A huge percentage of homeowners in New Jersey wonders how to clean their laminate wood floors efficiently. This is due to the fact that cleaning laminate wood flooring differs from the process of cleaning hardwood floors. They are different materials and each of them requires special techniques to ensure the cleaning gets done efficiently.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate wood flooring consists of several layers of composite wood that are pressed together and sealed off with laminate. It looks like solid wood, but it is much more durable and less susceptible to scratches. Laminate flooring is also a cheaper alternative and easier to install. Nevertheless, proper cleaning is required to maintain laminate flooring to prevent premature deterioration of its overall condition.
Cleaning Laminate Flooring
It is not that tough to clean laminate flooring if the proper steps are followed closely. Firstly, sweep or vacuum any debris. Always use dry cleaning methods when removing dirt and crumbs off the laminate floors. For vacuums, always select the bare-floor setting and for mops, use a dry microfiber type. After debris has been removed, sprinkle some baking soda onto the floor. You will be mopping it off with a mixture of hot water and a cup of vinegar. A microfiber mop is good to prevent any dirty water from being pushed into the floor’s grout lines which eventually causes grime buildup.
Bringing Back the Luster
You can keep laminate flooring looking shiny by avoiding the constant use of soap-based products. These products can cause excess buildup which creates a dull appearance. For streaks, use a commercial product that is suitable for laminate floors. If there are still streaks appearing on your floor, avoid any cleaners with soap altogether.
Removing Scuffs
In order to achieve clean laminate floors without any residue film or scuffs, address the problem immediately. When the scuffs appear, act on them right away using something soft like a tennis ball rather than harsh chemicals. Alternatively, you can try a damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe away the surface scuffs. Only work on the exact spot instead of scouring throughout the whole floor to prevent unnecessary marks.
Cleaning Naturally
You can also choose to clean your laminate flooring naturally by using baking soda. This ingredient is an eco-friendly alternative that can clean laminate floors when mixed with water. The ratio to take note of is one tablespoon of baking soda to one cup of warm water.
How Often to Clean Laminate Flooring
The most recommended method to keep any type of flooring clean is to get on top of it. This means regular cleaning is the best type of cleaning. Clean your laminate floors every two weeks or as and when you notice debris building up. If shoes are worn inside or if you own pets, you need to clean up more often. A floor mat placed at the main entrance can help keep your home tidy by controlling any excess dirt.
The main factor to bear in mind is how laminate flooring is much more sensitive to moisture as compared to other floors. Thus, always clean the floors of your NJ home using dry methods or wipe off any excess moisture immediately after cleaning.
