up to 4 years.
Class 31 (commercial laminate) is the most economical coating option for commercial premises. It is stronger than household laminate of any class and will last you 10–12 years at home.
Class 32 (commercial coating) can last from 3 to 5 years in commercial premises with average load. At home, this laminate can not lose its qualities for 15 years, even in the kitchen and hallway.
Class 33 (commercial) can withstand intense loads, so in an apartment it will last you up to 20 years. In addition, this laminate is not afraid of high humidity and hides sounds when walking.

When caring for household flooring, you should not use wet rags or a vacuum cleaner, or try to remove stains with caustic substances. Dry cleaning should be done once every 2 days, wet cleaning - once a week. It is better to cover class 21 and 22 laminate flooring with carpet in areas of high traffic, to minimize the movement of furniture on it. Defects that appear on such a coating should be restored immediately, as the damage quickly worsens.

Wipe grade 21, 22 and 23 laminate floors with a thoroughly wrung-out cloth.

Commercial grade laminate flooring can be vacuumed less often and washed more often, and is also more resistant to the alcohol, acids and alkalis you may need to remove stains. When cleaning, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth. Defects on such a coating appear much less frequently.

Laminate flooring care instructions

As already mentioned, it is enough to wash laminate floors once a week; on other days, it is enough to sweep away the dust or use a vacuum cleaner. The good thing about laminate is that you don't have to use wax or other shine products, so maintenance is kept to a minimum.

First, you need to check the safety of the floor care product. When you clean your laminate floor for the first time, choose an inconspicuous area and treat it. If the result is good, feel free to expand the cleaning area.
Special products designed for washing laminate flooring contain substances that will do an excellent job of removing almost any kind of dirt. Dilute them in warm water according to the instructions. If you don’t like household chemicals, you can use a simple, proven recipe for cleaning: 1 tablespoon of vinegar per 5 liters of water. This solution has long been used to successfully wash windows, mirrors and other glossy surfaces. It will cope just as well with a smooth top layer of laminate.
Start washing the floor from the window, moving towards the door. This way you won't have to walk on the washed surface.
For convenience, use a mop that has a rag wringing mechanism. This way you will get rid of excess moisture. When washing by hand, give preference to a microfiber or flannel cloth. They are quite soft and absorb moisture well.
Do not forget! Cleaning should be damp, not wet. Therefore, wring out the cloth thoroughly.

If wet stains remain on the floor after cleaning, it means that your rag does not absorb moisture well enough. If necessary, wipe the floor dry with a cotton rag.

Use a special mop with a microfiber attachment and spin capability.

These simple precautions will significantly reduce the risk of defects in your laminate flooring.

Problem solving

No matter how durable the laminate is, various minor troubles can happen to it during operation. Still, the floor can withstand considerable loads: heavy furniture, restless children, adults constantly busy with household chores.

After removing stains, wipe the surface with a solution of 1 tablespoon of 9% vinegar per 5 liters of water so that the floor regains its former shine.

Restoration of scratches and chips

It’s worth talking about products such as wax crayons, paste and restoration varnish for laminate flooring separately. You can purchase any of them at a specialized store. It is advisable to take care of this immediately when purchasing laminate, so you will save time. In addition, you need to have a sample of the coating with you so as not to make a mistake with the color.

You can buy a complete laminate repair kit, in which you will find comfortable spatulas and shovels, as well as all the necessary materials.

A wax chalk is suitable for treating minor scratches and abrasions. It consists of wax, paraffin and dye. The work flow is as follows:

Thoroughly clean the laminate surface from dirt, grease and dust and allow to dry.
Move the chalk over the damaged area until the scratches are completely covered with the compound.
After a few minutes, when the wax has dried, polish the surface with a dry cloth.

If the scratches are deep or chips have formed on the laminate, use a special wax paste of the desired color. The processing process is almost the same as in the previous case:

Clean the laminate.
Apply the heated paste onto the chip with a plastic spatula until it completely covers the damage.
Remove excess product with a wet cloth.
Wait for the paste to dry and polish the area.

Finally, you can coat the restoration area with a clear repair varnish for laminate flooring.

Photo gallery: materials for laminate restoration

The restoration paste must be warmed to a liquid state before use. The sealant is useful not only when laying laminate flooring, but also for preventive maintenance Applying wax paste to a scratch in the laminate is done with a small plastic spatula Wax crayons are the easiest way to quickly restore abrasions and shallow scratches.

A clean and well maintained laminate floor is important integral part interior of premises. During use, stains, scratches, bulges, swellings or gaps between the slats may form on the floor. Improper cleaning of floors also worsens the condition of the laminate flooring. Therefore, cleaning the laminate plays an important role in its operation.

The widespread use of laminated coatings requires knowledge and skills to care for them. Housewives are often interested in the question: how to properly wash a laminate floor so as not to spoil it and to avoid streaks. Knowing the features of such a coating, you will be able to properly care for it and decide once and for all for yourself how and with what to wash the laminate.

Features of laminated coating

Laminate flooring is a set of laminate planks connected along the length and ends to each other by means of a lock. The junction of the planks forms a joint. Joints are weakness laminated covering. Damage to the laminate is most common here, since the basis of this material is fiberboard, which is sensitive to moisture. The locks of inexpensive laminate are not treated with a water-repellent compound, so they can deteriorate if exposed to water. In expensive and elite types of coating, grooves and ridges are additionally treated with a composition containing wax, which improves the resistance of the coating to moisture.

It is very important to know how to properly wash laminate flooring so as not to damage the base layer of the board and maintain the shine of the coating.

Cleaning laminate flooring is an important and responsible moment in the process of caring for the coating. If you want to keep your home clean, then it is simply impossible to do without cleaning. Dry cleaning is carried out regularly as abrasive particles accumulate on the surface: grains of sand, small stones, small parts of toys. They may scratch the coating. To clean laminate flooring, sweep away debris with a soft-bristled broom. To avoid dust, vacuum with a brush, also with soft bristles. As the floor becomes dirty and dusty, after cleaning, it is necessary to do wet cleaning.

The cleaning result must be effective and safe for both the floor and the occupants of the premises in which it is installed. To do this, you need to know how to wash laminate flooring efficiently, without streaks and stains, so that it shines and preserves the service life of the coating as much as possible. It will help protect the surface from all kinds of scratches, swelling and discoloration. the right technology cleaning, good tool and detergents.

How to properly wash laminate flooring

To properly clean a laminate floor, you must follow a certain sequence of actions.

Pre-cleaning

First, you should clear the floor of large debris. To do this, you need to collect all items that could scratch the surface when sweeping. For example, large shards of glass, metal or sharp pieces of plastic. Next, collect sand and dirt from shoes or plasticine scattered by children. This can be done using a wooden spatula or spatula. Use a broom to sweep away all large debris. Carefully scoop it up with a scoop. The broom's pile should be soft enough so as not to scratch the surface of the laminate. Using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush, you need to carefully collect all small debris, dust, hairs, without missing corners, baseboards and hard-to-reach places.

Before washing, you must first clean the laminate from contamination with special detergents, which will be discussed below.

After this, you can proceed directly to wet cleaning.

Basic rules for washing laminate flooring

The main rule that should be followed when washing laminate floors is that the washing time and the amount of water that gets on the floor should be minimal. Then the moisture will have time to evaporate from the surface of the coating before it penetrates deep into the joints and begins to destroy them.
For washing, use a soft cloth or mop with microfiber and an adjustment lever. It is better to use a microfiber cloth. It collects excess water well from the surface and does not leave large streaks. Wring out the rag or mop head thoroughly after each wash. Old T-shirts, other colored items and rags with lint cannot be taken for washing. When using them, the surface becomes dull and streaks remain.
It is better to carry out wet cleaning with the windows open so that the water quickly evaporates and wet spots or puddles do not form.
To increase efficiency, special detergents are added to the water. This will be discussed in more detail below.
It is better to wash heavily soiled floors twice. Cleaning is done in small areas, rinsing the cloth frequently. The first time - with detergent. Then let the room dry. The second time - with plain water.
If the laminate floor is slightly dirty or dusty, you can simply wash it once. hot water(as long as your hands can tolerate it) so that it evaporates faster from the floor surface.
If small children or people with allergies live in a room with laminate flooring, you can wash the floor with hot water, without using any detergents. The water should be at a temperature of 70-80 degrees. Then it will disinfect the floor and quickly evaporate. You need to work with gloves. It is necessary to change the water frequently and wring out the cloth thoroughly. To avoid getting burned, it is better to use a mop with a wringing attachment.
The room should be washed in such a sequence as to avoid walking on a wet surface.
It is better to move the mop parallel to the laminate planks. So less water gets into the joints between the lamellas.
Dried laminate can be polished with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove residual moisture, stains and add shine to the coating.
If the floor is too wet, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth or dry mop. This will protect the laminate from swelling and reduce streaks.

After wet cleaning warm water laminate dries faster. But clean tap water leaves streaks on the surface. To avoid this, it is necessary to neutralize it. At home, a weak solution of table vinegar is used for this. Now you know how to wash laminate flooring to avoid streaks.

What is the best way to wash laminate flooring?

This question plagues all housewives. And the answer is very simple: it is best to wash the laminated surface with detergents specially designed for this purpose, strictly following the instructions for use. Overdose or inappropriate use of the product can lead to stains, streaks and damage to the coating.

Detergents

Retail chains offer a wide selection of professional cleaning products for laminate flooring:

Mellerud Bio is a natural-based product that removes dirt, dust, oil and grease films well.
Emsal Laminate - based on soap, provides gentle care, protects edges from swelling, adds shine, and prevents dust accumulation.
Pronto - eliminates stains, adds shine and removes dirt well.
HG is a concentrate that creates a thin film that protects against moisture.
Laminol is an industrial product that softens water, is antibacterial, adds shine, and does not require rinsing.

Household flooring detergents (Mr.Proper, Glorix, Meine Liebe, Luxus, Grass, Sarma and others) can also be used to wash laminate surfaces.

In addition to special detergents, you can also use ordinary ones that can be found in any home. However, it is worth remembering that all detergents are used with restrictions.

Detergents - shampoos, liquid soap, dishwashing detergents - must have a neutral PH, be safe for the respiratory system of humans and animals, and do not contain ammonia and chlorine. Their high chemical activity can damage the surface of the laminate.

Some professional detergents do not require rinsing. Read the instructions carefully before use.

Any new detergent should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area. The average concentration of detergent is 50 grams per 10 liters of water. After using the product, you need to wash the floor with clean warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth or fiber cloth.

To remove stains and add shine, after the washed floor has dried, the surface should be polished with a dry flannel cloth or rag.

A universal recipe without unnecessary chemicals

Special and professional detergents do a good job of cleaning laminate floors from dirt, but they are quite expensive. There are universal recipes for cleaning floors without using chemicals.

The simplest, cheapest and most common way to wash a laminate floor without using professional chemicals is to use clear table vinegar. This method can be easily implemented at home. Add 200 ml to a bucket of hot water (10 l.). 3-9% white vinegar. The floor is washed with this solution in the usual way– wringing out the cloth well and not stepping on the wet surface. There is no need to go through plain water a second time. Vinegar has disinfectant properties. In combination with hot water and a well-wrung out cloth, it will ensure rapid evaporation of moisture. Additional polishing with a dry cloth will remove residual moisture, increase shine and remove stains. A solution of vinegar in water removes dirt from laminated surfaces well and makes them shine.

Do not use apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar, or any other vinegar color other than clear. This may damage the laminate surface.

U this method there is only one drawback - it is present during washing bad smell. It does not cause any harm and disappears quickly.

If you don’t have 3-9% vinegar, you can use 70% essence (acetic acid), but you will need 10 times less of it.

What kind of rag to use

As we have mentioned several times in this article, the best way to clean laminate flooring is to use a microfiber cloth. In principle, any soft cloth that absorbs moisture well and can be wrung out well, or a special rag for washing floors, will do.

Important! The rag should not fade and contain hard inclusions (buttons, locks, etc.) that can scratch the surface.

As an alternative to a floor cloth, you can use a mop. This will make cleaning the floor a little easier. It is better to use a universal mop with adjustable handle length. When cleaning large areas, professional mops with covers made of various materials on a movable rectangular or oval shaped head have performed well. The movable mop head facilitates the process of washing and subsequent polishing of the laminate flooring. For washing small area It is enough to have a simple household mop.

Washing vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner

Progress does not stand still and manufacturers of household appliances have been offering to automate the cleaning process using a washing vacuum cleaner for several years.

However, you should use a regular washing vacuum cleaner to wash laminate flooring with great care. Water that gets onto the joints when sprayed with the cleaning nozzle of a vacuum cleaner penetrates the joints and causes them to swell. Only when washing laminate flooring, the locks of which are treated with a special wax composition, can you use new generation washing vacuum cleaners. They spray water less intensely, are equipped with a special nozzle that quickly absorbs liquid and a brush that carefully collects remaining moisture.

Steam cleaners are very effective at removing contaminants from the surface of the laminate, but their use is possible only if the following basic conditions are met:

The coating has no damage or discrepancies between the panels;
The joints of the panels are glued with a special glue or treated with a water-repellent wax-based compound;
The material must have a durable protective coating of class 33 or 34.

How not to wash laminate flooring

When cleaning laminate floors, it is recommended to use special laminate detergents. It is prohibited to use products containing chemically aggressive components. They provide negative impact on a laminated surface.

Bleach and chlorine-containing products, such as White, should not be used for cleaning. Bleach discolors the surface and changes the shade of the decorative coating.
Do not use high concentration acid or caustic alkali. Such products corrode protective covering and destroy the fiberboard.
It is prohibited to use disinfectants and other products containing ammonia. It affects the laminate flooring, reducing its shine.
It is not recommended to use polishes and products intended for the care of other coatings when cleaning. Spots, cloudiness and streaks may appear on the surface.
The use of abrasive powders, pastes and rough brushes is prohibited. This results in scratches on the laminate, which deteriorates it. appearance and leads to rapid wear.
Do not wash the floor with a wet cloth and a lot of water. Penetrating into the cracks, moisture causes the fiberboard to swell and damage the coating.
Do not overdose detergents in water solution. This is the most common reason stains on the surface and damage to the integrity of the coating.

The use of special detergents makes the washing process easier, but unnecessary chemicals are of no benefit to anyone. Of course, it is impossible to completely abandon them, but it is better to limit the use of detergents for severe stains.
In order to properly wash the surface without leaving streaks, you must first clean it of dirt, grease, and stains using cleaning products. It is better to use them locally, at the site of contamination.
To keep the floor surface in good condition:
— exclude abrasive pastes and powders;
- use clean white rags or special wipes;
- follow the instructions for the cleaning product;
— after removing dirt, rinse the area with clean warm water and dry quickly with a cloth.
When using non-professional cleaners and detergents for laminated surfaces, it is necessary to take into account that an aggressive environment (alkaline or acidic) and the abrasiveness of the material can damage the laminate coating. Therefore, any product must be used wisely, according to the instructions, or by testing it on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor. Prolonged exposure of the product to the surface is not allowed.
The simplest product that can be used to wash laminate flooring is a mild shampoo or liquid soap. Dilute 20 mg. in five liters of hot water and mix well. Dip a cloth or mop head into the soapy water and wring it out well. Start from the far corner of the room and go to the exit without stepping on the wet floor. Use a mop or rag to move along the slats. This way the joints are less disturbed, dirt is washed out better and stains are removed well. After complete drying, wipe the floor again with a cloth washed in clean warm water or in water with the addition of 6-9% white vinegar. (50 ml per 10 liters of water). Vinegar neutralizes the effects of an alkaline environment, adds shine to the laminate, and removes remaining dirt. We finish by completely drying the floor surface and ventilating it.
How often can laminate flooring be washed? Wet cleaning should be done no more than once or twice a week, depending on the degree of soiling of the floor. Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or broom can be done daily.
On a smooth dark-colored surface (wenge, bog oak) whitish streaks may remain. To avoid this, use special detergents to wash laminate flooring without streaks. They are added to water in doses according to the instructions. The floor washed in this way is wiped dry and polished with a soft, dry cloth. There will be no divorces left.

How to remove brilliant green and other stains on laminate flooring

Floor cleaning almost always involves removing various stains. In this case, the following tips will help us:

If the laminate is contaminated with aggressive liquids or paints, it is necessary to use special cleaners. For example: Dr Schutz, Elatex, Spray Max.
You don’t always have such a remedy at hand, but you need to act quickly. Suitable funds from household. Solvents will help remove paint from the floor. For oil colors will do white spirit, for nitro paints - acetone. The paint must be removed immediately with a cloth soaked in an appropriate solvent. Wipe the solvent dry. Rinse the floor with a solution of vinegar and warm water. Wipe dry.
If it's on the floor polyurethane foam, then it must be removed from the surface with a wooden spatula, and the remains with white spirit. If the foam has dried, you need to carefully scrape it off with a wooden scraper and clean the area with white spirit.
Places contaminated with acrylic paints must be thoroughly washed with warm water.
The gypsum putty can be carefully scraped off and the area washed with warm water.
Traces of adhesive tape are removed with white spirit.
Wine stains and cognac stains can be easily removed with industrial or medical alcohol.
Streaks from colored pencils and felt-tip pens are wiped off with alcohol or white spirit.
Grease stains and blood stains are treated with a rag soaked in window cleaning liquid or white spirit.
A rag soaked in white spirit will help to wash away stains on the laminate from rubber shoes, bicycle tires or stroller wheels. They can also be easily erased with a regular school eraser.
You can wash the brilliant green with a cloth soaked in alcohol.
If chewing gum or resin gets on the floor, it must be frozen with an ice bag and removed from the surface. Or scrape it off with a wooden spatula and remove the remaining residue with a cloth and white spirit.

In all cases of surface contamination active substances, you need to quickly take cleaning measures and be sure to finally rinse the area to be cleaned with warm water or water with white vinegar.

The key to success in the fight against stains is precisely this quick removal staining agent from the surface of the laminate. If the dirty stain has already dried, it will require more physical effort and stronger detergents to remove it.

What is the difference between caring for white and dark laminate flooring?

Dark particles are clearly visible on a white laminate floor. These can be grains of sand, small pebbles that are carried with shoes and scratch the surface, leaving dark marks. Dust and dirt collect in scratches and dents, making them noticeable. Therefore, it is very important to prevent mechanical damage to the surface of the white surface. When dust accumulates in joints and crevices and subsequent washing, dark stains may remain on the white surface. Therefore, the white floor needs to be vacuumed and dusted more often.

Dark laminate floors are less likely to show dents and small scratches, but gray dust and light stains from detergents are very clearly visible. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully remove any remaining detergent from the surface. This is achieved by additional rinsing with clean warm water followed by polishing with a clean soft cloth.

Keep the floor clean and dry clean it daily.
Do wet cleaning no more than once or twice a week as it gets dirty.
Avoid over-moistening or drying out the room.
Place a rubberized mat in the hallway near the door, on which dirt brought from the street will remain.
Walk on laminate floors in soft shoes or socks. This preserves the shine and integrity of the surface longer.
Place felt pads on furniture legs to prevent the floor from scratching when moving furniture.
Do not allow heavy sharp objects to fall on the laminate or aggressive liquids to spill.
Immediately clean up spills and wipe the floor dry.
How to clean grease from laminate flooring in the kitchen? First, remove the grease with a dry cloth. Then wipe the area with a cloth soaked in mineral spirits or window cleaner. Finally, wash the area with soap and water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Special laminate care products should be used strictly according to the instructions and the dosage should be observed.
To make the laminate shine, use a finishing rub with special products or a solution of water and 3-9% white vinegar with a well-wrung-out cloth.
The surface should not be treated with wax-containing compounds and mastics used for wooden coatings. This makes the surface slippery and can cause injury.
To reduce slipping in the kitchen, you need to wash the laminate with a solution of soda (50 grams per 10 liters of warm water), then with a solution of 3-9% vinegar (50 ml per 10 liters of water). Wipe the floor dry and keep it dry.
with a special wax pencil, selected by color. Broken and separated joints must be filled with acrylic sealant in the color of the surface.

Using our tips will help you properly care for laminate flooring during operation. By doing this you will extend its service life and enjoy your interior.

What you need to know about laminate?

Laminate structure

First, a little theory. The floor covering, which we used to call laminate, is panels made of MDF or chipboard, paper and melamine resins pressed under pressure and high temperature.

The final coating of the slabs - lamination - is made with melamine or acrylic paint. This is where the name of the material actually comes from.

Wear resistance classes

Depending on the purpose of use, needs and financial opportunities Laminate manufacturers have developed 33 classes of this material for consumers. To assign a certain class, coverage undergoes about 18 tests.

The highest wear resistance class is assigned to materials that can be used to cover floors in various institutions and establishments with high traffic - it is called commercial.

However, you can also buy it for your home. This laminate will serve you for 30 years, while its declared service life is public places ah - only 3-5 years.

Laminate flooring also differs in its degree of moisture resistance. For example, Aqua Resist laminate is moisture resistant and can be safely installed even in the bathroom. But this is rather an exception.

As a rule, laminate does not like moisture. Its penetration into the slabs through the seams can lead to swelling of the top layer and damage to the material. For the same reason, you should not use PVA glue to repair laminate flooring.

What might you need to properly care for laminate flooring?

Despite its complex structure, laminate is easy to use and does not require special care. Moreover, it is very sensitive to water, so it is not recommended to wash this floor frequently. To care for laminate flooring yourself, just a few detergents and tools are enough.

Detergents

How can I clean laminate flooring? You should definitely avoid using abrasive detergents and hard sponges. It is better to use such means:

Image	Description
	Special detergents for laminate floor care They have a special composition that does not harm the structure of the material and preserves its appearance - Loba, Laminatclear and others.
	Floor cleaners with neutral PH Suitable for caring for parquet and laminate flooring. But you need to carefully read the instructions on the label.
	Warm water without additives Will cope with light soiling floor and refreshes it.
	Grandma's recipe: 1 tablespoon of vinegar per 5 liters of water - suitable for wet cleaning of laminate flooring. Simply wipe the laminate floor with this solution to make it shine.

Do not use soap or alkaline solutions to clean the floor. They destroy the top layer of the coating and always leave streaks.

Tools

To clean laminate flooring, it is enough to use the following tools:

Image	Description
	Vacuum cleaner with soft brush Ideal for dry cleaning. This is especially true for public places where dirt and dust must be removed daily.
	Mop with soft cloth and spin Suitable for wet cleaning and removing sticky stains. Wash laminate flooring correctly - along the slabs.
	Dry microfiber cloth Indispensable for removing excess moisture at the joints of slabs.

Do not use a vacuum cleaner; it leaves too much water.

Proper care of laminate flooring

After laying laminate flooring, the question naturally arises: how to care for laminate flooring at home? Nothing could be simpler. detailed instructions will help you take into account all the nuances.

Rule 1. How to wash laminate flooring?

Laminate washing technique:

Prepare cleaning supplies and tools.
If the dirt is minor, vacuum the floor.
Wipe the floor with a damp mop.
Remove any remaining water with a dry cloth.
If stain removal is necessary:

Apply the cleaner to the stain;
wait a few minutes;
remove the stain.

When washing, move from the farthest area under the window or in the corner, gradually moving towards the door. This way you won't have to walk on a freshly washed floor.

Rule 2. How to remove difficult stains from laminate?

If conventional laminate floor care products cannot remove stains, use the following products:

Image	Recommendations
	Wine, sweet juice, fat can be removed using any pH neutral floor cleaner.
	Markers, nail polish, ink and shoe polish Easily removed using nail polish remover, acetone or solvent.
	Wax and chewing gum after complete hardening, it is removed with a plastic or wooden scraper.
	Blood stains can be wiped off using a special nylon pad.

Rule 3. How to update laminate?

Even with the most durable flooring, minor troubles can occur - abrasions, scratches, chips. Therefore, I’ll add a few more words about how to update laminate flooring at home.

Scratches on laminate flooring can be easily removed using a special wax pencil of the desired color. You can purchase it at any hardware store.

Don't know how to restore laminate flooring from scuffs? Take advantage professional means for polishing. Its price may seem high to you, but the effect of use cannot be compared with any other product. Polish will not only restore scuffs, but also improve the color of the coating.

If you were unable to protect the laminate from moisture and mechanical damage and some of the slabs have deteriorated, do not be upset. They can be swapped with whole slabs from a less visible location (under the sofa or bed). Really, do it better for men with certain knowledge and skills.

And finally, a few more tips that will help extend the life of the laminate:

Shoes with heels. You should not walk on this floor in heels.
Soft linings for furniture. Special soft pads must be glued to furniture legs, flowerpots and other heavy objects to avoid damage to the floor covering.

Rugs. In places of active use - in front of the front door, where children play - it is better to lay rugs.
Mechanical damage. Do not drop heavy objects onto the laminate.
Spilled liquid. Wipe up liquids spilled on the floor without delay.

Summary

Now you know that laminate differs from other floor coverings not only in its beauty and high wear resistance. Caring for laminate flooring in an apartment is a simple and enjoyable task. If you don’t believe me, watch the video in this article and see for yourself: if you follow simple rules, laminate flooring will faithfully serve you for many years.

I look forward to your advice in the comments.

Features of caring for laminate flooring and how to wash it. How to properly restore flooring and extend its service life. What not to do when cleaning.

The content of the article:

Caring for laminate flooring is a task that everyone faces when installing this flooring at home or in an apartment. When starting a renovation, think through all the pros and cons of such a finish. It also doesn’t hurt to learn how to care for laminate flooring correctly and what to do in emergency situations (stains from permanent dyes, markers, grease, swelling due to accidentally spilled water, chips from heavy objects falling on the floor).

Structure of laminate flooring

This type of coating is often called laminated parquet, but the difference between the two types of finishing is significant. Laminate is a kind of “layer cake”, which consists of:

Stabilizing layer. It is presented in thick kraft cardboard impregnated with melamine. To improve the sound insulation properties of the laminate, in some cases a sound insulation layer is also glued to it.
Load-bearing layer. This is the actual “body” of the laminate. In economy class models and some representatives of the mid-price category, they are made of thick chipboard. IN expensive laminate the supporting layer is natural wood. It is much stronger than chipboard. Locks are cut out in the supporting layer to connect adjacent lamellas.
Decorative layer. Plain paper, printed with a pattern and impregnated with melamine. Thanks to this layer, the laminate imitates everything - river pebbles and marble, natural wood various breeds and ceramic tiles.
Top or protective layer. How long the appearance of the coating will please you depends on its thickness and quality.

In addition to classic laminate, there are waterproof types of this flooring. The main layer in them is not wood or chipboard, but a special durable plastic with air chambers. Caring for such a laminate is 90% easier than a regular and moisture-resistant one with a wood/chipboard base.

How to properly wash laminate flooring

Wood does not like water, especially for materials made from waste from the wood industry. Since 80% of us like to save money, we buy laminate either economy class or medium, the basis of which is chipboard. Chipboard afraid of water - it swells with prolonged exposure, rendering the coating unusable.

However, laminate flooring can and should be washed, although not too often. The main thing is to choose the right detergents for this. It is difficult to find household chemicals just for laminate flooring. Any non-aggressive product in the form of a gel or liquid diluted in water is suitable for the floor. Soak a rag in the solution, wring it out well and wipe the floor with it.

Laminate care products that can be found in any household chemical store - Mister Propper and Mister Muscle. Dilute them with water according to the instructions, wet a rag and wipe the floor. Perfect option- buy a special mop, on which, using a simple device, you can thoroughly wring out the washing surface.

If Muscle and Propper are not at hand, you can use any laminate detergent with a neutral pH for cleaning. If you don’t have the right one, look at what ingredients are included in your existing household chemicals. How simpler composition(non-ionic substances, fragrance, preservatives), especially safer remedy. Knowing what and how to properly wash laminate flooring, you will preserve its attractive appearance for a long time.

Let's look at the methods of wet cleaning of laminate flooring:

Method one “water and rag”. For cleaning, use a flat mop that has a device for wringing out the cleaning cloth. Pour water into a bucket, wet a cloth, and wring it out using the special lever on the mop. Give the floor a quick wipe, then buff it by hand with a dry cloth.
Method two: “hot water and a rag”. Use very hot water, but not boiling water. The procedure is the same: wet, squeeze, wash, wipe. Hot water cleans best possible contamination on laminate.
Method three “water and vinegar”. Relevant if the floor in some places is dirty and no longer shines. Pour a liter of slightly warm water? cups white vinegar, stir. Pour into a spray bottle and arm yourself with a soft, dry cloth. Spray the product on a small area of the floor and immediately begin wiping. When the surface becomes shiny, rinse it with clean water, wipe it dry and continue cleaning.
Method four “baby shampoo”. Pour heavily into the bucket hot water, add a couple of tablespoons of baby shampoo and stir. Clean according to classic type. Finally, thoroughly dry the floor.

Note! Household chemicals should not contain sodium hypochloride. You can use this composition once. But frequent washing of laminate flooring will lead to loss of shine and discoloration.

Features of laminate restoration

Caring for a laminate floor is not only dry and wet cleaning, but also emergency assistance to the coating in case of scratches, chips, or swelling. Of particular note are stains from juices, wine and drawings with felt-tip pens. A laminate floor is a convenient easel for children, so multi-colored stripes, or even entire paintings, especially if a little artist lives in the house, can appear regularly.

How to fix scratches on laminate flooring

Scratches appear as a result of improper use of the floor covering - from children's toys (cars), moving furniture without pads under the legs. Such defects on the floor cannot be left unattended. Grains of sand will gradually increase the size of the scratch, and dust and possible dirt will get stuck, as a result you will have to replace the entire lamella, and this is already a small repair.

To remove a small defect, use a wax pencil (match the color of the floor):

Clean the scratch and remove all dust from the floor using a vacuum cleaner.
Run a pencil over the scratch. Repeat the action until the flaw disappears.
Polish with a dry cloth.

If the defect is deep, a pencil will not help, use either mastic or paste:

Apply mastic plastic glass(included), remove excess from the surface, polish with a soft cloth. You can walk around this place right away.
The paste is thinner than mastic. Apply it with a plastic spatula to the cleaned scratch, smooth it out, wipe with a damp sponge and then with a dry soft cloth. Cover the area with something. You can walk on it in a couple of hours.

Finding the right color pencil is easy. On sale you can find a shade to match any laminate. It’s more difficult with mastics and pastes; they are produced in a limited palette of colors. To get the desired shade, you will have to experiment: take several colors and mix in different proportions until you get the right one.

How to remove chips on laminate flooring

Appears as a result of falling on the floor heavy object. Most often found in the kitchen. Caring for such a floor involves prompt repairs, since the chipped area is most susceptible to penetration of moisture, dust, and debris.

Clean up the defect. Melt the special putty using a burner. Apply it to the defect and immediately remove any excess that gets onto the surface of the laminate near the chip. Let cure, sand and polish.

Take care of this floor in the same way as before: daily dry cleaning, wet cleaning 2 times a week, application of a special product once a year. products (mastics).

Elimination of laminate swelling

Occurs if water is spilled on the floor and is not cleaned up immediately. A wet lamella increases in size, its edges swell and curl. If a lot of time has passed since the water entered, the situation can only be corrected by replacing the floorboard.

If the lamella has spent an hour and a half under water, try to save it:

Disassemble the floor a little further from the “accident” site.
Place the swollen floorboards on a flat surface (on paper) and leave to dry.
Do not assemble the floor, arrange a good draft that will remove moisture from the space under the laminate.
Reassemble the floor and place the damaged lamella away from any source of possible moisture.

Caring for the floor after an accident is standard, but be sure to treat all joints between the slats with sealant. It is very good if the locks are coated with it while assembling the floor covering.

Removing designs from laminate flooring

The method for removing marker stains depends on what base the ink is made from. There are several options to get rid of them:

Take an eraser, preferably a Kokhinorov eraser, and erase the drawing with it. If the idea is a success, finish the job by moistening the cotton wool in alcohol or vodka, and then wipe the floor with any suitable detergent and wipe dry. The method is effective for alcohol-based markers.
Take a microfiber cloth and try to erase the design. Afterwards, wipe the area with a damp and then a dry cloth.
Squeeze onto stain toothpaste. Take a microfiber and erase the marker. If it works, repeat on the remaining drawings. Then wipe the floor with a damp and dry cloth. Do not use whitening toothpaste or gel!
Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover, acetone or white spirit. Try it on a small piece of laminate. If the marker is removed, but the floor surface remains the same, carefully remove other traces of the child’s creativity.
Water-based markers are easily washed off with clean water. Don't forget to wipe the floor dry after cleaning.

How to remove stains from laminate flooring

In addition to drawings with felt-tip pens, blood can get on the floor from an accidental cut, resin from a Christmas tree, alcohol during a holiday, stripes from street shoes if one of the household members decides to run around the house without undressing.

Dealing with such stains is not difficult:

Dried blood can be removed with any window cleaner.
The resin from the Christmas tree needs to be frozen (put ice from the freezer on top), then carefully separated from the floor with a plastic scraper. Wash the area with window cleaner.
Colored alcoholic beverage is removed with water and detergent (one of the Mr. Propper or Muscle will do). If it doesn’t work, soak a cotton swab in denatured alcohol and try it on a small piece of laminate, and then evaluate what happens. If the floor surface is not damaged, remove the entire stain. After this, wipe the floor with a damp and then a dry cloth.
Streaks from the rubber soles of street shoes can be removed with a regular eraser - just wipe them off the floor and then rinse it off. And don't forget to wipe dry!

Rules for caring for laminate flooring

There are several varieties of this flooring: regular, intended for installation in rooms with normal humidity, and moisture-resistant, which is laid where there is a high probability of accidentally spilling water (in the kitchen).

Moisture-resistant laminate can be installed in the bathroom, but you will have to be careful when using the shower. A few drops of moisture will not harm the coating, but regular spills of water will ruin even the most expensive laminate. For bathroom the best option- waterproof plastic version.

The rules for caring for laminate flooring regulate the procedure for ensuring that the floor remains beautiful for a long time. They must be produced constantly:

Pay attention to the entrance area. Dust, sand, and soil particles always collect here. To prevent them from spreading throughout the room, place a dust-collecting mat at the entrance. Every time you come in from the street, wet clean this area and shake out the rug. Clean entry - 50% of your laminate floor care work!
Remove all sharp objects. You cannot walk on home laminate flooring in high-heeled shoes and move furniture (on commercial laminate flooring you can). To avoid scratches and dents, walk around the house in slippers, and put felt shoes on furniture legs or glue special pads on them, which are sold at any hardware store.
Replace regular rollers with rubber ones. Some furniture (for example, chairs for working at a computer) is equipped with wheels, but in 90% of cases they are plastic. If you ride them on the laminate, stripes will inevitably remain, which are difficult to get rid of. Replace these rollers with rubber ones and skate to your health!
Eliminate or minimize water on the floor. If the joints between the slats are well-insulated, moisture-resistant laminate can be safely exposed to moisture for up to an hour. Then the water will still find a tiny crack and begin to seep inside.
Caring for laminate flooring in the kitchen comes down to limiting the ingress of moisture: provide everything flower pots deep saucers, lay a rug on the floor near the sink. If water gets on it, remove it to dry and lay it dry.
Carry out dry cleaning using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
Do wet cleaning with a well-wrung out cloth no more than 2 times a week. Change the water frequently while cleaning to avoid leaving streaks on the floor. Be sure to wipe the surface dry with a soft cloth or piece of microfiber.
Use only special laminate care products.
Once a year, treat the floor with a special mastic.

What not to do when caring for laminate flooring

Laminate surfaces are quite difficult to care for, despite the fact that immediately after installation and while the protective coating is intact, it is enough to regularly vacuum the floor and wipe it with a slightly damp cloth several times a week.

The following actions cannot be performed if you plan to keep the coating in its original form for as long as possible:

Use products containing alkali and acid, and powders containing abrasive particles.
Use sharp objects for cleaning.
Throw water on the floor while cleaning.
Keep a lot of pets. If you love cats and dogs, install a more affordable covering, for example, linoleum or a higher-class laminate.
Use parquet products containing wax and oil to treat the surface. They do not penetrate inside the lamellas, creating a film on the surface to which dust and debris adhere well.
Use shine products containing glycerin. When they get into the joints, they swell the edges of the lamellas.

How to care for laminate flooring - watch the video:

Caring for laminate flooring at home is quite simple. It is much more important and difficult to properly operate this coating. Teach your family to undress at the entrance, and then go barefoot or in soft slippers, do not spill water on the floor and do not draw with felt-tip pens! Then cleaning will consist of a daily “walk” with a vacuum cleaner and one-time weekly “runs” with a damp cloth.

Laminate appeared in the middle of the last century, but over time it is only gaining popularity among the population. After all, the method of its production is being improved, new types and ornaments are appearing, quality and durability are improving. And this despite the fact that, while having a beautiful appearance, laminate is completely inexpensive compared to other floor coverings; if desired, it will allow you to save on installation, because it is very easy to install.

A good laminate under normal conditions retains its appearance for at least 20 years. In order for it to serve its service life properly, you need not only to purchase quality material and lay it correctly, but you should also know how to care for laminate flooring at home.

Cleaning Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring does not require cleaning special effort. It is recommended to sweep or vacuum the floor followed by a damp wipe. Dealing with stains is just as easy: add a small amount of vinegar or saline solution to the water. But you need to be very careful with water, because laminate cannot tolerate it. Once water spills on the floor and gets into the seams between the laminate panels, there is a risk of the floor swelling. In places where water gets in, the edges of the panels begin to protrude and cling to feet and objects. The result is chipped and scratched edges and corners of the panels. As a result, the floor loses its integrity and appearance. Even dismantling the laminate at the site of swelling and further drying the wet areas may not return it to its previous appearance.

Moreover, moisture can make the laminate squeak when walking, and the locks become loose and no longer perform their functions properly.

To avoid such catastrophic consequences, it is enough to wash the laminate with a slightly damp sponge and care for the laminate as described in this article.

Today, there are already moisture-resistant laminate models on sale, in which the panels have wax-coated locks that repel moisture. This method has proven to be so effective against water that it is even used in kitchens and bathrooms. But the cost will immediately differ markedly from regular laminate.

Removing stains

In any room there are always places with the greatest traffic and load on the floor. There, the coating is always susceptible to dirt, scratches and even stains, so you should always be able to remove a stain soon after it appears. Let's look at how to properly care for laminate flooring if stains appear:

Scratches often appear on laminate flooring after wearing heels or moving furniture. The scratch may not be immediately noticeable, but will soon appear. Now let’s figure out how to care for laminate flooring using the example of removing scratches from its surface.

A scratch can always be eliminated using a special paste, pencil or grout that matches the color of the laminate.

But you can also use a handy tool such as an eraser, which simply erases the scratched area. Naturally, a deep scratch cannot be removed with an eraser, but baking soda in a paste form is quite possible. It is enough to apply it to the damaged area and wait a little while the soda corrodes the material. Afterwards, the treated area should be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Plaque removal

Cleaning laminate flooring also has its consequences in the form of the formation of a waxy coating that makes up the laminated coating. You should know how to care for laminate flooring in an apartment after cleaning it, if only because without proper care, the floor will lose its shine and appearance. This problem is solved by wiping the floor with water in a ratio of 4 liters to 1 glass of vinegar.

With use, the top layer of the laminate wears off and the original shine is lost. You can return it by wet cleaning different ways:

Add 1 glass of vinegar to 5 liters of water.
A glass of lemon juice or a tablespoon citric acid diluted in half a bucket of water.
Half a bucket of water is diluted with half a glass of lemon juice, half a glass of vinegar and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent.
Using special means.

Laminate creaks

The creaking of laminate flooring appears due to moisture or unevenness of the base on which the laminate is laid. The reason for this may initially be uneven surface during installation or the substrate loses its qualities. In any case, to eliminate the squeak, you should disassemble this place and only then will it be possible to determine how to care for the laminate floor to prevent squeaking in the future. You may need to dry the laminate or level the base underneath. Or carefully replace the substrate.

Rules for caring for laminate flooring

Laminate flooring requires careful handling and several simple rules:

Carrying out dry and wet cleaning once a week will allow you to easily clean the floor from minor dirt without the use of aggressive substances.
You should learn how to correctly select both available cleaning products and special ones. Otherwise, there may be undesirable consequences that will not improve, but will worsen the condition of the damaged areas.
You need to take care of the top protective layer laminate without scratching it with shoes, furniture legs or metal and abrasive devices when cleaning. The laminate owes its shiny appearance and easy cleaning to the top acrylic layer.
Any scratches that appear must be eliminated immediately to prevent further damage to the laminate.
If front door If laminate is laid, this area must be covered with a rug, linoleum or other material that will protect the top covering.

When cleaning or working with laminate flooring, it is important to remember the following:

Do not use a lot of water, as this can cause irreparable damage to the laminate.
The laminate surface is susceptible to scratches, so you should never use alkaline, acidic or metal means.
If there is a need to use aggressive substances, you need to test their effect on an inconspicuous area. Leave aggressive substances on the laminate long time prohibited.
Laminate flooring should only dry naturally.

In conclusion, it should be noted that only a careful attitude towards the floor, timely elimination of all its defects and care for the condition of the laminated coating will help ensure the original appearance of the laminate for many years. This is not difficult to do, since caring for laminate flooring is not difficult.