A How-To Guide On

Caring For Laminate Flooring

Benefits of Laminate Flooring The choice you make in flooring will determine how long it will last, how much time it takes to care for it, and the expense associated with the installation. Due to the beauty of laminate flooring, it is becoming a more popular choice in flooring material for new construction and renovations of homes and businesses. Some of the benefits of laminate flooring include: • Ease of installation • Virtually maintenance-free • Maintains good looks with minimal care • More cost-effective than hardwood

Better Care = Longer Wear • Keeping your laminate flooring clean is the simplest way to extend its life and

keep it looking beautiful.

• Caring for laminate is simple and doesn’t require a big time investment.

• Although no special equipment is required, commercial floor sweepers will save time and do a more thorough job of removing dirt on larger surface areas.

• Damp mopping is an appropriate method of cleaning floors of dust and pet hair.

Cleaning Heavy Traffic Areas

Areas where there are larger volumes or traffic or where there is exposure to greasy residues can result in heavier soiled areas on your laminate floor. To clean these areas: • Use a sponge dampened with water and clean

using moderate pressure. • For large areas, use a special machine like a Clarke

floor scrubber to remove dirt and grime that gets tracked in and embedded in the floor’s surface.

• Detergent-based cleaners are never needed.

Easy Care Means Less Damage

Other kinds of flooring require scrubbing and strong cleaning products to keep them clean. Cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals or which are abrasive can damage floors by: • Discoloring the finish • Scratch the surface • Causing clouding The simplicity in the way laminate flooring can be cleaned prevents damage from occurring as the result of normal dirt exposure and from harsh cleaners and methods.

Protecting Laminate from Damage from Furniture

Both homes and businesses use furniture and heavy equipment that can cause indentations, scratches or gouges with repeated exposure or movement across the floor. To prevent these types of damage from occurring: • Always place felt pads or casters between the furniture or equipment and

the surface of the floor. • When moving objects, always lift them instead of sliding them across the

laminate flooring. • Use touch-up kits to repair scratches when they do occur so that the

damage does not continue to worsen with additional wear to the area. Also, follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer that might differ for your type of laminate flooring.

Keep Laminate Floor Cleaning Costs Under Control

• Limit cleaners to those made specifically for cleaning laminate floors. Avoid those with oil, wax or paste to prevent buildup that will have to be professionally removed.

• Clean floors frequently, especially in high traffic areas. Grit and grime carried in on shoes can cause scratches that ruin the finish and have to be repaired or replaced.

• For large areas that require regular sweeping, purchase a good quality refurbished floor sweeper that does the job without costing a lot.

• Clean up spills immediately before they can turn into stains and never let water pool on the floor.

Natural vs. Green The word “natural” is synonymous with “harmless” to many people when, in reality, some of the natural ingredients people use to make their own cleaners can be too harsh. The homemade natural cleaners you use to clean with are not the same as the green cleaners made specifically for this purpose. Even ingredients that you find in your kitchen pantry can be too harsh or just wrong for the type of finish on your flooring. Green products, on the other hand, are non-toxic and safe for the environment while also being formulated to get the finish on laminate flooring clean without doing any damage, even with repeated use. Vinegar is acidic and can eat away at the floor’s finish with repeated use, especially when applied at full- or near full-strength. Even when mixed at a vinegar-to-water ratio of 1 to 3, the mixture can cause the floor to streak and become dull. Lemon is another acidic product that is often used in cleaners as much for the fresh scent as its cleaning ability.

Basics of Laminate Floor Care

• Regular sweeping to keep dirt off of the floor is the single most important step in keeping the floor clean and new-looking.

• Use mats at doorways to reduce the amount of dirt and grime tracked in.

• Limit cleaners to those that are made specifically for laminate flooring and which are “green” so they are safe for your flooring, family and the environment.

About PS Janitorial At Performance Systems Janitorial Supply, we supply high quality, refurbished janitorial machines that are reliable and made by top manufacturers. Our variety of Clarke, Tomcat and Tenant floor scrubbers and sweepers make it easy for businesses on a budget to get the quality equipment they need to keep their business looking its best. We also sell new floor machines and parts in addition to providing repairs and rentals to make maintaining your floors as easy and cost-efficient as possible. Visit Performance Systems Janitorial Supply online for more information or call us at 1-800-747-5096 to ask about any of our products or services.

Sources

http://floorbuffers.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/care-for-laminate-flooring/ http://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/10-tips-for-stopping-dirt-at-the-door/

Summary

Sweeping loose dirt and dust from your laminate floor regularly is the most important step towards keeping your flooring clean and new-looking. A refurbished floor sweeper is a cost-effective way for businesses with large floor surfaces to provide the appropriate maintenance for their laminate floors. Water or specially formulated green laminate floor cleaners are the only liquids that should be applied to laminate flooring.