How to Maintain Your Laminate Floors

Following are some general guidelines for maintaining laminate floors. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and when in doubt, consult your manufacturer or professional installer.

1. Perform routine cleaning on a regular basis to minimize dirt, dust and grit accumulation. Use a soft bristle brush, dust mop or vacuum cleaner with the proper attachment for cleaning laminate floors. Place mats at all exterior entrances and keep these cleaned and well maintained.


2. To prevent wear in high traffic areas, place area rugs over your laminate floor. Kitchens are probably the most walked on floors in a home. It is recommended you place a rug in front of the stove and sink. This will prevent premature wear, give your feet a break and protect against potential liquid spills.


3. Protector pads should be added to the feet of all furniture. When moving furniture, never drag it across the floor, lift and move instead. Also, if furniture has casters, make sure they are made of non-marking rubber or similar material. If casters are made of metal or hard plastic, replace as soon as possible since these materials can quickly scar and/or dent your laminate floors.


4. Most manufacturers recommend maintaining an average humidity of 55% to protect the floor from warping. Consult your manufacturer’s recommendations and use a humidifier or dehumidifier as necessary to maintain the recommended humidity.


5. Spot clean as necessary with manufacturer’s suggested cleaning product. Do not use abrasive cleaners or cleaners intended for vinyl or no-wax floors. If mopping is necessary, use manufacturer’s suggested cleaner and follow directions on the label precisely. Damp mop only, never completely saturate the laminate floor with either water or cleaning products.


6. For tough stains or sports, carefully use nail polish remover containing acetone. Once stain is removed, make sure the area is cleaned with a clean soft cloth to remove all residue. Never use abrasive cleaning products or tools such as steel wool, abrasive powders, etc.


7. Avoid walking on floors with high heels as much as possible. If it is necessary to walk on the floor in heels, make sure shoes are in good repair. An exposed heel nail could quickly damage your laminate floor.


8. To easily remove substances like candle wax or chewing gum, try holding a piece of ice to the area until the material becomes hard is easily removed with a plastic paint scraper or thin spatula. Take care not to scratch the laminate flooring itself when scraping.

The above tips should keep your laminate floors looking good for years. Never attempt to buff or wax a laminate floor. Gouges, deep scratches and/or chips are best handled by replacing the affected board. Removing and replacing a board is usually not too difficult and can usually be accomplished by the homeowner. If you are in doubt, consult your manufacturer or professional installer.