Category: home improvement

If you are renovating your home then perhaps you are considering having laminate wood floors fitted. Actually laminate wood floors are a very sensible choice for any home. They look as stylish and elegant as any hardwood floor yet they cost a lot less. Laminate floors are also easy to fit and unlike real wood there is no need to wax or polish them. Once you know how to clean a laminate floor you will find it much easier than caring for real wood or carpet. So what exactly does cleaning a laminate wood floor entail?

Step One

The first step to cleaning a laminate wood floor is to get rid of any dirt and dust that has accumulated. If you try to clean the stains off your floor without removing any debris first they will stick and create an even bigger mess than you had before you started. There is also another reason why removing dirt and grit is an important part of cleaning a laminate wood floor. Dirt and grit can be very abrasive and this can scratch and damage the laminate. In order to remove the dust and dirt you will need to use a sweeping brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. You can use a dust mop to clean hard to reach areas such as under your sofa.

Step Two

Once you have removed any standing dirt you are ready for step two of cleaning your laminate wood floor. This step involves removing any stains on the wood. For instance there may be footprints from pets and people or sticky marks from food spills. You have three different options when it comes to the second part of cleaning your laminate wood floor.

Your first option is to use a cleaning product that must be mixed with hot water. If you use this method you must take care not to get too much water onto the floor. Therefore it is best to use a sponge mop with a wringer and squeeze it out thoroughly before you put it near the floor. By doing this you will avoid damaging the laminate.

You could also choose to use the mist and mop technique of cleaning your laminate wood floor. To do this simply choose a laminate cleaning product that comes in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount of the product on to the floor before wiping it with a dry mop. Continue this process until the entire floor is clean. You can also use the spray bottle to clean up a single stain. You would simply use a cloth or paper towel to mop up the mist.

If you are trying to save some money during these times of economic uncertainty you may wish to make your own product for cleaning laminate wood floors. To do this mix equal amounts of water, rubbing alcohol and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Then add a few drops of dish washing liquid to the solution. This homemade cleaner works very effectively as long as you do not mind the vinegary smell it leaves behind.

Many people decide to purchase and fit laminate wood flooring because it is such a practical choice. Laminate flooring is less expensive than hard wood and easier to fit. It can also look very elegant and attractive, especially when decorated with one or two good quality area rugs. What s more it is not necessary to wax or polish a laminate floor. The only thing that deters some consumers is that they are not sure of the correct procedure for cleaning a laminate wood floor. The good news is that there are several laminate floor cleaners available for purchase, and they can make the process quite simple.

Your Trusty Vacuum Cleaner

The most important laminate floor cleaner is something most of us already own. You can use your vacuum cleaner to clean up loose dirt and grit in the same way you would with a carpet. However you may wish to use a soft brush attachment because the last thing you want to do is scratch the surface of your laminate floor. If you do not have a vacuum cleaner you can use a sweeping brush to clean your floor instead.

Added To Water

There are some laminate floor cleaners which are meant to be added to water. Some people are reluctant to use this type of laminate floor cleaner. They are afraid that using water on their laminate floor will cause it to warp out of shape. You can actually use water on your laminate floor since it is perfectly ok to get it damp as long as you do not soak it. Just be careful what kind of mop you use on your laminate floor. It is not a good idea to use a traditional cotton deck mop as these can retain a lot of water despite your best efforts to wring them out. It is better to use a sponge mop with a wringer since you can get most of the water out of it before applying it to the floor.

Mist And Mop

Most laminate floor cleaners are designed for use without the need for water. To use this type of laminate floor cleaner you simply spray a mist of it onto the surface of your floor before wiping it up with a dry mop. You can use this type of laminate floor cleaner to remove a single stain between regular cleanings too. Simply use a paper towel to wipe up the stain rather than a dry mop.

What To Look For

Regardless of which type of laminate floor cleaner you use it is in your best interest to ensure that it meets certain criteria. First of all you should make sure that the cleaner you purchase has a nice smell since some products have a harsh chemical odor. You should also check the ingredients of a laminate floor cleaner to make sure that they are not toxic. Furthermore you will need a product that does not dull your floor or leave any kind of streaky residue.