Laminate care in the apartment: how to wash and how to avoid marks? Brilliant result: taking care of the laminate correctly

There is an opinion that the laminate is quite a capricious coating. In fact, this is not entirely true, laminate flooring is a great alternative to parquet or board. It has sufficiently high performance characteristics, the material is warm and easy to maintain. It does not require additional painting or varnishing. For the floor to last long years you need to know how to care for laminate flooring.

Minimum water, maximum precision

In order for the laminate to serve for many years, from the very beginning of its operation it is necessary to properly care for it. Most coatings are afraid of moisture, which has a detrimental effect on the quality of interlocks, leads to swelling of the panels and deterioration of general operational properties. Recently, a waterproof laminate has appeared, which has a special coating that effectively repels water and protects the floor from damage.

Note! When choosing a laminate with a waterproof coating, it is very important that the protection is also present on the interlocks.

Except exception excess moisture, there are a few more rules for preserving the appearance of the coating:

As you can see, the care of the laminate is quite simple, the main thing is to avoid excess moisture, mechanical damage and use the means suitable for maintenance of the coating.

Care products

The main care of the laminate is to remove dust and dirt. An ordinary vacuum cleaner with a gentle brush is perfect for this. Wet cleaning is desirable to carry out no more than 3 times a week. A soft cloth, a mop with a pile or a foam nozzle is suitable for it. They are soaked in water and squeezed thoroughly. For cleaning, you can use special products for the care of the laminate, or you can wash it with plain clean water.

Note! Wipe the floor in the direction of the slats.

The use of powders, aggressive alkaline agents is unacceptable. When cleaning with concentrated soap solutions, white coating. Remove it simply with a glass cleaner containing alcohol. You can just use an alcohol solution. Soak a cloth in it, wring it out and wipe the coating. Now there is a large selection of products, especially for laminate.

How to remove stains on the coating:

Wine, beer, juices should be wiped immediately with a soft cloth.
Marker, nail polish, paints can be removed with acetone solution. It is important to apply only on the stain itself and not go beyond it, so as not to dissolve protective film coatings.
Various stains can be removed with special means, for this they are applied according to the instructions. You can try washing with a concentrate for washing the coating.

When removing stains, it is important not to use sharp or hard objects. If the stain is not removed and severely spoils appearance coverage, it will only help partial replacement laminate.

Elimination of defects

The most common defects on the laminate are chips, scratches and bumps.

Chips on the laminate are formed when heavy or sharp objects, if possible, then change the damaged lamellae. If replacement is not possible, then cover with pastes and cover with a composition for laminate. In specialized stores you can buy tools for repairing laminate.

For repair use:

Putties. Most often they come in a set with a spatula and several dyes.
Soldering kits. In addition to a special soldering iron, the kit includes wax plates for filling chips. Repair is carried out according to the instructions, which must be present in the kit.
Wax briquettes or pencils. Allows you to quickly repair a scratch, a choice of colors is available in stores. The only negative is that they wear out quickly. Therefore, for the durability of the repair, the filled recess must be covered with a fixative or varnish.

Regardless of which repair agent is used, the damage is thoroughly cleaned of dirt, degreased and only then filled. Lacquering is done only after complete drying. For greater strength, you can cover 2-3 times.

When the coating swells from moisture, cosmetic repairs are indispensable, and replacement of floor sections will be required. Also, local repair of the site will be required if irregularities appear, if there are gaps at the joints, or if the laminate protrudes above the surface.

Video

You will learn tips for caring for laminate flooring by watching the following videos:

A clean and well maintained laminate floor is essential integral part the interior of the premises. During operation, spots, scratches, swelling, swelling or gaps between the planks may form on the floor. Improper washing of floors also worsens the condition of the laminate flooring. Therefore, cleaning the laminate plays important role in its operation.

The widespread use of laminate flooring requires knowledge and skills to care for them. Housewives are often interested in the question: how to properly wash a laminate floor so as not to spoil it and so that there are no stains. Knowing the features of such a coating, you can properly care for it and once and for all decide for yourself how and with what to wash the laminate.

Features of the laminated coating

Laminate flooring is a set of laminate planks connected along the length and at the ends with each other by means of a lock. The junction of the planks forms a joint. Joints are weakness laminated coating. Here, laminate damage is most common, since the basis of this material is a moisture-sensitive fibreboard. Low-cost laminate locks are not treated with a water-repellent compound, so they can deteriorate if water enters. In expensive and elite types of coating, the grooves and ridges are additionally treated with a composition containing wax, which improves the resistance of the coating to moisture.

It is very important to know how to properly wash laminate flooring so as not to damage the base layer of the board and to maintain the shine of the coating.

Laminate cleaning is an important and crucial moment in the process of caring for the coating. If you want to keep your home clean, then it is simply impossible to do without cleaning. Dry cleaning is carried out regularly as abrasive particles accumulate on the surface: grains of sand, small pebbles, small parts toys. They can scratch the finish. To clean the laminate, sweep the debris with a soft-bristled broom. To avoid dust, vacuum with a brush, also with a soft bristle. As the floor becomes dirty and dusty, after cleaning, it is necessary to do wet cleaning.

The cleaning result must be effective and safe both for the floor and for the inhabitants of the premises in which it is laid. To do this, you need to know how to wash the laminate with high quality, without streaks and stains, so that it shines and preserves the life of the coating as much as possible. Protect the surface from all sorts of scratches, swelling and discoloration will help right technology cleaning, good tool and detergents.

How to clean laminate

In order to properly wash the laminate floor, you must follow a certain sequence of actions.

Precleaning

First, clean the floor of large debris. To do this, you need to collect all the items that can scratch the surface when sweeping. For example, large pieces of glass, metal or sharp pieces of plastic. Next, collect sand and dirt from shoes or plasticine scattered by children. This can be done with a wooden spatula or spatula. Sweep away any large debris with a broom. Carefully collect it with a scoop. The broom must be soft enough not to scratch the surface of the laminate. With a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush, you need to carefully collect all the small debris, dust, hairs, not missing corners, baseboards and hard-to-reach places.

Before washing, you must first clean the laminate from contamination with special detergents, which will be discussed below.

After that, you can proceed directly to wet cleaning.

Basic rules for washing laminate flooring

The main rule to follow when washing a laminate floor is that the washing time and the amount of water that will fall on the floor should be minimal. Then the moisture will have time to evaporate from the surface of the coating before it penetrates deep into the joints and begins to destroy them.
For washing, use a soft cloth or a microfiber mop with an adjustment lever. It is better to use a microfiber cloth. It well collects excess water from the surface and does not leave large streaks. The rag or mop head is carefully wrung out after each washing. Old T-shirts, other colored items and rags with pile cannot be taken for washing. When using them, the surface becomes dull and stains remain.
Wet cleaning is best done with open windows so that the water evaporates quickly and does not form wet spots or puddles.
To increase efficiency, special detergents are added to the water. More on this will be discussed below.
Heavily soiled floors should be washed twice. Cleaning is done in small areas, often washing the rag. The first time - with detergent. Then let the room dry. The second time - plain water.
If the floor is lightly soiled and dusty, laminate flooring can be washed once simply hot water(how much hands endure) so that it evaporates faster from the floor surface.
If small children or allergy sufferers live in a room with a laminate, you can wash the floor with hot water, without using any detergents. Water should be at a temperature of 70-80 degrees. Then it will disinfect the floor and quickly evaporate. You need to work with gloves. Change the water frequently and wring out the cloth thoroughly. In order not to get burned, it is better to use a mop with a wringer.
Wash the room in such a sequence that you do not walk on a damp surface.
It is better to move the mop parallel to the laths of the laminate. So less water gets into the joints between the lamellas.
Dry laminate can be polished with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove the remaining moisture, stains and add shine to the coating.
If the floor is too wet, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth or dry mop. This will keep the laminate from swelling and reduce streaks.

After wet cleaning warm water dries the laminate faster. But pure tap water leaves streaks on the surface. To avoid this, it must be neutralized. At home, a weak solution of table vinegar is used for this. Now you know how to wash the laminate so that there are no streaks.

What is the best way to clean laminate

This question torments all housewives. And the answer to it is very simple: it is best to wash the laminated surface with detergents specially designed for this, strictly following the instructions for use. Overdose or inappropriate use of the product can lead to stains, streaks and damage to the coating.

Detergents

Trading networks offer wide selection professional detergents for laminate flooring:

Mellerud Bio is a natural-based product that removes dirt, dust, oil and grease films well.
Emsal Laminate - based on soap, provides gentle care, protects edges from swelling, adds shine, prevents dust accumulation.
Pronto - eliminates streaks, adds shine and cleans dirt well.
HG - concentrate, creates thin film protecting from moisture.
Laminol is an industrial product, softens water, antibacterial, adds shine, does not require rinsing.

Household floor cleaners (Mr.Proper, Glorix, Meine Liebe, Luxus, Grass, Sarma and others) can also be used to clean laminated surfaces.

In addition to special detergents, you can use ordinary ones that can be found in any home. However, it is worth remembering that all detergents are used with restrictions.

Detergents-shampoos, liquid soap, dishwashing detergents must have a neutral PH, be safe for the respiratory organs of humans and animals, do not contain ammonia and chlorine. Their high reactivity can damage the surface of the laminate.

Some professional detergents do not require rinsing. Read the instructions carefully before use.

Any new detergent should be tested on a small, inconspicuous area. The average concentration of detergent is 50 grams per 10 liters of water. After applying the product, it is necessary to wash the floor with clean warm water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth or fiber cloth.

To remove streaks and give shine, after drying the washed floor, the surface must be polished with a dry flannel cloth or rag.

Universal recipe without unnecessary chemicals

Special and professional detergents clean the laminate well from dirt, but they are quite expensive. There is universal recipes washing the floor without the use of chemicals.

The easiest, cheapest and most common way to clean laminate flooring without the use of professional chemicals is to use clear table vinegar. This method is easily implemented at home. 200 ml is added to a bucket of hot water (10 liters). 3-9% white vinegar. With this solution, the floor is washed in the usual way - squeezing the rag well and not stepping on a wet surface. There is no need to go through plain water a second time. Vinegar has disinfectant properties. In combination with hot water and a well-wrung cloth, it will ensure that moisture evaporates quickly. Additional polishing with a dry cloth will remove moisture, enhance shine and remove stains. A solution of vinegar in water cleans dirt from laminate surfaces well and makes them shine.

Do not use apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar, or any other vinegar that has color shade other than transparent. This can damage the laminate surface.

This method has only one drawback - during washing there is bad smell. It does not cause any harm and quickly disappears.

If there is no 3-9% vinegar, you can use 70% essence ( acetic acid), but it will take 10 times less.

What rag to use

As we have repeatedly mentioned in this article, it is best to use a microfiber cloth to clean laminate flooring. In principle, any soft cloth that absorbs moisture well, which can be wrung out well, or a special rag for mopping, will do.

Important! The rag should not shed and contain solid inclusions (buttons, locks, etc.) that can scratch the surface.

As an alternative to a floor cloth, you can use a mop. This will make cleaning the floor a little easier. It is better to use a universal mop with adjustable handle length. When washing large areas, mops performed well professional purpose with covers from various materials on a movable nozzle of a rectangular or oval shape. The movable mop head facilitates the process of washing and subsequent polishing of the laminated flooring. To wash a small area, it is enough to have a simple household mop.

Washing vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner

Progress does not stand still and manufacturers household appliances For several years now, they have been offering to automate the cleaning process with a washing vacuum cleaner.

However, using a regular washing vacuum cleaner for washing laminate flooring should be done with great care. Water entering the joints while spraying with the cleaning nozzle of a vacuum cleaner penetrates the joints and causes them to swell. Only when washing laminate, the locks of which are treated with a special wax composition, you can use the new generation of washing vacuum cleaners. They spray water less intensively, are equipped with a special nozzle that quickly sucks up liquid and a brush that carefully collects residual moisture.

Steam cleaners are very effective in removing dirt from the surface of the laminate, but its use is possible under the following basic conditions:

The covering has no damages and divergences of panels;
Panel joints are glued special glue or treated with a water-repellent wax-based compound;
The material must be with a durable protective coating of 33 or 34 class.

How not to wash laminate flooring

When washing laminate floors, it is recommended to use special detergents for laminate. It is forbidden to use products containing chemically aggressive components. They have a negative effect on the laminated coating.

Chlorine and chlorine-containing products, such as Whiteness, must not be used for cleaning. Chlorine discolors the surface and changes the shade of the decorative coating.
Do not use high concentration acid and caustic alkali. Such products corrode the protective coating and destroy the fibreboard.
It is forbidden to use disinfectants and other products containing ammonia. It affects the laminated coating, worsening its gloss.
It is not recommended to use polishes and products intended for the care of other coatings when cleaning. There may be spots, turbidity and streaks on the surface.
Do not use abrasive powders, pastes or coarse brushes. This leads to scratches on the laminate, which impairs its appearance and leads to rapid wear.
Do not wash the floor with a wet cloth large quantity water. Penetrating into the cracks, moisture leads to swelling of the fiberboard and damage to the coating.
Do not allow an overdose of detergents in a water solution. This is the most common cause streaks on the surface and damage to the integrity of the coating.

The use of special detergents facilitates the washing process, but excess chemicals have not benefited anyone. Of course, it is impossible to completely abandon them, but it is better to limit the use of detergents for severe pollution.
In order to properly wash the surface without leaving streaks, you must first clean it of dirt, grease, stains using cleaning products. They are best used locally, at the site of contamination.
To keep the floor surface in good condition, you should:
- exclude abrasive pastes and powders;
- use a clean white rag or special wipes;
- follow the instructions for the cleaning agent;
- after removing dirt, rinse the area with clean warm water and dry quickly with a cloth.
When using non-professional cleaners and detergents for laminated surfaces, it must be taken into account that an aggressive environment (alkaline or acidic) and abrasiveness of the material can damage the laminating coating. Therefore, any tool must be used wisely, according to the instructions, or by checking on a small, inconspicuous area of \u200b\u200bthe floor. Prolonged exposure to the surface is not allowed.
The easiest product you can use to clean laminate flooring is a mild shampoo or liquid soap. Dilute 20 mg. in five liters of hot water and mix well. Dip a cloth or mop head into the soapy water and wring it out well. Start from the far corner of the room and go to the exit without stepping on the wet floor. Use a mop or cloth to make movements along the planks. So joints are less disturbed, dirt is better washed out and divorces are well eliminated. After complete drying, re-wipe the floor with a cloth washed in clean warm water or in water with the addition of 6-9% white vinegar. (50 ml per 10 liters of water). Vinegar neutralizes the effects of an alkaline environment, adds shine to the laminate, and washes away dirt residues. We finish with a complete drying of the floor surface, airing.
How often can laminate flooring be cleaned? Wet cleaning should be done no more than once or twice a week, depending on the degree of soiling of the floor. Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner or a broom can be done daily.
On a smooth dark-colored coating (under wenge, bog oak) whitish streaks may remain. To avoid this, use special detergents to wash the laminate without streaks. They are added to the water dosed according to the instructions. The floor washed in this way is wiped dry and polished with a soft, dry cloth. Divorces will not remain.

How to wash brilliant green and other stains on the laminate

Floor cleaning almost always involves removing various stains. In this case, the following tips will help us:

If the laminate is contaminated with aggressive liquids or paints, special cleaners must be used. For example: Dr Schutz, Elatex, Spray Max.
There is not always such a tool at hand, but you need to act quickly. Suitable funds from household. Solvents will help clean the floor from paints. For oil paints white spirit is suitable, for nitro paints - acetone. Paint must be removed immediately with a cloth soaked in an appropriate solvent. Wipe the solvent dry. Rinse the floor with a solution of vinegar and warm water. Wipe dry.
If there is mounting foam on the floor, then it must be removed from the surface with a wooden spatula, and the remains with white spirit. If the foam has dried, you need to carefully scrape it off with a wooden scraper and clean the place with white spirit.
Places of contamination with acrylic paints must be thoroughly washed with warm water.
Gypsum putty can be carefully scraped off and the area washed with warm water.
Traces of adhesive tape are removed with white spirit.
Wine stains and cognac stains are well removed with technical or medical alcohol.
Stripes from colored pencils and felt-tip pens are rubbed with alcohol or white spirit.
Grease stains and blood stains are treated with a cloth soaked in window cleaner or mineral spirits.
To wash off stains on the laminate from rubber shoes, bicycle tires or wheels from a stroller, a rag soaked in white spirit will help. They can also be erased well with an ordinary school eraser.
You can wash the brilliant green with a rag soaked in alcohol.
If chewing gum or resin gets on the floor, then it must be frozen with an ice bag and removed from the surface. Or scrape off with a wooden spatula, and remove the remnants with a cloth with white spirit.

In all cases of contamination of the surface with active substances, it is necessary to quickly take measures for cleaning and, finally, rinse the area to be cleaned with warm water or water with white vinegar.

The key to success in the fight against stains is precisely the rapid removal of the staining agent from the surface of the laminate. If the stain is already dry, then more physical effort and stronger detergents will be required to remove it.

What is the difference between caring for white and dark laminate

Dark particles are clearly visible on a white laminate floor. These can be grains of sand, small pebbles that are brought in with shoes and scratch the surface, leaving dark marks. Dust and dirt, gathering in scratches and dents, make them noticeable. Therefore, it is very important to prevent mechanical damage to the surface of the white surface. With the accumulation of dust in the joints and crevices and subsequent washing, dark stains may remain on the white surface. Therefore, the white floor should be vacuumed and dusted more often.

Dark laminate flooring shows less dents and small scratches, but gray dust and light stains from detergents are very clearly visible. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully remove the remnants of detergents from the surface. This is achieved by additional rinsing with clean warm water, followed by polishing with clean soft cloth.

Keep the floor clean and dry clean daily.
Do wet cleaning no more than once or twice a week as it gets dirty.
Do not allow waterlogging and overdrying of the room.
Put a rubber mat in the hallway near the door, on which dirt brought from the street will remain.
Walk on laminate floor in soft shoes or socks. This keeps the gloss and integrity of the surface longer.
Stick felt pads on the legs of the furniture to prevent scratching the floor when rearranging the furniture.
Avoid dropping heavy sharp objects or spilling corrosive liquids on the laminate flooring.
Clean up spilled liquid immediately and mop the floor dry.
How to wash the laminate in the kitchen from grease? First, remove the grease with a dry cloth. Then wipe the area with a cloth moistened with mineral spirits or window cleaner. Finally, wash the area with soap and water and dry with a dry cloth.
Special care products for laminate should be used strictly according to the instructions and follow the dosage.
To make the laminate shine, apply finishing rubbing with special means or a solution of water with white 3-9% vinegar with a well-wrung rag.
Do not treat the surface with wax-containing compounds and mastic used for wood flooring. This makes the surface rough and can lead to injury.
To reduce sliding in the kitchen, you need to wash the laminate with a solution of soda (50 grams per 10 liters of warm water), then a solution of 3-9% vinegar (50 ml per 10 liters of water). Wipe the floor dry and keep dry.
Scratches can be sealed with a special wax pencil, matched by color. Broken and broken joints must be filled acrylic sealant in surface color.

The application of our tips will help you properly care for the laminate during operation. This will extend its service life and enjoy your interior.

Laminate is a modern floor covering that is both beautiful and practical. In terms of its characteristics and appearance, it is 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 imitating 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-repellent properties.
Vinyl. Possesses higher rates of rigidity and durability that increases service life.
Glossy. Attracts with a 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 abrasive products and preparations with a high acidic and alkaline environment.
Refuse to use whiteness, chlorine, silicone and mastic.
To not allow 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 soft cloth. 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 differ high efficiency and take into account the features 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. 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. Release household chemicals for washing laminate flooring, manufacturers such as Leifheit Care, Emsal, Ludwik, Vileda Professional and others.

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. Typically has 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 rid yourself of extra hassle with cleaning hard-to-reach areas, the chamfer should be treated 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 of light laminate is carried out according to standard scheme and does not deliver special trouble. As practice shows, there are difficulties in caring for dark coated. Divorces, stains and other contaminants stand out on it much more strongly, therefore it is recommended to wipe such a floor twice in a row, paying special attention to problem areas.

Matte coating

Dirt accumulates 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 damages appear on the laminate, even with proper care and respect. 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 spoil the top 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.

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

To a large extent this is true, but ground rules on keeping the flooring clean must be observed 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. From application washing vacuum cleaners it's better to refuse, as they leave thin layer 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 with warm water without the addition of additional components. For cleaning strong and old marks, you can use special agent for washing laminate, 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 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.

For removing various kinds 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 set can be purchased at any hardware store specializing in the sale of floor coverings.

For more information about removing scratches from the surface of the laminate can be found in a separate article. In it, we examined all the simplest ways to repair and restore a laminated board.

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 a consequence not proper care behind 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;
do not 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;
don't let impact loads Avoid dropping heavy objects or spilling water on the laminate surface. 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.

The floor covering, which is commonly called laminate, is a panel obtained from boards based on MDF or chipboard and several layers of paper, which are impregnated with melamine resins and pressed under high pressure and at high temperature. This is modern coating, which is designed to meet the requirements of modern consumers. Manufacturers took care of the wear resistance of the material, for which they used a melamine finish or acrylic paint– lamination (hence the name). Caring for laminate is quite simple, but you should remember some rules for using the material.

Laminate will last longer if you follow simple rules caring for him

Laminate floor care and durability classes

Material wear resistance classes are designed to allow consumers to choose products according to their needs and financial capabilities. In order for a laminate to be assigned a wear resistance class, a coating must pass about 18 tests. There is a commercial laminate on sale - a material of increased wear resistance, which is intended for flooring in institutions and organizations (wear resistance class 32). If you buy it for your home, the coating will serve you for at least 30 years (while the manufacturer's declared service life of this coating in commercial establishments is 3-5 years). There is a waterproof and non-waterproof laminate, an ordinary laminate and a laminate increased strength.

Cleaning should be damp, but not wet, excess moisture can cause serious damage to the coating

Regardless of the wear resistance class, laminate care is essential. Don't forget that it's first and foremost wood material, and excess moisture can adversely affect its properties and service life.

How to wash laminate

Floors are recommended to be vacuumed with a soft mop. If you feel that more serious cleaning is needed (for example, you need to remove sticky or greasy spots from the floor), use a damp mop. It should be exactly wet, but in no case wet, from which water can flow. The movements of the mop should be longitudinal relative to the laminate panels. The floor should be washed with warm water, and at the end of cleaning it is better to wipe it with a dry cloth. Change the water frequently to keep it clean. Laminate polishes or waxes are not required.

During wet cleaning, the joints between the plates are the first to suffer, moisture must be carefully removed from them.

Try not to let water remain on the floor, as it can seep through the joints and cause deformation of the laminate boards. Therefore, the care of the laminate is only wet, but not wet cleaning. Take special care when cleaning in places where there are water taps or flowerpots. If liquid gets on the laminate, it must be wiped off immediately.

Laminate care products

Laminate Cleaner Spray makes cleaning more efficient

Avoid abrasive cleaners, do not use soap-based solutions and cheap soap concentrates to clean laminate floors. Soap gradually corrodes the protective top layer, and it is very difficult to completely wash off the soap from the laminate. Sour and alkaline agents and bleaches will also corrode the top layer, so do not use them to clean floors. As a rule, the laminate manufacturer recommends a certain brand of detergent. Be sure to purchase them, especially if the product has guarantee period services. It is better to use only simple warm water than products that are not suitable for laminate flooring: the floor will lose its shine and dirt will begin to stick to it.

In general, dirt main enemy laminate floor. Therefore, do not walk on it in street shoes and do not allow members of your family to do so. Due to sand particles or small stones that are brought on shoes, clearly visible scratches appear on the floor after a while. If scratches still appear, you can get rid of them with a special mastic.

For proper care of the flooring, it is better to use tools and devices specially designed for this purpose.

On sale there are a number of products designed to care for the laminate. As a rule, it is a spray or gel. Not only do they clean the laminate floor, but they can also remove tough stains (eg Loba, Laminatclear). If you do not have these funds, you can use conventional means for washing floors with a neutral pH (usually the packaging indicates that this product is suitable for all types of floors) - Mr. Muscle or Mr. Propper. They will help remove juice, wine, fat, chocolate. If there are traces of a pencil or felt-tip pen, lipstick or shoe polish, varnish, ink or cigarettes on the laminate floor, you can’t cope with the usual means. You need a thinner, acetone or nail polish remover, methanol or the aforementioned Loba or Laminatclear laminate products.

If chewing gum gets on the laminate or wax from a candle drips, wait until it hardens completely and carefully clean it with a wooden or plastic scraper, and then apply a restorative paste. To speed up the hardening process, you can put an ice cube on top.

How to extend the life of laminate flooring

Vacuum the laminate every other day if the level of soiling is low, and more often if necessary.

It is not recommended to walk on laminate flooring in shoes with heels, but on modular furniture better to stick special gaskets from felt. In places that are actively exploited, it is better to put rugs. It can be a place for games in a children's room, an area at the front door in the hallway, a place near the sofa or bed.

Try not to drop heavy objects on the laminate. If you spill something on the floor, wipe it up quickly, otherwise you may ruin the coating.

Upper layer Laminate repels dust, so you can vacuum once every two days. If you clean floors and use detergents, be sure to wipe down the laminate after cleaning with a dry cloth. Do not use mastic or wax - they will not penetrate the material, but will remain on the surface in the form of stains or stains.

Is one of the tiles damaged? It can be replaced, and it is not necessary to go to the building materials store. You can take the stove in an inconspicuous place (under the sofa, for example) and swap with the damaged one. Of course, only someone who knows how to lay a laminate with their own hands can do this.

If you decide to put flowerpots on the laminated floor, use special stands and trays for flowerpots.

Metal brushes or washcloths, aggressive alkaline cleaners are not suitable for cleaning laminate flooring. Use only soft brushes and cloths.

The matte finish is the hardest to clean. Manufacturers of such coatings recommend wiping the surface daily with a soft brush or cloth.

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