Laminate flooring is a popular choice for active families. It can mimic the look of wood floors and is durable and easy to clean. In order to maintain the “just installed” appearance of your laminate flooring, it needs to be properly cared for. Follow these tips on how to keep your laminate flooring in tip top shape for years to come.
Give Your Laminate Floors A Regular Cleaning
Even though they are generally very low maintenance, cleaning laminate floors is still important. Although laminate is fairly scratch-resistant, everyday dust, dirt and other debris can scratch your floor’s surface so it is important to sweep, vacuum, or dry mop your floor regularly. Also, make sure that you are using laminate floor cleaner when you mop so that there isn’t any leftover residue that could leave streaks and build up over time.
Pro Tip: When vacuuming, make sure you’re using the hard floor attachment, not the beater bar attachment.
Make Sure To Wipe Up Spills
Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. And if you have installed laminate floors, it’s important to act quickly and wipe up any spills immediately. Unlike ceramic tiles, laminate flooring has seams and cracks that can allow liquids to seep through to the subfloor, causing warping and other damage. In fact, these damages can go unnoticed until they become a serious issue. So, make sure to keep your laminate floors dry and take precautionary measures to avoid any costly damages in the future.
Pro Tip: Put small rugs in front of sinks and other wet areas to preemptively combat water damage.
Use Area Rugs
Since we are on the topic of rugs, rugs are not only decorative pieces but also practical solutions to protect your floors against everyday wear and tear. High-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms are prone to more wear and tear than other areas of your home. Placing a runner down your hallway or a large oriental rug in your living room can minimize the damage caused by foot traffic and other activities. Additionally, rugs can add a pop of color and design to your space, creating a stylish and functional element that ties the decor together. So, if you want to protect your floors and enhance your home’s aesthetics, consider investing in some high-quality rugs for your high-traffic areas.
Pro Tip: As an added precaution, place furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent them from leaving permanent marks on your floor.
Keep An Eye On The Humidity
To maintain the quality of your laminate flooring, it’s important to monitor the humidity levels in your space. Due to its composition of wood products, laminate flooring can contract or expand if exposed to excessively high or low humidity levels. Aim to keep the humidity within the optimal range of 35% to 65% to ensure your floors remain in top-notch condition.
Pro Tip: As a Coloradan, you are well aware of our dry climate. A humidifier is a perfect way to prevent shrinkage caused by low humidity levels.
But what if you fail to follow the tips mentioned above?
Laminate flooring has gained a reputation as a reliable and low-maintenance option for modern homeowners. With its stylish look and durable structure, it’s no wonder that more people are choosing laminate flooring over traditional hardwood. However, just like any other flooring material, laminate can still suffer from minor scratches and dents over time. The good news is that there are several advanced maintenance techniques that can be used to repair these imperfections and keep your laminate flooring looking like new.
You have scratches in your laminate flooring
For minor scratches, a touch-up kit or colored wax can be used to fill in the scratch and blend it with the surrounding area. For small dents, a laminate floor repair kit with putty can be used to fill in the affected area and restore the flooring’s smooth surface.
You have extensive damage to a large area of your laminate flooring
Individual plank replacement is a viable option. It is important to purchase planks from the same manufacturer and in the same style and color as your existing flooring to ensure a seamless repair.
Over time your laminate flooring has begun to show signs of wear and tear
This is where advanced maintenance techniques such as refinishing and resurfacing come in.
Refinishing is a process that involves sanding down the top layer of your laminate flooring and applying a new layer of finish. This technique is typically used when the top layer of the laminate has become worn or scratched. Refinishing is a cost-effective way to restore your flooring and can be done in a day or two.
Resurfacing is a more involved process than refinishing and involves replacing the top layer of your laminate flooring entirely. This technique is typically used when the flooring has become significantly damaged or stained and cannot be restored through refinishing alone. Resurfacing is a more expensive option but can give your flooring a brand-new look and feel.
Conclusion…
Taking care of your laminate floors is essential to ensure they last for a long time. By following the tips mentioned above, you can keep your floors in tip top shape and prevent any damage. If you’re still unsure whether laminate flooring is right for your home, don’t hesitate to visit our showroom or schedule a free in-home consultation. Our team of experts will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, keep these tips in mind and enjoy your beautiful laminate floors for years to come.
