Laminate flooring is popular for its versatility. It fits beautifully into any area of the home and is an economical alternative to other options. However, to maintain its pristine appearance, you must follow some basic guidelines while you’re cleaning. Here’s what you need to know.

Do:

Clean them regularly.

While you don’t need to vacuum the floors every single day, at least sweep the surfaces regularly. This ensures that dust, dirt, and pet hair don’t accumulate. Vacuum at least once a week, taking the time to use the hard-surface setting to prevent scratches from the beater brush. If you have kids or pets, you might need to vacuum more often.

Treat stains quickly.

Laminate floors and liquids do not play well together. After just a couple of hours of consistent exposure, the material soaks up the moisture, which can cause it to swell and lose its integrity and shape quickly. If anything spills on your laminate surface, remove the liquid immediately to prevent staining. Finish by wiping it down with a dry cloth to avoid any lingering moisture.

Don’t:

Apply water.

While a drop or two of water doesn’t hurt laminate in general, its long-term effects should concern you. When the moisture moves, seeps into seams, or sinks to the bottom, it can easily cause irreparable damage. At that point, you must either attempt to extract the moisture with a wet-dry vacuum or have a contractor replace the flooring. Since you can’t sand down laminate and refinish it like wood, the options are limited.

Use harsh materials.

It’s not safe to use abrasive products on laminate flooring. Acidic formulas can strip away the protective varnish that lends the floor its clean look. Moreover, harsh scrubbing agents and buffers can cause unsightly scratches to develop. To be safe, protect the floors by using products formulated especially for laminate.

If you’re interested in refreshing your home with beautiful laminate flooring, visit Thoroughbred Carpet & Floors in Savage, MN. The retailer carries an extensive range of eye-catching products made with only the highest-quality materials, including carpet, hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Visit the family-owned business online to find out more about their services and products, or call the flooring store at (952) 445-9140 to speak with a friendly representative.