If you have made a difficult choice between parquet boards, linoleum and laminate in favor of the latter, then you will definitely be faced with the question of proper care and maintenance of this coverage. Note that laminate has a structure similar to a layer cake and the most important layer is the top film. It is this that protects the coating from dust, scratches, chips, heel marks, animal claws and gives the floor shine. Therefore, proper care of the laminate flooring is very important.
Proper care is a factor in the longevity of your floor.
Both to prevent disease and to ensure the longevity of your flooring, prevention is essential. Namely: the main dirt enters the apartment from the street. Sand spreads throughout the rooms and plays the role of sandpaper, therefore, no matter how durable the laminate is, scratches are inevitable. Place a good rubber mat on the floor in the hallway that will trap all the dirt.
It is not advisable to use a vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring, as it leaves behind a lot of moisture.
Is it even possible to wash your laminate flooring?
The next question is about the moisture resistance of laminate flooring. There is a type of it called Aqua Resist, which can be laid even in the bathroom, and even more so, and moisture is not a hindrance to such a coating. If this is not your case, then know that water regular laminate does not love. It can penetrate between the seams of the coating and lead to swelling of the top layer. Also note that you cannot glue laminate flooring using water based(PVA glue) for the same reason!
How to wash laminate flooring?
Now let's move directly to the question: how to wash laminate flooring? The choice of detergents and frequency of cleaning depends on what the coating is contaminated with. Please note that it is not advisable to use a washing vacuum cleaner, as it leaves behind a lot of moisture. Regular dry vacuuming is encouraged, just use a special long-bristled brush. You can vacuum at least every day. The main thing is to prevent sand, dust, and other abrasive particles from accumulating on the surface. By the way, 1-2 times a week after dry vacuuming, it is good to wipe the laminate with a damp cloth.
A universal recipe without unnecessary chemicals
The choice of cleaning the floor with or without detergent depends on the type of dirt. An even older generation came up with a universal recipe:
- Add vinegar to lukewarm water. Calculation: 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of water.
It was with this product that our grandmothers washed windows, cleaned mirrors and dishes. We recommend using household chemicals in case of greasy stains or heavy dirt, and after cleaning, wiping the floor with a slightly damp cloth. As for the fabric material, a microfiber cloth seems to be a worthy option, although many housewives opt for ordinary household fabric.
We remove stains and other surprises
Now about the nuances. If traces of a felt-tip pen, marker, lipstick, or varnish appear on the floor, use household solvent, acetone, or methyl alcohol. Apply the product to the stain and wipe almost immediately with a slightly damp cloth. In the case of dried gum or candle wax, it is recommended to use a scraper, and then proceed as if scratches appeared - take a special pencil for laminate, select the color, and cover the mark. Grease stains are easily removed using detergents with neutral PH. If, God forbid, you have traces of dry blood on the floor, then a special nylon pad will come to the rescue.
Video: how to care for laminate and wood floors
To summarize, I would like to note that there is no need to get carried away with wet cleaning of laminate flooring. It’s better to constantly remove dust, sand with a vacuum cleaner or just sweep, and then your coating can last 10 or 15 years.
Laminate is widely used for finishing floors in apartments, houses and offices. The choice of laminate textures is quite large, from imitation floorboards to natural stone, and in terms of characteristics it often surpasses expensive ones Decoration Materials– this explains its popularity. In this article we will tell you how to properly care for laminate flooring in order to extend its service life and maintain its original appearance.
The decorative laminated covering consists of individual lamellas, which are connected using end locks. This creates Smooth surface with high decorative properties. The design of the laminate largely determines the rules for its operation and maintenance.
The basis of the laminate is a high-strength fiberboard board with a stabilizing layer on the bottom and a decorative layer on top. The stabilizing layer consists of multi-layer kraft paper or melamine resin; it protects the base from deformation and increases sound insulation properties.
To the top decorative coating A layer of melamine or acrylic resin with textured embossing is applied from patterned paper. The protective layer provides wear resistance and protects against damage. The locking connection, depending on the class of the laminate, can be treated with moisture-resistant impregnation.
Prices for Tarkett laminate
Tarquette laminate
Wear resistance and moisture resistance classes
The laminate class is regulated by Standard EN 13329 and can be determined by digital markings.
- Laminate classes 21-23 economy class has been discontinued, but can be found in some apartments. It does not have high wear resistance and is afraid of water. Laminate class 21-23 can only be used in rooms without high load - bedrooms, pantries, dressing rooms.
- Laminate class 31 with a wear resistance rating (AC3) is intended for residential premises with low traffic; it is usually used in the decoration of a bedroom, nursery or living room. Not moisture resistant, subject to abrasion in walkable areas: doorways, corridors, so it is better to protect it with rugs.
- Laminate class 32(AC4) is resistant to abrasion, it can be used in rooms with heavy foot traffic: kitchen, hallway, children's room. It is also not moisture resistant; excessive wetting of the coating when washing should be avoided.
- Laminate class 33(AC5-AC6) refers to commercial coatings, it is abrasion and moisture resistant, withstands frequent washing and high humidity air. It can be used in any room.
Note! The frequency depends on the class of laminate wet cleaning and recommended ways to protect it!
Daily care of laminate flooring
Laminate has antistatic properties, it does not attract dust and remains clean for a long time. Thanks to the top protective layer, dirt is not absorbed into the coating and is easy to clean when cleaning. However, even with the most careful treatment, it needs regular cleaning.
Laminate flooring care can be divided into three types:
- dry cleaning;
- wet cleaning;
- cleaning of special contaminants.
Improper use of laminate can lead not only to its premature abrasion, but also to destruction of the coating.
Operating laminate flooring - what not to do?
- Excessive humidity is the enemy of laminate. When wet, the fiberboard base gets wet, swells, and the floor covering swells. The moisture-resistant coating only protects the laminate from splashes of water; in case of serious leaks, the coating will inevitably suffer. If you have unreliable plumbing or small children, it is better to avoid using laminate flooring in the bathroom and kitchen.
Water is laminate flooring's worst enemy
- Sand and other abrasive contaminants cause abrasion and minor scratches. Make it a rule to regularly sweep or vacuum the laminate flooring in the hallway, and place a special shoe mat at the door.
- Rearranging furniture is the main cause of deep scratches. Use special felt pads for furniture legs, and place rugs under office chairs on wheels.
- Heels and claws - away! Hairpins, thorns and pet paws can leave scratches and chips on the floor. Change your shoes to soft slippers, trim your pets' nails or lay down a laminate flooring with increased wear resistance.
- Hard brushes and abrasive cleaners are harmful to laminate flooring, they leave small scratches, and over time the protective coating loses its shine and resistance to dirt.
- Aggressive detergents are a sure path to destruction protective coating
. Leave bleach, alkaline or acidic solutions for washing the tiles. It's better to wash laminate flooring clean water or use special compounds with neutral pH.
- Parquet wax will not improve the appearance of laminate flooring– it is not absorbed into protective layer, but leaves stains and streaks on it. In addition, waxed laminate becomes slippery and dangerous.
Dry cleaning of laminate flooring
For dry cleaning, use a broom, a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner with a special long-haired nozzle. Timely removal of dust and sand is enough to ensure that the laminate looks clean and fresh. Dry cleaning can be done daily, but thanks to the antistatic coating, 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient.
Note! The washing vacuum cleaner can only be used for cleaning class 33 laminate flooring!
With timely dry cleaning, laminate floors remain clean for a long time, so wet cleaning is carried out as needed, usually 1-2 times a week. Class 33 laminate can be washed daily - it is designed for constant cleaning and has sufficient moisture resistance.
Basic rules for wet cleaning of laminate flooring.
- Use clean water to wash the floor and change it when it gets dirty. The optimal water temperature is 35-45 degrees when washing warm water There are fewer divorces.
- For severe stains, use special care products; you can also add a spoonful of 9% vinegar or lemon juice to the water - this will refresh the color and add shine to the surface.
- Wring out the rag or sponge for cleaning the floor thoroughly to avoid over-wetting the laminate. It is better to use special wringer mops and microfiber cloths.
- Wash the laminate in the direction along the boards, with light movements without strong pressure.
- After washing, the laminate is thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth and dried.
Note! When washing laminate with chamfers, you need to make sure that no water remains in the recesses - this can lead to swelling of the boards.
Video - Daily care of laminate flooring
Table 1. Popular laminate care products.
| Name, photo | Short description |
|---|---|
| To care for laminate flooring and protect it from moisture and dirt. Based on soap and linseed oil. Contains aromatic additives. The product is diluted in warm water and carry out wet cleaning. Provides good dirt removal and further protection of the coating from contamination. A package of the product is enough for 15-25 cleanings, depending on the hardness of the water. |
| For everyday care and cleaning heavy soiling. The product is based on nonionic surfactants and contains antibacterial components and aromatic fragrance. Can be used in washing vacuum cleaners. A package of the product is enough for 10 cleanings. |
| For the care of laminate and natural cork flooring. Contains detergent surfactants, antibacterial and antistatic components. Fights organic pollution and traces of fat. Consumption of product – packaging for 15 cleanings. |
| Cleaning product with argan oil. Does not leave streaks, gives the floor shine, protects from dust and moisture. Easily removes grease and dirt, recommended for washing laminate flooring in the kitchen and hallway. Contains fragrances that fill your home with a pleasant, fresh scent. Economical consumption, packaging for 20-25 cleanings. |
| A product with a pronounced antibacterial effect. It not only cleans laminate floors well, but also disinfects them without harming the coating. Recommended for cleaning floors in apartments with small children. Does not leave streaks, has a pleasant smell, and is suitable for regular cleaning. The consumption of one package of product is for 15-20 cleanings. |
Along with specialized products, you can also use universal ones, such as Mr. Proper, Mr Muscle, Cif, Sanfor and other similar compounds. The main thing is to make sure before use that they do not contain aggressive acids, alkalis or abrasive inclusions. In terms of effectiveness, such products are practically not inferior to specialized ones, and their price is much lower.
Video - Products for cleaning laminate flooring through the eyes of a specialist
Special contaminants
Stains on laminate flooring usually appear from accidentally spilled liquids or children's pranks. It is best to remove them immediately after they appear, but this does not guarantee complete cleaning of the surface.
Table 2. Products for removing stains from laminate flooring.
| Pollution | How to remove | Mode of application |
|---|---|---|
| Juices, wine, sweet drinks. Grease and dirt. | Liquid detergents for laminate flooring, liquid soap. | Dilute 50-100 ml of product in a small amount of water, apply to the stain and scrub with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe the floor dry. |
| Permanent marker, nail polish, paint. | Acetone or white spirit. | Apply the solvent to a cotton pad, gently wipe the stain, wash with warm water and soap and wipe dry. |
| Children's markers, ink, lipstick. | Ethanol. | Apply alcohol to a cotton pad, wipe off the stain, and wipe with a damp sponge. |
| Blood and other protein contaminants. | Window cleaner. | Apply the product from a spray bottle, wait 1-2 minutes, wipe off with a dry cloth. |
| Wax, glue, chewing gum. | Plastic scraper, liquid soap. | Wait until it hardens completely; you can cool it with ice. Carefully remove with a plastic scraper. Clean off any remaining stains with a soap solution and then wipe dry. |
| Stains and streaks from shoes. | Eraser. | Remove the stain with an eraser and wipe with a damp sponge. If an eraser cannot remove stains, you can use a soft abrasive: apply it to a sponge and very carefully rub the coating in the direction of the texture. Afterwards, rinse with water. |
Note! It is strictly prohibited to use products containing ammonia on laminate flooring; they destroy the protective layer!
Video - Removing stains from laminate flooring
Damage and its elimination
Despite its high wear resistance, over time, abrasions, small and deep scratches, and chips appear on the laminate. Damage must be repaired in a timely manner; this will protect the laminate from further destruction, water getting into the base and, as a result, from deformation.
For elimination minor scratches use wax crayons or retouch markers. They allow you to paint over scratches and restore the water-repellent properties of the surface. A wide range of color correction products for laminate allows you to accurately select the shade. Ready-made sets are also sold, including 3 or more shades of the desired color; by mixing them, you can achieve complete camouflage damage.
Advice! Take laminate cuttings with you to the store - this way you can most accurately select the shade of the corrector. If you are in doubt which of two similar shades to choose, choose the lighter one, it is less noticeable against the background of the rest of the floor
How to remove a scratch from laminate flooring using a wax crayon:
- Clean the floor surface with a vacuum cleaner to remove small particles of sand and dust. If necessary, degrease the damaged area with alcohol;
- Apply chalk of the desired color to the scratch;
- Rub the wax thoroughly with a soft cloth until the scratch is completely rubbed out;
- remove any remaining wax with a soft cloth.
Wax has water-repellent properties, so the repaired floor can be wet cleaned. Over time, the wax grout may need to be renewed.
How to remove a scratch using a retouch marker:
- Vacuum the area of the scratch or chip, and if necessary, wipe it with a cloth soaked in alcohol;
- shake the marker well for 10 seconds;
- press its rod inside the marker until the correction compound appears;
- fill the crack with corrector in one or several layers;
- remove excess product.
After using the marker, the damaged area can be varnished to completely restore the protective layer.
The deepest scratches and large chips are restored using wax or paraffin-based putty; it is sold both separately and in repair kits. Apply the putty while heated; for heating, use a special battery-powered soldering iron; it is included in the repair kit, as well as a grout spatula and polishing cloth.
Table 3. How to repair a scratch on laminate flooring using putty.
| Steps, photo | Description of actions |
|---|---|
| Clean the restoration site from dust and dirt using a vacuum cleaner. Fatty stains must be removed with alcohol. Choose putty of suitable shades from the set. Turn on the soldering iron included in the repair kit and wait until it warms up. |
| Carefully melt a small amount of putty and apply it to the scratch. If the scratch covers an area of several shades, apply putty different color, trying to repeat the drawing. Wait for the putty to harden. |
| Use a special spatula to remove excess putty. If necessary, apply a second coat. |
| With no help large quantities putty, draw individual small parts drawing. You can also use a retouch marker for this purpose. |
| Buff out the repaired scratch using the cloth included in the kit. |
| Cover the damaged area with waterproof varnish and dry. |
Video - How to repair a deep scratch on laminate flooring using hard wax
If the damage is so great that it cannot be restored, all that remains is to replace the damaged lamella. To do this, you will have to disassemble part of the floor from the nearest wall, and if partial disassembly is impossible, use the method described in the video.
Prices for wax crayons for laminate flooring
laminate pencil
Video - How to replace a damaged board in laminate flooring
If all recommendations for caring for laminate flooring are followed, its service life will be at least 15 years. At the same time, the appearance of the coating will retain its shine and beauty, and your home will be stylish and cozy without extra costs to replace flooring.
How to care for laminate flooring in an apartment? Carefully. The hardest thing is to get rid of the ancient Soviet habit of scraping, pouring water and rubbing. The top film of the laminate is durable, but will not withstand the constant pressure of aggressive chemicals and an iron brush. Therefore - more gentle, more patient.
Daily care
For laminate flooring in an apartment to last for many years, you don’t need it. once again disturb. A simple vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment is suitable for daily cleaning. A standard brush is not suitable; it may leave scratches on the surface. A steam generator attachment is also not an option. A powerful jet of steam at constant pressure perfectly damages the acrylic film of the top layer and penetrates perfectly into the technological gaps between the panels during cleaning.
Don’t want to pull out the vacuum cleaner every day and clean the floors throughout your entire apartment? Well, who canceled the good old broom? In order not to chase dust around the entire apartment with a broom, you just need to wrap a barely damp cloth on a broom and carefully collect the dust particles.
Advice. Do not use a vacuum cleaner to care for laminate flooring. It leaves behind a lot of water, which can damage the coating.
And if you can’t wait to wash the laminate
Does the Soviet habit of forcefully scrubbing surfaces when cleaning haunt you? Are your hands itching to wash your laminate flooring with a generous portion of water and washing powder? Then it’s easier to immediately take everything off and throw it in the trash.
Even moisture resistant laminate cannot be filled with water. But wiping twice a week with a well-wrung out damp cloth or soft rags is even necessary. It is advisable to take either clean water or a special alcohol-containing product as recommended by the manufacturer.
By the way, the water should be room temperature, perhaps a little warmer. But under no circumstances is it hot!
Advice. It is strictly forbidden to use any soap! This is an alkali, albeit a soft one. To spoil the coating, three wipes with soapy water is enough. The same applies to cleaning powders. Abrasives scratch acrylic film very well. Of course, the acid so beloved by many housewives should also be forgotten for a while.
If scratches do appear...
Sometimes, even if all precautions are taken, abrasions and scratches appear on the top coating of the laminate. Unfortunate craftsmen on the Internet strongly recommend trying to clean such places with an ordinary school eraser. What does this give? Besides, will the scuff marks on the panels become even worse?
Other “masters” suggest using a flannel cloth with olive oil. They say, smear it, rub it thoroughly and you’re done!
Only laminate is not parquet at all, which is saved with oil. Who will clean up a greasy oil stain from the panel later?
Laminate flooring manufacturers have long come up with methods for repairing it. Shallow scratches are masked with wax pencils and then polished.
Large chips and deep scratches are restored with acrylic putty. After drying, a special colored paste is applied. Then carefully clean and apply acrylic varnish.
And further. No matter how impressive it looks in the movies, there is no need to walk on such a floor in heels and street shoes. Otherwise, you will have to crawl on your knees, covering up scratches. The same applies to wet feet after a shower or applying creams to the feet. Extra stains from bare feet - do you need it?
Advice. If you don’t have the above mentioned remedies at hand, and a chip on the floor catches your eye, then there is another method. True, you need to have at least a little skill in laying laminate boards. The panel with the scratch is removed under the furniture, and the undamaged panel is placed in its place. They just change places.
A cloth made of microfiber cloth is most optimal for caring for laminate flooring. When purchasing, you definitely need to touch it with your hands, because microfiber can be different densities. Don't take the hard one!
It is strictly not recommended to use a sponge to wash dishes. The reverse side is always rough, and scratches are inevitable. At first they will not be visible, then more and more dust will accumulate in them. As a result, an unsightly matte coating will appear.
Steel wool, a hard-bristled brush, a rough household rag - forget it forever when approaching the laminate! From such cleaning tools, the boards shrink in horror, wrinkle and reject the colored coating.
Advice. How to determine if a fabric is suitable for cleaning? It’s very simple: run it along the inner bend of your elbow. Unpleasant? So we postpone it. Does it feel soft? Let's arm ourselves and move forward!
Specific spots
How to care for laminate flooring in an apartment? No matter how you look after it, ordinary people live in the apartment. It happens and something spills, drops, children can accidentally paint, guests come. You can’t ask everyone to stop breathing towards the floor.
The first step, when any liquid is spilled on the flooring, is to collect the liquid as soon as possible so that the coating does not swell in the future. And only then dance from the nature of the resulting stain:
- For universal cleaning, a solution of ordinary white vinegar 9% in water is suitable. Proportion 1 to 5.
- Traces of felt-tip pens, varnishes, lipstick, ink, and markers can be easily removed if the stain is carefully wiped with a soft cloth and acetone.
- Is gum or candle wax stuck? First, cool the damage with a piece of ice, then carefully remove it. You can use a wooden spatula - it will do less harm. If the coating is damaged, then there are special coloring pencils.
- We dropped the food, what's left is grease stain? You will have to look for a detergent with a neutral acid-base balance. It will still be useful on the farm.
- Cream, glue, chocolate, blood, juices practically do not leave stains on the laminate if they are removed immediately when they appear. Old stains will require the intervention only of a special detergent and the careful, patient hands of the owner.
Ordinary white spirit copes well with stains on the flooring. Just don’t leave it on the surface for more than five minutes. Gently rub quickly, remove the residue with a damp cloth, and immediately wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Advice. Before removing any stain, you should test how the laminate floor reacts to the cleaner. It is advisable to do this in an inconspicuous place. Ideally - under furniture. At least no one will see the damage there.
Subtleties of care
- During wet cleaning, you need to wipe the boards strictly lengthwise to the panels. This way there will be fewer streaks and scratches if suddenly there is a grain of sand on the cloth.
- By the way, about sand. If you place a high-pile rug at the entrance to your apartment, dirt and sand will remain on it. This means the laminate will scratch less.
- Do not polish or polish floors with wax. The top coat itself is quite smooth, even if matte. And after rubbing it will become simply dangerous.
- It is not advisable to use any detergents frequently. Once a month is quite enough. On other days it will be enough clean water.
- For an apartment it is better to choose polished boards. Matte ones look more impressive, but caring for them is much more difficult.
- Sometimes, even if the floor is washed with plain water, stains remain on the panel pattern. This means it was necessary to change the water to clean water more often, and after washing it is recommended to wipe the boards dry. Naturally with a soft, clean cloth.
- Do not use ammonia when caring for panels. Instead of the intended shine, ammonia will dissolve the protective acrylic coating.
- When purchasing a new laminate floor care product, you should always try it on an inconspicuous area. If everything is fine, then you can wash the coating everywhere. You never know what the manufacturers write there! What if this particular type of laminate is very capricious?
- Felt or cork glued to furniture legs will allow the laminate to decorate your home for decades without abrasion.
- To be absolutely sure that the laminate will remain alive after cleaning, it is better to play it safe and purchase a special product. It costs little more than regular cleaning fluid. But compared to a new covering of floors damaged by chemicals, this waste is mere pennies.
Laminate is enough durable coating if you care for it properly. Of course, there is no need to be afraid to breathe on the floors, but diligent cleaning with a wire brush is also unnecessary.
Video: how to wash laminate flooring without streaks
Laminate is a popular floor covering with a multi-layer structure. It is distinguished by its attractive appearance, practicality, and resistance to deformation. However, despite the good wear resistance of modern floor coverings, to extend the life of the laminate and preserve its aesthetics, it is necessary to follow the rules of home care and use only products that are safe for such flooring.
The main enemies of laminate are abrasive wear and water.
The top film, formed by acrylic resin with mineral inclusions, provides the coating with good wear resistance. After varnishing, the surface acquires a glossy shine or a pleasant matte finish. The main way to preserve the integrity and aesthetics of this layer is to protect it from the main household abrasive - sand. This is not difficult to do - you need to place a rubberized mat at the entrance to the room and clean it periodically.
Since for residential premises a material with lower wear resistance is usually chosen than for public buildings, it is recommended to walk on laminated boards only in house shoes. To prevent scratches, it is recommended to place rubber or felt pads under furniture legs. You can extend the life of the coating with the help of paths or carpets laid in areas of the highest traffic. Transparent rugs are placed under frequently moved chairs.
The second reason that can lead to early failure of budget-class laminate boards that are not intended for use in contact with water is the ingress of a large amount of water onto the surface of the coating. When water penetrates the seams between the panels, it causes swelling of the main load-bearing layer of the coating - planks made of wood shavings, pressed with an adhesive composition. To prevent water from entering the intermediate layer, the panels are never attached to the base adhesives water based.
How to properly care for laminate flooring in an apartment or private house?
The moisture resistance of laminate does not depend on its class. All manufacturers produce laminate with the same moisture resistance in classes 32-33, however, class 31 laminate has a moisture resistance slightly lower than that of other classes, but still allows wet cleaning with a thoroughly wrung out cloth.
For laminate of classes 33 and above, dry cleaning is combined with wet cleaning, which is usually enough to do once a week.
For floors made of class 33 panels, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner
Attention! Laminate flooring can be washed daily only if it belongs to the moisture-resistant group.
Rules for wet cleaning of laminate floors:
- The water should be clean, its temperature should be 35-45°C. It is advisable to change the water frequently during cleaning.
- To combat heavy stains, it is recommended to use special products.
- You can refresh the appearance of the coating and maintain its shine by adding 9% vinegar (at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of water) or lemon juice.
- When cleaning wet, wring out the rag or sponge well to avoid over-wetting.
Convenient to use a mop with a mechanical spin
- At manual cleaning The most practical rags are made of flannel or microfiber.
- The panels are wiped along the longitudinal axis of the board with slight pressure, starting from the window and moving towards the door, which will allow you to avoid walking on already washed areas.
- At the end of cleaning, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
Advice! You can cover the floor with carpet only after the surface has completely dried.
Features of caring for different types of laminate - glossy, matte, white
Material with a matte surface is more prone to collecting dirt compared to glossy, but it is easier to care for, especially when using special sprays. If you take care of matte laminate using a damp cloth, then after such cleaning it is necessary to wipe the surface with a dry cloth. If there are chamfers, you need to check if there is any moisture left in them.
The glossy surface is less prone to collecting dirt, but any traces remain on it and scratches form. It is recommended to clean this type of floor frequently, as it is quite difficult to remove dirt from it. The cleaning process is also complicated by the fact that after all operations the panels need to be wiped with a dry cloth until a shine appears. Glossy floors really don't like walking on bare feet.
Relevant in many cases, it needs careful care modern interiors white laminate, for which it is recommended to use special products and wash the cloth frequently.
Products for caring for laminate flooring in an apartment
Commercially available products for laminate floors successfully cope with all types of stains. However, even if you fully comply with the instructions supplied with the composition, it is advisable to test it on an inconspicuous area of the floor during initial use.
Care products for laminated panels have different consistencies and differ in the method and conditions of use. Purchased products are often used to combat heavy stains, and improvised means are used for periodic routine cleaning. The most popular brands of floor cleaning compounds: Tyron, Glorix, Mister Proper, Mister Muscle.
Attention! Proper care of environmentally friendly cork laminate includes the same activities as for regular coverage. Cork panels treated with water-repellent compounds tolerate wet cleaning well.
What means can you use to care for laminate flooring at home - regularly or in emergency situations:
- For regular cleaning, any baby shampoo is suitable, added to warm water at the rate of 1 tablespoon of shampoo per 2 liters of water.
- Traces of lipstick and shoe polish are removed with a cotton swab soaked in white spirit.
- If alcohol gets on the floor, it can be quickly and safely removed with a cloth soaked in warm water and soap and, of course, wrung out well.
- Marks from a felt-tip pen can be smeared with toothpaste and then wiped with a dry rag.
- Strips from the soles of shoes are removed with a paper eraser or the hard side of a dishwashing sponge.
- Nail polish marks can be removed with a small amount of washing powder. The powder is applied to the stain and wiped with a damp sponge.
- Chewing gum, candle wax or resin. You can begin to remove such contaminants only after they have completely dried. The stain is cooled sharply, for example, using a bag of meat removed from freezer. Remove stains metal knife or scraping is prohibited.
Prohibited means
Compositions that are prohibited for the care of laminate flooring include:
- Chlorine-containing products such as “Whiteness”. Chlorine changes the shade of the coating and leads to discoloration.
- Concentrated acids and alkalis. Such substances can not only spoil the surface layer of the material, but also penetrate into the main supporting layer and destroy it.
- Solutions containing ammonia have a negative effect on gloss.
- Polishes not intended for the care of laminate floors. They can cause streaks and stains.
- Abrasive powders and pastes lead to rapid wear and deterioration of the aesthetics of the surface layer.
Restoration activities
Sometimes on laminated panels appear minor damage, which can be eliminated or at least disguised using simple operations:
Adviсe! It will not be possible to mask scratches with varnish - the damage will become even more noticeable. It is not recommended to use mastic used to care for parquet for continuous treatment of laminate flooring and elimination of local defects. This is explained by the fact that parquet mastic is designed for an absorbent material such as wood. It forms unsightly streaks and stains on the surface of laminated panels.
Timely cleaning and care of laminate flooring directly affects its service life. There is an opinion that this material has high strength and wear resistance, and therefore is not too demanding in terms of maintenance.
In many ways this is true, but the basic rules for keeping the flooring clean must be followed in any case. Let's take a closer look at how to care for laminate flooring at home and what you need for this.
Dry and wet cleaning process
The general approach to care and the choice of cleaning method should be based on the class of the laminate, the type of interlocking joints and density. In private housing and apartments, the most common type is 32-33 class coverage of medium and high density.
Laminate of 31st and lower classes is rarely used. This coating is less durable - frequent contact with water and wet cleaning will only shorten its service life.
The general technology for dry and wet cleaning of laminate flooring will consist of the following:
- Dry cleaning – small debris can be removed with a broom or soft bristle brush. It is more convenient to carry out major cleaning using household vacuum cleaner with brush attachment. It is better to avoid using washing vacuum cleaners, as they leave a thin layer of water on the surface of the laminate.
- Wet cleaning – carried out strictly as necessary, no more than 2 times a week. For cleaning, use a mop and a well-absorbing cloth. The floor surface is wiped with a slightly damp cloth 1-2 times. Afterwards, any remaining moisture is wiped dry.
During the wet cleaning process, the mop should move in the direction of laying the laminate. This will ensure free sliding on the surface and simplify the cleaning process.
Selecting a detergent
Specialized detergents for imported laminate flooring
The use of detergents is rational only if heavy pollution surfaces. Dust and light dirt can be easily removed with warm water without adding additional components. To clean strong and old marks, you can use a special laminate cleaner, which is sold in many construction and hardware stores.
As a rule, this is a composition in liquid or gel form that is added to water and stirred until completely dissolved. Among folk remedies To care for laminate floors, you can highlight the following:
- Heavily soiled floors can be cleaned using shampoos with neutral pH. Dissolve 4-5 tablespoons of shampoo in 7-9 liters of water until foam forms. Next, thoroughly vacuum the room and wipe with the resulting solution until all dirty traces are completely removed;
- To make the laminate shine, you can treat the cleaned surface with the following composition: 200 ml of clean water, 2 teaspoons of vinegar, 50 ml of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of detergent. Mix the components and wipe with a damp cloth soaked in the composition;
- You can use regular vinegar to disinfect a clean surface. For 10 liters of water, 50-70 ml of vinegar is enough.
During the cleaning process, it is better to avoid the use of washing powder or other care products that may contain surface active substances and abrasive components. This will lead to severe stains and micro scratches on the surface of the laminate.
How to disguise scuffs and scratches
Wax pencil and facial repair wax
The appearance of scratches is inevitable even for class 33-34 laminate, especially in high-traffic areas. Material of class 32 already after 2-3 years of operation is covered with a scattering of small scratches and damage.
To remove various types of damage, you can use the following:
- shoe marks - removed using a stationery eraser or flannel cloth. The trace can first be softened with a couple of drops of sunflower oil;
- shallow damage - a wax pencil for laminate is used to eliminate it. The damaged area is cleaned of dirt and wiped with an alcohol solution. Next it is rubbed over with a pencil until the scratch is completely filled. Residues are removed with a clean cloth;
- deep chips and scratches - to eliminate them, use a special repair kit consisting of molten putty or sealant. The set can be purchased at any hardware store, specializing in the sale of floor coverings.
You can find out more about removing scratches from the surface of laminate in a separate article. In it we considered all the most simple ways repair and restoration of laminated boards.
To remove dirt from worn areas of the laminate, wipe this area a solution of vinegar and water taken in a 1:1 ratio. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture, apply to the stained area, and wipe dry with a clean cloth.
How to protect laminate flooring from moisture
The process of applying protective wax to joints
After cleaning the surface of the laminate from dirt and eliminating damage, you can treat the coating with water-repellent wax. This will help prevent moisture from seeping under the flooring and into the area around the lock.
Most problem areas- these are the joints between the panels, since through them water enters the lock and is absorbed into the panel.
The process of protecting seams on an already laid coating will involve the following actions:
- the surface of the laminated board must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and abrasive particles;
- for work you will need to prepare a rubber or polyurethane spatula, a clean cotton rag or a well-absorbent cloth;
- shake the container with wax for 1-2 minutes and apply a thin layer to the seam area;
- using a spatula, the wax is pressed into the space between the joint;
- Next, polish the area with a dry, clean cloth or polishing machine;
- start processing the next seam;
- upon completion, the floor should dry well for 6-8 hours.
As a result protective composition should remain only in the seam area. This is important because the rest of the laminate does not absorb moisture and does not need to be protected. Moreover, the product contains vegetable fats and solvents, which will constantly leave marks on home shoes.
What not to do with a laminated board
The appearance of various damages and general contamination is a consequence of improper care of the laminate. Although most problems can be avoided, just carefully study the operating instructions for the coating.
Particular attention should be paid to the section that describes the actions to be performed immediately after laying the coating. To prevent frequent staining of your flooring and extend its life, avoid the following:
- do not walk on laminate floors in high heels, dirty construction boots or other shoes that may have small abrasives on the soles;
- do not move heavy furniture. Immediately after installation, you should purchase and glue special cork or felt pads onto the furniture legs, which will protect the front surface of the covering;
- do not allow shock loads, try not to drop heavy objects and do not spill water on the surface of the laminate. If this happens, remove the moisture with a dry cloth. Impact damage can be repaired with sealant or wax.
In areas with the highest traffic, use soft and decorative rugs, which should be beaten out every 2-3 days. Compliance with these rules and timely care ensure that class 32-33 laminate will retain its excellent appearance even after 10-12 years of service.
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