Laminate flooring is one of the most popular floor coverings, but its durability directly depends on what and how you clean it. The main enemy of this material is not dirt, but the following excessive moisturewhich penetrates the joints and causes irreversible deformation of the panels. In order for the floor to last for decades and retain its store appearance, it is important to choose the right inventory and cleaning products.
Best products for gentle cleaning
You don’t have to buy expensive chemicals for daily or weekly care. The general rule of thumb is. neutral pH composition that will not destroy the protective melamine layer.
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Specialized shampoos for laminate. They contain ingredients that prevent dust from settling and give the surface a soft shine without a slippery effect.
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Vinegar solution. A homemade method that perfectly copes with greasy stains and streaks. It is enough to add one tablespoon of ordinary table vinegar per liter of water.
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Baby shampoo or liquid soap. In small amounts, they work as a mild degreaser without leaving a sticky film.
Inventory matters
Even the most expensive product won’t save the floor if you use the wrong rag. Old cotton T-shirts and coarse cloths are best left for other uses.
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Microfiber. This is the gold standard. Its fibers trap sand particles that act as an abrasive and scratch the gloss.
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Mop with wringer. It is important that the nozzle is only slightly damp. If you see water droplets on the floor after mopping, you have used too much liquid.
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Robot vacuum cleaner with wet mopping mode. Modern gadgets dispense water very sparingly, which is ideal for laminate flooring.
What to avoid
Some conventional cleaning methods can hopelessly ruin the surface after the first use. Laminate flooring does not forgive aggressive impact and brute force.
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Steam Cleaners. The high temperature combined with pressurized moisture instantly soaks the glue layer and causes the edges of the boards to “lift”.
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Metal brushes and abrasive powders. Any hard particles leave micro-scratches where dirt builds up over time and the floor becomes dull.
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Wax or mastic products. Laminate flooring is not parquet. Its surface does not absorb oil, so the wax will just lay down unkempt stains on which all the dust in the house will adhere.
Regular use of a slightly damp microfiber and timely removal of spills are the key to preserving the aesthetic appearance of the flooring.
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