Brilliant result: we take care of the laminate correctly. How to wash laminate

12.06.2019

When caring for a laminate, you need to remember that this material is “finicky” and not all products are suitable for it. There is a certain list of rules, thanks to which you can keep the coating clean without spoiling it.

Laminate care after installation

In order for the coating to please the eye with its beauty for a long time, it is important to properly care for it. For this purpose, consider the following features:

Be sure to place a dust mat in front of the entrance, which will trap dust, sand and other contaminants. Clean entry has been proven to reduce care work by 50%.
Dry clean using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
Caring for a laminate at home includes treating the floor with a special mastic, and this procedure should be carried out once a year.
During the movement of furniture, the coating should be protected from, for which wrap the wooden legs and wheels with soft and dense material.
When sharp objects fall on the laminate, chips form, they need to be masked as soon as possible using special pastes. You can choose a tool to match the tone of the laminate.
Caring for a laminate involves urgently removing moisture from the surface so that the material does not swell or deform.

It deserves special attention, which is very beautiful, but at the same time it is highly prone to pollution. On such a material, traces of bare feet, water, dirt, and so on are visible, so such a surface will have to be more carefully looked after than a matte finish. To give the laminate a beautiful shine, you need to apply an vinegar solution and thoroughly wipe the floor dry.

How to properly clean laminate flooring?

There is a simple instruction that will help you properly carry out wet cleaning:

First, use a broom or vacuum cleaner to collect large debris, such as sand, earth, and so on.
Dilute the detergent in water, but just do it not “by eye”, but only according to the rules described on the package.
The next step in the instructions on how to clean laminate floors involves wetting a rag or a special mop in a prepared soap solution or plain water.
Wring the rag well so that it remains damp, but the water does not drip. The coating should be wiped by performing spiral movements, moving from the windows to the door, so that later you do not step on the already washed floor.
If the floor remains wet, it is recommended to wipe it with a dry cloth.
Caring for laminate, which is not very dirty, involves treatment with plain water, which should be collected in a spray bottle. Then wipe the floor dry with a microfiber cloth.

There are certain rules regarding stain removal different nature. The most common types of pollution:

What is the best cloth to clean laminate flooring with?

Cloths made of cotton, polyamide, acrylic and viscose can be used for care. When figuring out how to care for a laminate in an apartment, it is worth pointing out that the best for washing such a floor is modern material. It has ultra-fine fibers that absorb moisture and dirt well. Microfiber cloths have the following advantages:

good hygroscopic properties;
retains its color for a long time;
does not leave lint.

However, they also have disadvantages:

What is the best mop to clean laminate flooring with?

There is different types mops that can be used to care for laminate flooring:

Household butterfly mop. The design includes a handle, the length of which can be changed, and a movable platform with a nozzle. Thanks to the fact that the platform rotates 180°, you can wipe the nooks and crannies in the room.
Universal mop. The design has two nozzles: on one - a rubber scraper, and on the other - a hard sponge. Special nozzles are available for laminate flooring.
Mop for professionals. Such options are used for cleaning large areas. The design has a telescopic handle and a platform that moves 360°.

Continuing to figure out how to care for laminate flooring at home, let's pay attention to the basic rules regarding choosing a mop for laminate flooring:

For dry care and for rubbing the surface with special wax, use a laminate brush or mop, which has a long wool bristle. Such inventory is great for collecting dust and small debris.
Mops with long bristles that stick out at the edges can pick up a lot of debris.
Caring for heavily soiled laminate flooring requires the use of a nozzle with short loops. They are great at picking up trash.

Can you clean laminate flooring with a steam mop?

An excellent device that cleans and disinfects - but it is important to figure out whether you can use such a device on a laminate or not. Note that a steam mop and a steam cleaner work in the same way. It is important to note that steam cleaning should not be used to clean lock-joint wood flooring, as the laminate will deform if steam enters the crevices. It is better not to experiment, so as not to completely change the floor later.

If you are interested in how to wash the laminate so that there are no streaks, you should replace that the steam mop is suitable for glued laminate, from which it will remove dust and remove bacteria and germs. Cleaning will take place without the use of additional detergents, while there will be no stains and traces. It is important that the steam supply is set to medium and it is recommended to put a microfiber cloth on the bottom of the steam cleaner or mop.

Washing robot vacuum cleaner for laminate

Such a technique is positioned as a device to do two things at once: remove debris and carry out wet cleaning. If you are looking for a way to wash a laminate without streaks, then you should know that a washing vacuum cleaner, especially a robot, often leaves excess moisture on the surface. To avoid this, it is important to choose a high-quality washing vacuum cleaner with high power and several nozzles, or you will have to use the technique first, and then wipe the floor with a rag.

What is the best way to clean laminate flooring?

Laminate floor care in an apartment can be carried out using shampoo for children, which contain soft ingredients and are safe for laminate flooring. 4 tbsp is enough for a bucket. spoons of shampoo.
To polish a laminated surface, mix 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 3 tbsp. warm water and 2 tbsp. vinegar. Stir by adding a few drops of dish detergent.

Can laminate flooring be washed with water?

This material is afraid of high moisture, so it can not be filled with water, otherwise the coating will have to be replaced. When describing how to wash laminate at home, it should be noted that for cleaning you just need to wash the surface with a well-wrung damp cloth twice a week. You can use clean water at room temperature, but not hot.

Can laminate flooring be washed with bleach?

Not all products are suitable for the care of a material such as laminate, and whiteness can also be attributed to them, since this chemical leads to destruction. acrylic coating. In addition, it should be borne in mind that whiteness can cause allergic reaction. Such negative consequences are not worth disinfection, for which whiteness is used. Finding out how you can wash the laminate and properly care for it, we note that both bleach and Domestos cannot be used for disinfection.

Can you clean laminate flooring with vinegar?

In order not to spend money on the purchase of special tools, you can clean using vinegar. It is especially good if there is hardened dirt and you need to add shine to the coating. Don't worry about bad smell as it will disappear after the floor dries. To care for the laminate, use the following scheme:

Prepare a solution by adding 1/4 tbsp to a liter of water. white vinegar. If desired, you can still pour in 3 tbsp. spoons of dishwashing detergent. Pour the streak-free laminate cleaner into a spray bottle and shake thoroughly.
Spray the solution on the floor and start cleaning immediately. Do not leave it on the surface for a long time, as this may cause the destruction of the protective layer.
After cleaning with vinegar, it is recommended to wipe everything with a damp cloth. Then it is recommended to dry everything with a dry mop or cloth.

Laminate cleaner

For regular cleaning, only water can be used by wiping the surface first with a wet and then with a dry cloth. A special laminate cleaner should be added when there is difficult dirt or when you want to polish the floor. It is worth noting that washing gels and liquids not only clean, but also disinfect the surface, and they also create protective film and make the connections tight. Among housewives, such brands are popular: Emsal, HG, Unicum, Starwax, Denkmit and others. They are bred in water, so, more often 3-4 caps are taken per 5 liters of water.

What tools are prohibited to use when cleaning laminate flooring?

One of the disadvantages of the laminated surface is its capricious care, so it is important to know what cannot be used for such a coating. Sharp objects that can leave scratches are prohibited. Do not pour large amounts of water onto the floor during cleaning, as it may cause the coating to swell.

Laminate floor cleaning and care products must be free of abrasives, alkalis and acids.
The composition should not include wax and oil, as they will create a film on top, to which dust and debris will adhere.
Do not use chemical gloss compounds that contain glycerin, because after it enters the joints, the edge of the laminate will swell.

How often can laminate flooring be cleaned?

If laminate was chosen for finishing, then get ready for the fact that you will have to take care of it regularly. Use these tips on how to properly care for your laminate flooring:

Vacuuming or sweeping the surface almost every day is recommended to ensure that there are no hard particles on the floor that can scratch the laminate.
Concerning wet cleaning, then it is better to do it once a week according to the rules that are described above.
To add shine, add to water household chemicals or replace it with a little vinegar.

Timely cleaning and maintenance of laminate flooring directly affect its service life. There is an opinion that this material has high strength and wear resistance, therefore it is not too demanding in terms of maintenance.

In many ways, this is true, but the basic rules for keeping the flooring clean must be followed in any case. Let's take a closer look at how to care for laminate flooring at home and what you need for this.

Dry and wet cleaning process

The general approach to care and the choice of cleaning method should be based on the class of the laminate, the type of interlocks and density. In private housing and apartments, the most common variety is medium and high density class 32-33 coverage.

Laminate grade 31 and lower is rarely used. Such a coating is less durable - frequent contact with water and wet cleaning will only reduce its service life.

The general technology for dry and wet cleaning of laminate flooring will consist of the following:

Dry cleaning - small debris can be removed with a broom or brush with soft bristles. Major cleaning is more convenient to perform with a household vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. It is better to refuse the use of washing vacuum cleaners, as they leave a thin layer of water on the surface of the laminate.
Wet cleaning - carried out strictly as needed, no more than 2 times a week. For cleaning, a mop and a well-absorbing cloth are used. The surface of the floor is wiped with a slightly damp cloth for 1-2 times. After the remaining moisture is wiped dry.

During wet cleaning, the movement of the mop should be in the direction of laying the laminate. This will ensure free sliding on the surface and simplify the cleaning process.

Detergent selection

Specialized detergents for imported laminate

The use of detergents is rational only in case of severe contamination of the surface. Dust and light dirt can be easily removed warm water without adding additional components. To clean strong and old marks, you can use a special laminate cleaner, which is sold in many hardware and hardware stores.

As a rule, this is a composition in liquid or gel form, which is added to water and stirred until completely dissolved. Among folk remedies To care for a laminate floor, the following can be distinguished:

Heavily soiled floors can be cleaned with neutral pH shampoos. Dissolve 4-5 tablespoons of shampoo in 7-9 liters of water until foam forms. Next, thoroughly vacuum the room and wipe the resulting solution until the dirty traces are completely removed;
in order for the laminate to shine, you can treat the cleaned surface with the following composition: 200 ml pure water, 2 teaspoons of vinegar, 50 ml of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of detergent. Mix the components and wipe with a damp cloth soaked in the composition;
To disinfect a clean surface, you can use ordinary vinegar. For 10 liters of water, 50-70 ml of vinegar is enough.

In the process of cleaning, it is better to avoid the use of washing powder or other care products that may contain surfactants and abrasive ingredients. This will lead to strong streaks and micro scratches on the surface of the laminate.

How to cover scuffs and scratches

Wax stick and face repair wax

The appearance of scratches is inevitable even for a class 33-34 laminate, especially in high traffic areas. The material of class 32 is already covered with a scattering of small scratches and damages for 2-3 years of operation.

To remove various types of damage, you can use the following:

shoe marks - removed with a stationery eraser or flannel fabric. Previously, the trace can be softened with a couple of drops of sunflower oil;
shallow damage - a wax pencil for laminate is used to eliminate it. The damaged area is cleaned of dirt and wiped with an alcohol solution. Then it is rubbed with a pencil until the scratch is completely filled. Residues are removed with a clean cloth;
deep chips and scratches - to eliminate them, a special repair kit is used, consisting of a melted putty or sealant. The kit can be purchased at any hardware store that specializes in selling floor coverings.

For more information about removing scratches from the surface of the laminate can be found in a separate article. In it, we reviewed all the most simple ways repair and restoration of laminated boards.

To remove dirt from worn areas of the laminate, wipe the area with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture, treat the stained area and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

How to protect laminate from moisture

The process of applying protective wax for joints

After cleaning the surface of the laminate from dirt and repairing damage, it is possible to treat the coating with a water-repellent wax. This will help prevent moisture from seeping under the flooring and into the area around the lock.

The most problematic places are the joints between the canvases, since through them water gets inside the lock and is absorbed into the panel.

The process of protecting seams on an already laid coating will represent the following steps:

the surface of the laminated board must be thoroughly cleaned from dirt and abrasive particles;
for work, you will need to prepare a rubber or polyurethane spatula, a clean cotton rag or a well-absorbing material;
the wax container is shaken for 1-2 minutes and applied to the seam area with a thin layer;
using a spatula, the wax is pressed into the space between the joint;
then polish the area with a dry, clean cloth or polishing machine;
start processing the next seam;
upon completion, the floor should dry well for 6-8 hours.

As a result protective compound should remain only in the seam area. This is important because the rest of the laminate does not absorb moisture and does not need to be protected. Moreover, the composition of the product includes vegetable fats and solvents, which will constantly leave marks on slippers.

What not to do with laminated board

The appearance of various damages and general contamination is the result of improper care of the laminate. Although most problems can be avoided, it is enough to carefully study the operating instructions for the coating.

Particular attention should be paid to the section that describes the actions to be performed immediately after laying the coating. To prevent frequent soiling of your flooring and prolong its life, avoid the following:

do not walk on laminate flooring high heels, dirty construction boots and other shoes, on the soles of which small abrasives may be present;
don't move heavy furniture. Immediately after laying, special cork or felt pads should be purchased and glued to the legs of the furniture, which will protect the front surface of the coating;
do not allow shock loads, try not to drop heavy objects and do not spill water on the surface of the laminate. If this happens, remove moisture with a dry cloth. Impact damage can be repaired with sealant or wax.

In areas with the greatest traffic, use soft and decorative rugs, which should be knocked out every 2-3 days. Compliance with these rules and timely care guarantee that class 32-33 laminate will retain an excellent appearance even for 10-12 years of its service.

Features of the care of the laminate and how to wash it. How to properly restore the flooring and extend its life. What not to do when cleaning.

The content of the article:

Caring for laminate flooring is a task that everyone who has laid this flooring at home or in an apartment faces. When starting a renovation, consider all the pros and cons of such finishing. It also does not hurt to learn how to care for the laminate correctly and what to do in emergency situations (stains from persistent dyes, felt-tip pens, grease, swelling due to accidentally spilled water, chips from heavy objects that have fallen on the floor).

Floor laminate structure

Often this coating is called laminated parquet, but the difference between the two types of finishes is significant. The laminate is a kind of layered cake", which consists of:

stabilizing layer. It is represented by a dense kraft cardboard impregnated with melamine. To improve the soundproofing properties of the laminate, in some cases a soundproofing layer is also glued to it.
carrier layer. This is actually the "body" of the laminate. In economy class models and some representatives of the middle price category, it is made of a dense chipboard. In an expensive laminate, the carrier layer is natural wood. It is much stronger than chipboard. In the carrier layer, locks are cut that connect adjacent lamellas.
decorative layer. Plain paper, printed and impregnated with melamine. Thanks to this layer, the laminate imitates everything - river pebbles and marble, natural wood various breeds and ceramic tiles.
top or protective layer. How long the appearance of the coating will please depends on its thickness and quality.

In addition to the classic laminate, there are waterproof types of this flooring. The main layer in them is not represented by wood or chipboard, but by special durable plastic with air chambers. Caring for such a laminate is 90% easier than conventional and moisture-resistant, having a wood / chipboard base.

How to clean laminate

The tree does not like water, especially for materials made from the waste of the wood industry. Since 80% of us like to save money, we buy a laminate or an economy class, or a medium one, the basis of which is chipboard. chipboard afraid of water - swells with prolonged exposure, rendering the coating unusable.

However, the laminate can and should be washed, though not too often. The main thing is to choose the right detergents for this. It is difficult to find household chemicals only for laminate. Any non-aggressive agent in the form of a gel or liquid diluted in water is suitable for the floor. Soak a cloth in the solution, wring it out well and wipe the floor with it.

Laminate care products that can be found in any household chemical store - Mr. Propper and Mr. Muscle. Dilute them with water according to the instructions, wet a rag and wipe the floor. Perfect option- buy a special mop, on which, with the help of a simple device, you can wring out the washing surface well.

If Muscle and Propper are not at hand, any neutral pH laminate cleaner can be used for cleaning. In the absence of a suitable one, look at what ingredients are included in the available household chemicals. The simpler the composition (nonionic substances, fragrance, preservatives), the safer means. Knowing how and how to properly wash the laminate, you will keep its attractive appearance for a long time.

Consider the methods of wet cleaning laminate:

Method one "water and a rag". Use a flat mop for cleaning, which has a device for wringing out a cleaning cloth. Pour water into a bucket, moisten a rag, wring it out using a special lever on a mop. Wipe the floor quickly, then rub it by hand with a dry cloth.
Method two "hot water and a rag". Use very hot water, but not boiling water. The procedure is the same: wetted, squeezed, washed, rubbed. Hot water is the best way to wash possible dirt on the laminate.
Method three "water and vinegar". Relevant if the floor in some places is dirty and has ceased to shine. Pour into a liter of slightly warm water? cups of white vinegar, stir. Pour into a spray bottle and use a soft, dry cloth. Spray the product on a small area of the floor and start wiping immediately. When the surface shines, rinse it clean water, wipe it dry and continue cleaning.
Method four "baby shampoo". Pour very hot water into a bucket, add a couple of tablespoons of baby shampoo, stir. Do the classic cleaning. Finally, dry the floor thoroughly.

Note! Household chemicals should not contain sodium hypochlorite. You can use this composition once. But frequent washing laminate flooring will result in a loss of gloss and discolouration.

Features of laminate restoration

Caring for a laminate floor is not only dry and wet cleaning, but also emergency assistance to the coating in case of scratches, chips, swelling. Juice stains, wine and drawings with felt-tip pens stand apart. A laminate floor is a convenient easel for children, so multi-colored stripes, and even whole paintings, especially if a small artist lives in the house, can appear regularly.

How to Repair Scratches in Laminate

Scratches appear as a result of improper use of the floor covering - from children's toys (cars), moving furniture, under the legs of which there are no linings. Do not leave such defects on the floor unattended. Grains of sand will gradually increase the scratch, and dust and possible dirt will get stuck, as a result, you will have to change the entire lamella, and this is already minor repairs.

To remove a small defect, use a wax pencil (select to match the floor):

Clean the scratch, remove all dust from the floor with a vacuum cleaner.
Run a pencil over the scratch. Repeat the action until the flaw disappears.
Polish with a dry cloth.

If the defect is deep, the pencil will not help, use either mastic or paste:

Apply mastic with a plastic glass (included), remove excess from the surface, polish with a soft cloth. You can walk around this place right away.
Pasta is thinner than mastic. Apply it with a plastic spatula to the cleaned scratch, smooth, wipe with a damp sponge, and then with a dry soft cloth. Cover the place with something. You can walk on it in a couple of hours.

Pick up a pencil desired color not difficult. On sale you can find a shade for any laminate. It is more difficult with mastics and pastes, they are produced in a limited palette of colors. To get the right shade, you have to experiment: take several colors and mix in different proportions until you get the right one.

How to remove chips from laminate

Appear as a result of a heavy object falling to the floor. Most often found in the kitchen. Caring for such a floor is to repair it as soon as possible, since the chipped area is most susceptible to the penetration of moisture, dust, and debris.

Clean up the defect. Melt the special putty with a burner. Apply it to the defect and immediately remove the excess that has fallen on the surface of the laminate next to the chip. Let dry, sand and polish.

Take care of such a floor in the same way as before: daily dry cleaning, wet cleaning 2 times a week, special application once a year. means (mastics).

Elimination of swelling of the laminate

It occurs if water is spilled on the floor and it is not immediately removed. A wet lamella increases in size, its edges swell and wrap. If a lot of time has passed since the ingress of water, the situation can only be corrected by replacing the floorboards.

If the lamella spent an hour and a half under water, try to save it:

Disassemble the floor a little further than the “accident” site.
Put the swollen floorboards on flat surface(on paper) and leave to dry.
Do not collect the floor, arrange a good draft that will remove moisture from the space under the laminate.
Reassemble the floor, and place the affected lamella away from the source of possible moisture ingress.

Floor care after an accident is standard, but be sure to seal all joints between the slats with sealant. It is very good if they miss the locks while picking up the flooring.

Removing patterns from laminate

How to remove marks from felt-tip pens depends on the basis on which their ink is made. There are several options to get rid of them:

Take an eraser, Kohinoor is better, and erase the drawing with it. If the idea was successful, complete the work by soaking a cotton swab in alcohol or vodka, and then wipe the floor with any suitable detergent m and wipe dry. The method is effective for alcohol-based markers.
Take a microfiber cloth and try to erase the pattern. Then wipe the area with a damp and then dry cloth.
Squeeze toothpaste onto the stain. Take the microfiber and wipe off the marker. If it worked, repeat on the remaining drawings. Then wipe the floor with a damp and dry cloth. Do not use whitening toothpaste and gel!
Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover, acetone, or white spirit. Try it on a small piece of laminate. If the felt-tip pen is removed, and the floor surface remains the same, carefully remove the remaining traces of the child's creativity.
Water-based markers are easily washed off with clean water. Be sure to wipe the floor dry after cleaning.

How to remove stains from laminate flooring

In addition to drawings with felt-tip pens, blood can get on the floor in case of an accidental cut, tar from a Christmas tree, alcohol during a holiday, stripes from street shoes, if one of the household decided to run around the house without undressing.

Dealing with such stains is not difficult:

Dried blood can be removed with any window cleaner.
The resin from the Christmas tree needs to be frozen (put ice from the freezer on top), then carefully separate it from the floor with a plastic scraper. Clean the area with window cleaner.
Colored liquor is removed with water and detergent (one of the Mr. Propper or Muscle will do). If it doesn't work, soak a cotton swab in denatured alcohol and try it on a small piece of laminate, and then evaluate what happened. If the floor surface is unaffected, remove the entire stain. After that, wipe the floor with a damp and then dry cloth.
Stripes from the rubber soles of street shoes can be removed with a regular eraser - just wipe them off the floor and then rinse it. And don't forget to wipe dry!

Laminate care instructions

There are several varieties of this flooring: the usual one, designed for installation in rooms with normal humidity, and moisture-resistant, which is laid where there is a high probability of accidentally spilling water (in the kitchen).

Moisture-resistant laminate can be laid in the bathroom, but you will have to be careful when using the shower. A few drops of moisture won't harm the floor, but regular water spills will ruin even the most expensive laminate flooring. For bathroom the best way- water-resistant plastic version.

The rules for caring for laminate flooring regulate the procedure, as a result of which the floor will remain beautiful for a long time. They need to be produced constantly:

Pay attention to the entrance area. Dust, sand, soil particles are always collected here. To prevent them from spreading around the room, put a dust mat at the entrance. Every time you come from the street, carry out a wet cleaning of this area, and shake out the rug. Clean entry - 50% of your laminate care work!
Remove all sharp objects. You can’t walk on stilettos and move furniture on home laminate (you can on a commercial one). To avoid scratches and dents, walk around the house in slippers, and “shod” furniture legs in felt shoes or glue special pads on them that are sold at any hardware store.
Replace regular rollers with rubber ones. Some furniture (such as computer chairs) has wheels, but they are 90% plastic. If you ride them on a laminate, stripes will inevitably remain, which are difficult to get rid of. Replace such rollers with rubber ones and ride on your health!
Eliminate or minimize water intrusion on the floor. A moisture-resistant laminate with high-quality insulated joints between the lamellas can be painlessly exposed to moisture for up to an hour. Further, the water will still find a tiny slit and begin to seep inside.
Caring for laminate flooring in the kitchen comes down to limiting the ingress of moisture: provide everything flower pots deep saucers, lay a rug on the floor near the sink. If water gets on it, remove it to dry and lay it dry.
Dry clean with a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
Do wet cleaning with a well-wrung cloth no more than 2 times a week. Change the water frequently during cleaning to avoid streaks on the floor. Be sure to dry the surface with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth.
Use only special means laminate care.
Once a year, treat the floor with special mastic.

What not to do when caring for laminate

Laminate surfaces are quite capricious in care, despite the fact that immediately after laying and during the time that the protective coating is intact, it is enough to regularly vacuum the floor and wipe it several times a week with a slightly damp cloth.

The following actions cannot be performed if you plan to keep the coating in its original form for as long as possible:

Use products containing alkali and acid, and powders containing abrasive particles.
Use sharp objects for cleaning.
Pour water on the floor while cleaning.
Keep many pets. If you love cats and dogs, put a more democratic flooring, such as linoleum or a higher-class laminate.
Use parquet products containing wax and oil for surface treatment. They do not penetrate inside the lamellas, creating a film on the surface, to which dust and debris adhere well.
Use gloss products containing glycerin. Getting into the joints, they swell the edges of the lamellas.

How to care for laminate - look at the video:

Caring for laminate flooring at home is quite simple. It is much more important and more difficult to properly operate this coating. Teach your family to undress at the entrance, and then go barefoot or in soft slippers, do not spill water on the floor and do not draw with felt-tip pens! Then cleaning will consist of a daily “walk” with a vacuum cleaner and one-time weekly “races” with a damp cloth. 0

Laminate is a modern floor covering that is both beautiful and practical. According to its characteristics and appearance not inferior to parquet, however, it is cheaper, so many prefer it.

Like any other coating, the laminate requires care, because the service life directly depends on it. It is also important to know the basic rules of operation.

Laminate is a decorative floor covering that looks like wood or other material. As a rule, it consists of four layers:

stabilizing layer. Increases rigidity and protects against damage and deformation.
carrier layer. It is the main part of the structure. Possesses heat-insulating and sound-proof properties. On the carrier layer there is a lock for connecting with other boards.
Decorative paper layer. Contains a pattern that imitates wood, stone, parquet, ceramic tiles and other coatings.
polymer layer. Protects against rubbing, impact and other damage.

The following types of laminate are used in residential premises:

Suberic. harmless material with high water repellency.
Vinyl. Possesses more high rates rigidity and strength, which increases the service life.
Glossy. Attracts mirror shine, durability and reliability.

Basic rules for caring for laminate flooring in an apartment

With The life of a laminate in an apartment directly depends on its care. First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the general rules:

Carry out dry cleaning 2-3 times a week.
Do wet cleaning once a week.
Use detergents with a gentle composition.
Use only soft cloths and sponges.

There are also a number of restrictions that must be taken into account when caring for a laminate:

Refrain from using abrasives and preparations with an increased acidic and alkaline environment.
Refuse to use whiteness, chlorine, silicone and mastic.
Avoid mechanical impact. Metal brushes and hard sponges are not suitable for cleaning laminate flooring.
Avoid excessive wetting of the laminate. Wash with a well wrung out cloth.

How to properly clean laminate floors

Each coating has its own characteristics, so the rules for care also differ. Laminate is considered one of the most sensitive floorings, so it is necessary to wash such floors properly and select cleaning products.

Step-by-step instruction

Washing the laminate is carried out according to the following scheme:

Dry clean to remove most of the dust and debris. It is enough to sweep the floor or vacuum.
Prepare a bucket of warm water and a rag from soft material. Add detergent if necessary.
Soak a cloth in water and wring it out thoroughly. The material should be slightly damp.
Wash the floor, moving from the far corner of the room to the door.
Rinse the cloth after every room.
Wipe the wet floor with a dry cloth. It is advisable to choose microfiber.

Detergents

In stores you can find a wide selection of products for washing laminate flooring in any price category. They are highly efficient and take into account the characteristics of the coating. Also widely used folk methods that show good results.

Water

To get rid of dust and simple stains, it is enough to wash the floor with water at room temperature. If it was not possible to eliminate any contamination, rinse the problem areas with a cleaning compound and wipe the entire floor again with a soft cloth dampened with water.

Special funds

In the household chemicals department, you can always find at least a few laminate care products. Just a few types:

liquids - fight against pollution, antistatic effect, giving shine;
stain remover pencils - removing difficult stains;
sprays - daily care, cleansing, antibacterial action;
emulsions - giving shine, preventing the appearance of scratches and scuffs;
sponge (MiraClean) - removes complex spots, including from the marker.

The method of application depends on the specific product and is indicated in the instructions. Manufacturers such as Leifheit Care, Emsal, Ludwik, Vileda Professional and others produce household chemicals for washing laminate.

Baby shampoo

Baby shampoo is considered the best way to wash laminate flooring, since it does not contain aggressive substances.

It is worth considering that only shampoo without dyes and flavors is suitable. As an alternative to baby shampoo, dishwashing detergent can be used, especially in the fight against greasy stains.

Pour into a bucket of 3 liters. warm water.
Add 3 tbsp. l. baby shampoo or dishwashing gel. Make sure that the agent is completely dissolved.
Wet a cloth and wring out well.
Wash the floor with soapy water.
Wipe again with a cloth dampened with clean water.

Vinegar

Washing laminate flooring with vinegar can restore shine and remove dried-on stains. It also eliminates such problems as divorces. Another advantage of the method is that the laminate dries in seconds.

Pour into a bucket of 5 liters. hot water. The temperature should not exceed 90 degrees.
Add 250 ml. 9% vinegar.
Wet a cloth and squeeze.
Wipe the floor. Do not rinse.

Glass cleaner

Easily removes marker and felt-tip pen marks, blood stains, tea, coffee and other complex stains. Alcohol-based products are effective.

Spray glass cleaner onto stained area.
Wipe stains with a soft cloth.
Remove residue with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

How to clean laminate flooring with household appliances

Using a vacuum cleaner and a steam mop makes cleaning much easier. The process takes less time and does not require much effort.

Washing vacuum cleaner

When choosing a washing vacuum cleaner to care for the laminate, you need to pay attention to such nuances:

power not less than 800 watts;
the possibility of both wet and dry cleaning;
the presence of regulation of the liquid used for washing;
drying mode.

Step-by-step instruction:

Assemble the vacuum cleaner.
Add detergent. The proportions are indicated in the instructions.
Set the wet cleaning mode.
Start vacuuming the room from the far corner, moving towards the exit.
If the vacuum cleaner is not equipped with a dry mode, wipe the floor with a dry soft cloth.

The vacuum cleaner may not completely cope with dried stains, however, the dirt will soften and it will be easier to remove them with the help of improvised means.

steam mop

A steam mop is an easy-to-use device that cleans and washes well and quickly, takes up little space and is inexpensive. As a rule, it has a high power, which allows you to achieve high-quality cleaning. It is advisable to choose a steam mop with the following parameters:

power 1600-1800 kW;
several modes of control and steam supply;
several floor nozzles.

Please note that the steam mop is only suitable for waterproof laminate flooring. You need to choose a gentle mode.

Step-by-step instruction:

Vacuum the floor.
Fill the tank with distilled water.
Turn on the mop.
Set to gentle mode.
Wait until steam starts to be produced.
Wash the floor.
If you need to add water, unplug the appliance from the socket, wait until it cools down, fill in water and turn it on again.
Wipe the floor dry with a dry cloth if the laminate is wet.

Some useful advice You can learn about the best way to wash laminate flooring from the video.

Dry cleaning rules

Dry cleaning is recommended to be carried out daily, since the laminate is quite a sensitive coating. Crumbs and small debris can leave scratches, so you should at least sweep the floor at the end of the day. It is enough to clean the laminate with an antistatic effect 2-3 times a week.

Particular attention must be paid to the choice of inventory. Suitable:

broom;
soft brush;
vacuum cleaner with a nozzle for a laminate.

How to properly care for different types of laminate

Depending on the type of laminate, cleaning methods may vary. It is important to take into account the characteristics of each type so that cleaning does not cause problems.

Bevelled laminate

Chamfer - a recess at the joints between adjacent laminate boards. This type of seam can be a serious hindrance to wet cleaning, because water can get into the cracks. It is also possible to clog dirt and dust into the seams.

To save yourself the hassle of cleaning hard-to-reach areas, you should treat the bevel with wax for a water-repellent effect, as recommended by manufacturers.

However, this method does not give a 100% guarantee, so it is advisable to do only dry cleaning with local wet cleaning. If you wipe only the areas with stains with a damp cloth and immediately go through with dry material, there will be no problems.

Light and dark laminate

Washing a light laminate is carried out according to the standard scheme and does not cause much trouble. As practice shows, difficulties arise precisely in the care of a dark coating. Divorces, stains and other contaminants are much stronger on it, so it is recommended to wipe such a floor twice in a row, paying special attention to problem areas.

Matte coating

Dirt builds up and stands out more on a matte laminate than on a glossy one, but the ease of maintenance compensates for this inconvenience. It is recommended to wash this type of coatings with special sprays that easily remove stains. It will be possible to remove simple dirt with warm water, but it is important to remember that after wet cleaning, the laminate must be wiped dry.

How to restore laminate flooring at home

Over time, small scratches and damage will appear on the laminate, even with proper care and caring attitude. You should not be upset about this, because all defects can be hidden.

Removing scratches and chips

The appearance of scratches and chips is a fairly common problem. You can deal with them using the following tools:

Wax crayon (pencil) - the fight against small scratches. Wipe the damaged area with a damp cloth and wipe dry. Paint scratches with melted wax pencil and polish with a soft cloth. Choose according to the color of the coating.
Pastes and putties - elimination of chips and deep scratches. Clean the area with scratches and chips from dust and dirt. Apply a layer of putty with a spatula, smooth and remove excess with a soft sponge. After an hour, polish with a soft cloth. Choose according to the color of the coating.

Eliminate swelling

Laminate swells easily when hit a large number water. As a rule, this happens in just a couple of hours if the liquid is not removed in time. It happens that it is not possible to notice the water in time and the boards begin to swell. The situation can be corrected if you follow the plan:

Remove all wet boards from the flooring.
Wipe dry.
Place them under any heavy and hard surface.
Leave for 5-7 days.

This time is enough for the boards to regain their shape. Then they can be returned to their places.

Recommendations for the use of laminate flooring at home

Laminate is a rather capricious coating that does not withstand shock and exposure to aggressive substances.

It is also necessary to select gentle cleaning products and materials for washing such a floor, otherwise you can ruin upper layer which will shorten the service life.

Compliance with the following operating rules helps to avoid such problems:

do not walk in heels, especially stilettos;
do not drop heavy and sharp objects;
refuse to use a knife to remove dried stains;
attach special pads to furniture legs and place under vases and other decorative elements of the stand;
do not move furniture;
eliminate scratches and chips as they appear, otherwise they will deepen over time, destroying the structure of the coating.

Caring for laminate requires a special approach. Cleaning should be regular and at the same time gentle. Then the laminate will last for many years and retain its original appearance.

It is present in almost every apartment. modern man, creating comfort and coziness in it. Without it, it is difficult to imagine the improvement of rooms, and the materials that replace it do not produce the desired effect on us. This is a laminate, the maintenance of which will not require you to special efforts and a lot of time, besides, it will last a long time. Caring for laminate flooring at home is quite simple, it will serve you with gratitude for a long time, if you follow the basic rules. Fortunately, the construction market has taken care of the care products you need.

Some simple tips will help you protect the laminate from various damages.

Careful attitude

The first opponent for laminate flooring is you. This item does not imply cleaning as such, just try to follow the basic rules in handling it, as with any other things in your home. Laminate has taken care of family life too, so forget about broken plates and other heavy or sharp objects on the floor.

Shoes

Next on the list are merciless women's stilettos and chunky soles. If you need a laminate for at least another 5 years, then try to change your shoes into soft slippers. You should also not walk on stiletto heels, as dents may form on it.

If there is such a covering in the hallway, then the best solution would be to lay a foot mat.

Furniture

The third thing to pay attention to is the sparing rearrangement of furniture, especially on pointed legs. If you are a fan of regularly changing the situation in the house, then be careful at the moment when you carry the chair legs along the floor. Furniture should be rearranged carefully, which will help you with special linings under the legs of chairs and chairs.

The legs of chairs and furniture should be glued with felt pads to avoid scratches and dents. For wheelchairs, special mats must be placed.

Pets

Clawed animals also harm the surface of the laminate, but how exactly to deal with this problem is up to you.

best solution Pets will have their nails trimmed.

Water and sand

The biggest enemies of wood flooring are water and sand. Excess moisture causes the laminate to swell, so if you spill water on your laminate floor, you should not ignore it - wipe the floor. The ingress of sand is harmful in that the grains of sand form scratches on the surface of the laminate, which can significantly reduce the life of such a coating.

At the entrance to the apartment, it is necessary to lay foot mats so that you can clean the soles of your shoes from dirt. After coming home, clean your shoes and sweep the floor in the hallway in order to avoid the spread of grains of sand around the apartment.

To keep the floor clean, it must be swept, vacuumed and wiped with a damp cloth. Remember that you cannot use a dry mop to clean a laminate floor, and you should only use products that are designed to clean a laminate floor. home care behind the laminate.

In the practical part of cleaning, you will need a soft cloth. It can be both dry and wet, but always soft. A vacuum cleaner with a soft, fluffy nozzle can serve as an ideal fixture.
When using detergents, instructions for their use and care are indicated on the packaging. Usually 100 ml of detergent is diluted in 5 liters of warm water. It is best to use proven laminate care products. If the stain is difficult to clean, then pour a little detergent into it and leave for 2-3 minutes. Never, ever use alkaline materials and mastic to avoid unsightly streaks and damage to the surface of the coating.
After you have washed the floor, you need to wipe it dry.

Conditions for coverage

You should also pay attention to the microclimate of the room. Try to maintain a favorable temperature for both you and the laminate within 18-20 ° C. If you have stock and a barometer is present, then keep the indicator at 50-60%.