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[C720]Cleaning A Laminate Floor

by Vincent, Vin

Laminate flooring is simply a multi-layered; wood based floating floor system offering durability, a wide range of design options, easy maintenance and affordability.

Since the inception of laminate flooring, ease of maintenance has been one of its largest assets. Due to the composition and construction of the product, as well as the extremely hard Aluminum Oxide wear layer, laminate flooring is perhaps the easiest type of flooring to maintain.

Caring for Laminate

General daily maintenance requires vacuuming, sweeping and dust mopping. Brooms should be soft bristled and vacuums should not use beater bars on the floor.

Several cleaning solutions are also available to clean laminate floors (FULLER Labor Saver Floor Cleaner). The cleaner is sprayed onto the mop-head and then the floor is wiped clean.

It is very important that you follow the maintenance schedule of the product you purchase. Ask your retailer or manufacturer on the specifics of maintaining your floor. Virtually all of the warranties require a specific maintenance schedule be followed.

Laminate floors are fade, stain, dent, burn and scratch resistant. However, it is still possible that you may end up with a scratch, nick or dent that will require repair. Laminate flooring is very tough, but it is not bullet proof. If a problem arises, there are a few ways to repair or hide the damage.

Repairs

Major manufacturers and home improvement stores usually have touch up kits available. These kits may include acrylic or latex putty, wax pencils or crayons. This type of repair kit is for small scratches and/or dents. These kits are a very cost effective way of repairing your laminate flooring.

A typical repair of wood laminate flooring includes three basic steps:
1.Clean the affected area
2.Apply putty, wax or crayon
3.Buff the repaired section

The first and most difficult method is to replace the affected board(s). All manufacturers have instructions on "How to replace a board". This will require some tools, patience and skill. You may want to hire a reputable professional for this, if you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable removing part of a floor.

The best way to keep your laminate floor looking its best is to understand its limitations.
?You must follow the maintenance techniques and schedules of the flooring you purchase.
?You should use floor protectors (felt or other) under chairs and other furniture on the flooring.
?You should lift furniture to move it, don't drag it.
?You should sweep or vacuum daily.
?You should mop with a dust mop, (FULLER D.C. Polisher), regularly
?You should use a cleaner safe for laminate floors on spots as needed
?You should repair scratches and dents soon after they appear
?You should not use water to clean your floors, as water spots will appear
?You should enjoy your laminate floors for years if you follow the advice above.

Laminate floors have the beauty of wood and ceramics without the worry, which is likely why they are becoming so popular in the US. Laminate flooring is easy on the budget as compared to the cost of wood and can usually be installed with minimal tools and know-how. With the durable finish, there are few steps to maintaining your floor, no need for polish or wax.

Laminate floorings? endless benefits often outshine the benefits of other flooring materials:
?It won't fade
?It is extremely easy to maintain
?It is easy to install
?It is more dent resistant than vinyl and wood floors.
?It is wear, stain and fade resistant
?It is available in a broad assortment of design

Laminate floors reflect the style of your home through an extensive range of great-looking styles with all the appeal of hardwood and tile.

Some brands offer accent blocks and border pieces that allow for a custom designed look. Coordinating moldings and transition pieces like baseboards, quarter rounds and reducer strips complete the finished look of a floor and are available in a wide range of profiles and patterns.

Cleaning
No other flooring is easy to care for than laminate floors. For everyday cleaning, simply vacuum the floor or sweep to remove loose dirt and debris. Do not use soap, wax, household cleaners or any other product not designed for use on laminate floors on them. These products can leave a film on your floor and cause it to attract more dirt and leave streaks and footprints.

First sweep or vacuum up loose dirt, then mist the floor with your cleaner and buff it up using a terry cloth towel. Recommended cleaning products and homemade remedies include:

?vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water (equal parts)
?1/3 white vinegar, 1/3 rubbing alcohol, 1/3 water, and 3 drops dishwashing liquid (1 quart total)
?Window cleaner (Ammoniated Window Cleaner by FULLER)

Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads can scratch and damage the surface of laminate flooring. Never wax, sand or apply lacquer to laminate flooring.

Additional Cleaning Pointers

Occasionally, you might have more than day to day dirt and dust on your floor. You might have an oil spill, paint stain or drop a permanent marker on the floor. To get these spots up, apply a cleaner like alcohol or nail polish remover containing acetone onto a soft, light colored cloth. Gently rub the stain to remove.

If fruit juice or wine spills, pasta sauce splatters or blood drips onto your floor, try cleaning with warm water first. If that doesn't lift the discoloration, use a little window cleaner to clean it up. Make sure you dry the spot when you're finished, standing water can ruin the finish of your floor.

Laminate floors offer versatility in design, simplicity in installation and easy care. Though they are not indestructible, they are sturdy and can stand up to heavy use. They also offer a little cushion and give that tile floors cannot, since they are usually installed on a floating base. This can help reduce the pressure on your legs and back.

Article Source : Long Way To Home

Vincent has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Sales and Negotiation and Cars. Author Vincent Platania represents the Stanley Home Products.Stanley Home Products has been in business since 1936, and offers high quality home and personal care products to keep your home and your body clean.Visit. Vincent's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.