Modern material for flooring, created on the basis of wood fiber boards, a high degree of density. Literally translated from Latin, “laminated” means layered. Appearing at the end

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The last century, the laminate very quickly won the leading position among the existing at the time of flooring and confidently holds them in our time.

This situation is explained by the constant updating of types and types of laminated floors, the improvement and introduction of new production technologies, as well as the quick and simple installation of laminated panels, their reliability and unpretentiousness in post-maintenance service. And although we have just said that caring for laminate at home is not a big deal or financial expense, but at the same time, a number of rules should be followed.

Laminate panel devices

In order to better understand how to properly care for the laminate floor at home, let's figure out how it works.

Proceeding from the name, each separate lamella (panel, board) of a laminate consists of several layers, to be more specific, four.

The bottom, in direct contact with the floor, a stabilizing layer. It enhances the rigidity of the board, thereby protecting and preventing its deformation.

Bearing, the main layer of the laminate panel. Made of highly dense wood fiber board and treated with various water repellent impregnations. It is in this layer, due to its thickness, that there is a locking connection of the laminated panels for bonding to a single flooring. In addition, the base layer performs noise and heat insulation functions.

Decorating panel layer. Thick paper with a pattern printed on it, imitating the surface of any natural material, geometric pattern and the like.

Top, protective layer of the panel surface. It is he who is most susceptible to external influences as a result of not careful handling of the floors and their cleaning. This layer of lamella is made of acrylic or melamine resin and prevents decorative scratches and bumps. The strength and thickness of its application, a protective coating, in turn, is divided into four classes of wear resistance:

  • Class 31 - for use in household (domestic) rooms:
  • 32 - a higher level of protection, is used for home or public premises with a small cross:
  • 33 strength class - home, commercial use premises;
  • 34 and above - industrial and sports purposes.

It should be noted that the concept of class classification is rather relative. And laminate coatings from different manufacturers (Asia, Europe, America), with the same level of protection (32, 33 class), are operational in terms of strength and durability, real possibilities, can differ significantly.


Disadvantages of flooring - laminate

Cons of this type of flooring a little, but they are. And they must be taken into account when making a choice. In many respects, the disadvantages of the laminate match the flooring. When choosing laminate panels or parquet flooring, pay attention to their workmanship.

Both materials are sensitive to long-term exposure to moisture and chemical reagents, which are in the composition of detergents designed to care for laminate and parquet at home. The quality of the preparation of the main surface intended for laying parquet or laminated floor, further affects its condition. And may cause blistering and cracking.

In their value, certain types of laminated panels are comparable to expensive types of parquet, which once again reminds of the need to follow the rules for their care.

Basic rules for the care of laminate at home

Laminated flooring does not require any special approach. Caring for the laminate in the apartment, made a regular broom, vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth to wash it and remove dust. Cleaning is done every 3 - 4 days or more often, if necessary. That is, by well-known to all the rules. But about what to do is extremely not desirable, we list separately.

  • Laminate flooring means:
  • Lack of polishing and wax compositions.
  • Formations on the surface of the puddle of water (even short-term).
  • Clean with a slightly damp cloth soaked in warm water.

The complete inability to use in cleaning hard, scratching objects and brushes, abrasive detergents.

Tools and cleaning products for laminate flooring

The tools used when cleaning the surface of the floor from laminated panels include:

  • A broom with a synthetic, soft nap or a regular broom.
  • Vacuum cleaner with a soft brush - nozzle, washing the vacuum cleaner.
  • Mop with a sponge. Or a rag made of natural fabric.

The choice of used for cleaning such floors means very extensive. This and numerous industrial production compositions related to household chemicals, created specifically for the maintenance of laminated surfaces, which can be purchased at any hardware store. So and improvised household goods, with which you can ensure the level of cleaning is not inferior in its result, shopping tools.

An example is a solution of white, 9 percent distilled vinegar, at the rate of 50 grams per bucket of warm water. Soap solutions based on laundry soap, shampoos and body wash gels have also proven themselves well. The only condition for using such detergents is to thoroughly wipe the floor with clean water and then with a dry cloth. In this case, you will be guaranteed free from the appearance on the floor of colored streaks.

Means for dealing with mechanical damage and minor repairs

As a protective agent for the care of laminate, intermediate linings made of hard materials are laid under the furniture legs. Scuffs and marks left by shoes are removed with an ordinary school eraser or a cloth from a flannel slightly moistened with vegetable oil. Small in depth scratches - masked with wax pencil of the desired color.

Deeper mechanical damage can be filled with special putty for laminate or acrylic paste. After it dries (up to 24 hours), carefully polish it and, with a slight discrepancy between the shades, use the correct wax pencil. Polishes manufactured to care for laminate surfaces by the chemical industry should be used, not more than twice a year.

The practical application of the rules for the care of laminate flooring, you can see in detail on the video clip attached to the article.

It is present in almost every apartment of a modern person, creating comfort and coziness in it. Without it, it is difficult to imagine the improvement of rooms, and the materials replacing it do not have the desired effect on us. This is a laminate, the content of which does not require much effort and a lot of time from you, besides it will last a long time. Caring for laminate care at home is quite simple, it will gratefully serve you for a long time, if you follow the basic rules. Fortunately, the construction market has taken care of the care you need.

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

Respectful attitude

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

Footwear

Next on the list are merciless female studs and massive soles. If the laminate you need at least another 5 years, then try to change into soft home slippers. Also, do not walk on the floor on the heels, because it can form dents.

If the hallway has such coverage, then the best solution would be to lay a foot pad.

Furniture

The third thing you should pay attention to is a sparing rearrangement of furniture, especially on pointed legs. If you like to regularly change the situation in the house, then be careful at the moment when you carry the chair with your feet on the floor. Rearrange the furniture should be neatly, what will help you special lining under the legs of chairs and chairs.

The legs of the furniture should be glued with felt pads to avoid scratches and dents. For wheelchairs need to put special mats.

Pets

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

The best solution would be to trim the claws of pets.

Water and sand

The biggest enemies of wooden flooring are water and sand. Excess moisture causes the laminate to swell, so if you spill water on the laminate floor, you should not leave it unattended - wipe the floor. The ingress of sand is harmful because the grains of sand form scratches on the surface of the laminate, which can significantly reduce the lifetime of such a coating.

At the entrance to the apartment you need to lay rugs for the legs so that you can clean the sole of the shoe from dirt. After coming home, clean your shoes and sweep the floor in the hallway to avoid the spread 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 mop without pressing to clean the laminate floor, and you should use only those products that are intended for home care of the laminate flooring.

  1. In the practical part of cleaning you will need a soft rag. It can be both dry and wet, but must be soft. The ideal device can serve as a vacuum cleaner with a soft fleecy nozzle.
  2. When using detergents, instructions for their use and care are indicated on the packaging. Typically, 100 ml of detergent diluted in 5 liters of warm water. It is best to use proven laminate care products. If the stain is poorly washed, then fill it with a little detergent and leave it for 2-3 minutes. Never use alkaline materials and mastic for anything to avoid unaesthetic streaks and damage to the surface of the coating.
  3. 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 both for you and for the laminate within 18-20 ° C. If you have a barometer present, keep the indicator at 50-60%.

Getting rid of myatins and scratches on the laminate

Laminate has a lot of advantages compared to other types of flooring - strength, ease of installation and replacement, modern and aesthetic appearance.

Caring for this coating is not very difficult, but to avoid possible damage to the laminate, you need to know some rules that will help keep the laminate in good shape for many years to come.

Every day, with small soiling, you can simply sweep or vacuum the laminate to remove sand, dust or dirt from its surface. Wet cleaning should be carried out only in cases where the dirt can not be removed with a vacuum cleaner.

Wash laminate is not recommended more than two or three times a week. For washing you need to use warm water and the usual soft cloth. Before starting to wash the floor, the cloth should be carefully squeezed out - so that it is wet, but the water does not flow from it. Then wipe the floor, often changing the water. After cleaning the floor should be well wiped with dry cloth.

When wet cleaning is required to closely monitor that water does not accumulate on the floor. If it gets through the gaps under the slab, the laminate can deteriorate.

Care should be taken when washing the areas where the plates are interconnected, i.e. with laminate locks.

They swell and may even disperse from prolonged and abundant exposure to moisture. If there is some water spilled on the surface of the plates, that's okay. It is necessary to quickly collect water with a cloth, each time squeezing it thoroughly, and then thoroughly wipe the floor with a dry cloth.

It is possible to wash the laminate floor with the help of a washing vacuum cleaner, but almost all of them leave some of the floor water after cleaning, which means they will have to rearm themselves with a rag and bring the work of this vacuum cleaner to mind with their own efforts.

Well suited for washing laminate special mop, which has several nozzles made of microfiber.

Such tools are equipped with devices that provide the most efficient spin of water. In addition, after cleaning the microfiber mop does not remain stains on the floor.

Laminated Care Products

Sometimes water alone is not enough for high-quality removal of dirt. If stains cannot be removed with water, it is better to use special means for cleaning the laminated coating. They will help not only to cope with difficult stains, but also provide additional surface protection.

Allowed for laminate detergents:

  1. Special tools manufactured by manufacturers of laminate.
  2. Detergents for cleaning of the premises - “Mr. Proper”, “Emsal Laminate”, “Mellerud BIO” and others.
  3. Shampoo, laundry soap, any dishwashing liquid.
  4. Special polishes for laminate.

Some products should not be used for cleaning this material, since they can damage the surface layer of the coating, which will dramatically reduce its service life.

Below is a list of which detergent does not recommend washing the laminate:

  1. Solvents.
  2. Products that contain wax or mastic, as well as products that are intended for other types of flooring.
  3. Means with the content of acids and strong alkalis.
  4. Cleaning powders and detergents with abrasive components.

Wet cleaning with the use of special detergents is not recommended to be carried out too often. It will be enough to wash the laminate once a week, observing all the above rules.

When using different detergents, it is recommended to use only soft sponges in order to exclude the possibility of scratching them on the surface of the laminate. In no case can you use hard brushes and metal scourers when caring out laminate floors - they will quickly destroy the protective layer of the coating.

Eliminate the stains on the laminate using a soft cloth and any detergent allowed for laminated coatings. This product is diluted with water, after which the floor is cleaned and then thoroughly wiped the floor with a dry cloth.

Some types of stains formed on the coating require a special approach. Consider special cases than to wash the laminate so that there are no divorces and no traces:

Scratches that appeared on the laminate during “unfriendly” treatment with it require a special approach.

To eliminate large scratches it is necessary to use only repair compound produced by manufacturers of laminate. Minor scratches are easily masked with a special paste for laminated coatings.

Video about the best way to wash laminate at home

Laminate flooring is widely used in flooring in apartments, homes and offices. The choice of laminate textures is quite large, from imitation of floorboard to natural stone, and it often surpasses expensive finishing materials in its characteristics - this explains its popularity. In the article we will describe how to properly care for laminate flooring in order to prolong its service life and preserve the original appearance.

Decorative laminated coating consists of individual lamellae, which are connected with end locks. This creates a smooth surface with high decorative properties. The design of the laminate largely determines the rules for its operation and maintenance.

The basis of the laminate is a high strength fiberboard with stabilizing layer on the bottom and decorative on top. The stabilizing layer consists of multilayer kraft paper or melamine resin, it protects the base from deformation and improves sound insulation properties.

A layer of melamine or acrylic resin with textured embossing is applied on the top decorative coating of paper with a pattern. The protective layer provides wear resistance and protects against damage. Castle connection, depending on the class of laminate, can be treated with moisture-resistant impregnation.

Classes of wear resistance and moisture resistance

The class of laminate is regulated by Standard EN 13329, it can be identified by digital marking.

  1. Laminate Classes 21-23  economy class out of production, but it can be found in some apartments. It does not have high wear resistance and is afraid of water. Laminate class 21-23 can only be used in rooms without a high load - bedrooms, storerooms, dressing rooms.
  2. Class 31 Laminate  with an indicator of wear resistance (AC3) it is intended for residential premises with low traffic, it is usually used in the decoration of a bedroom, nursery or living room. Not moisture resistant, prone to abrasion in passable places: doorways, corridors, so it is better to protect it with rugs.
  3. Class 32 laminate  (АС4) is resistant to abrasion, it can be used in rooms with a large step load: kitchen, hallway, nursery. It also does not have moisture resistance; excessive wetting of the coating should be avoided when washing.
  4. Class 33 laminate  (AC5-AC6) refers to commercial coatings, it is resistant to abrasion and moisture resistant, withstands frequent washing and high humidity. It can be used in any premises.

Note!  The frequency of wet cleaning and the recommended ways to protect it depend on the class of laminate!

Daily care for laminate

Laminate has antistatic properties, it does not attract dust and stays clean for a long time. Thanks to the upper protective layer, the dirt is not absorbed into the coating and is easy to clean when cleaning. However, even with the most careful treatment, he needs regular cleaning.

Caring for laminate can be divided into three types:

  • dry cleaning;
  • wet cleaning;
  • cleaning of particular contaminants.

Improper operation of the laminate can lead not only to its premature abrasion, but also to the destruction of the coating.

Operation laminate - what can not be done?

  1. Excessive moisture - enemy laminate. When wet, the base of the fiberboard becomes wet, swells, and the floor surface swells. Moisture resistant coating protects the laminate only from splashing water, with serious leaks coating will inevitably suffer. If you have unreliable plumbing or small children, it is better to refuse to use laminate in the bathroom and in the kitchen.

    Water is the worst enemy of laminate

  2. Sand and other abrasive contaminants cause abrasion and minor scratches.. Make it a rule to regularly sweep or vacuum laminate in the hallway, and at the door lay a special shoe mat.

  3. Furniture rearrangement is the main cause of deep scratches.. Use special felt covers for furniture legs, and place rugs under office chairs on wheels.

  4. Heels and claws - down!  Studs, spikes and paws of pets can leave scratches and chips on the floor. Change your shoes for soft slippers, shear your pets claws or lay a laminate of increased wear resistance.

  5. Hard brushes and abrasive cleaners are harmful to laminate, they leave small scratches, over time the protective coating loses shine and resistance to dirt.

  6. Aggressive detergents - the right way to destroy the protective coating. Bleach, alkaline or acid solutions leave to wash the tiles. It is better to wash the laminate with clean water or use special formulations with a neutral pH.

  7. Parquet wax will not improve the appearance of the laminate.  - it is not absorbed into the protective layer, but leaves streaks and stripes on it. In addition, waxed laminate becomes slippery and traumatic.

Dry laminate cleaning

For dry cleaning use a broom, soft cheek or a vacuum cleaner with a special nozzle with a long pile. Timely removal of dust and sand is enough to make the laminate look clean and fresh. Dry cleaning can be done daily, but due to the antistatic coating it is usually sufficient 2-3 times a week.

Note!  The washing vacuum cleaner can be used only for cleaning of a laminate of a class 33!

With timely dry cleaning, the laminate floor remains clean for a long time, so wet cleaning is carried out as needed, usually 1-2 times a week. Class 33 laminate can be washed daily - it is designed for continuous cleaning and has sufficient moisture resistance.

The basic rules for wet cleaning laminate.

  1. To clean the floor using clean water, change it as pollution. The optimum water temperature is 35-45 degrees, while washing with warm water there are fewer stains.
  2. With strong pollution, special care products are used, you can also add a spoonful of table vinegar to 9% of vinegar or lemon juice in the water - this will refresh the color and make the surface shine.
  3. A cleaning rag or sponge is carefully pressed to avoid excessive wetting of the laminate. It is better to use special spinning mops and microfiber cloths.
  4. Wash the laminate in the direction along the boards, in light movements without strong pressure.
  5. After washing the laminate is carefully wiped with a dry cloth and dried.

Note!  When washing the laminate with chamfers it is necessary to ensure that there is no water in the grooves - this can lead to swelling of the boards.

Video - Casual care for laminate

Table 1. Popular care products for laminate.

Name, photoShort description

To care for the laminate and protect it from moisture and dirt. Based on soap and linseed oil. Contains aromatic additives. The product is diluted in warm water and carry out wet cleaning. Provides good dirt removal and further protection of the coating against contamination. Packaging means enough for 15-25 cleaning depending on the hardness of the water.

For everyday care and cleaning of heavy dirt. The tool is based on non-ionic surfactants, contains antibacterial components and aromatic fragrance. It is possible to use in the washing vacuum cleaners. Packing means enough for 10 cleanups.

To care for laminate and natural cork coating. Contains detergent surfactants, antibacterial and antistatic components. Fights organic pollutants, traces of fat. Consumption means - packing for 15 cleanups.

Cleaning agent with argan oil. Does not leave streaks, adds semi gloss, protects against dust and moisture. Easily launders grease and dirt, it is recommended for washing the laminate in the kitchen and in the hallway. Contains fragrances that fill the house with a pleasant fresh smell. Economical consumption, packaging for 20-25 cleanups.

Means with a pronounced antibacterial effect. Not only cleans the floor from laminate, but also disinfects them without harm to the coating. Recommended for cleaning floors in apartments with small children. Does not leave stains, has a pleasant smell, suitable for regular cleaning. Consumption of one package of funds - for 15-20 cleaning.

Along with specialized means, you can use universal ones, such as Mr.Proper, Mr Muscle, Cif, Sanfor and other similar compounds. The main thing is to make sure before use that they do not contain aggressive acids, alkalis and abrasive inclusions. In terms of efficiency, such means are almost as good as specialized ones, and their price is much lower.

Video - Means for washing laminate through the eyes of a specialist

Special pollution

Stains on the laminate appear, as a rule, from inadvertently spilled liquids or children's pranks. It is best to remove them immediately after the appearance, but this does not guarantee complete cleaning of the surface.

Table 2. Means for removing stains from laminate.

PollutionWhat to removeMode of application
Juices, wine, sweet drinks. Fat and dirt.Liquid detergents for laminate, liquid soap.Dilute 50-100 ml of the product in a small amount of water, apply to the stain and scrub with a soft sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry the floor.
Permanent marker, nail polish, paint.Acetone or white spirit.Apply the solvent to a cotton pad, gently wipe off the stain, wash with warm water and soap and wipe dry.
Children's markers, ink, lipstick.Ethanol.Apply alcohol to a cotton pad, scrub the stain, wipe with a damp sponge.
Blood and other protein contamination.Means for washing windows.Apply a spray dispenser, wait 1-2 minutes, wipe off with a dry cloth.
Wax, glue, chewing gum.Plastic scraper, liquid soap.Wait until it freezes, you can cool it with ice. Gently remove with a plastic scraper. Clean the remains of the stain with a solution of soap, then wipe dry.
Spots and stripes from shoes.Eraser.To clean the stain with an eraser, wipe with a damp sponge. If the eraser can not cope with stains, you can use a soft abrasive: apply it on a sponge and very carefully wipe the coating in the direction of the texture. After rinse with water.

Note!  To use ammonia products for laminate is strictly prohibited, they destroy the protective layer!

Video - Removing stains from laminate

Damage and repair

Despite the high wear resistance, scuffs, small and deep scratches, chips appear with time on the laminate. It is necessary to eliminate damages in due time, it will save the laminate from further destruction, water ingress into the base and, as a result, from deformation.

To eliminate minor scratches, wax crayons or retouch markers are used. They allow you to paint over scratches and restore the water-repellent properties of the surface. A wide range of corrective means for laminate allows you to accurately select the shade. Sold and ready-made kits, including 3 or more shades of the desired color, mixing them, you can achieve a complete disguise of damage.

Tip!  Take the laminate trimming to the store so that you can most accurately find the shade of the corrector. If in doubt which of two similar shades to choose - choose a lighter one, it is less noticeable against the background of the rest of the floor.

How to remove a scratch from the laminate using wax chalk:

  • clean the floor surface with a vacuum cleaner to remove small particles of sand and dust. If necessary, degrease the place of damage with alcohol;
  • apply chalk of the desired color on the scratch;
  • carefully rub the wax with a soft cloth until the scratches are completely rubbed;
  • remove any wax residue with a soft cloth.

The wax has water-repellent properties, so the repaired floor can be subjected to wet cleaning. In time, waxing may need to be updated.

How to remove a scratch using the retouch marker:

  • vacuum the place of a scratch or chip, wipe it with a cloth moistened with alcohol if necessary;
  • shake the marker well for 10 seconds;
  • press its core into the marker until the correction composition appears;
  • fill the crack with one or several layers corrector;
  • remove excess funds.

After using the marker, the damage site can be varnished to completely restore the protective layer.

The deepest scratches and large chips are restored using wax or paraffin-based putty; it is sold both separately and in repair kits. Putty putty in a heated form, for heating use a special soldering iron on batteries, it is included in the repair kit, as well as a spatula for grouting and polishing cloth.

Table 3. How to seal the scratch on the laminate with putty.

Steps PhotoAction description

Clean the place of restoration from dust and dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Fat contamination must be removed with alcohol. Choose from a set of putty suitable shades. Turn on the soldering iron included in the repair kit and wait for it to warm up.

Carefully melt a small amount of putty and apply it on a scratch. If a scratch captures a region of several shades, apply a different color putty, trying to repeat the pattern. Wait until the putty hardens.

Use a special spatula to remove excess putty. If necessary, apply a second layer.

Using a small amount of putty, paint the individual fine details of the design. For this purpose you can also use the retouching marker.

Polish the refreshed scratch with the supplied fabric.

Cover the site of damage with waterproof varnish, dry.

Video - How to seal a deep scratch on a laminate with hard wax

If the damage is so great that it cannot be repaired, it only remains to replace the damaged lamella. To do this, it is necessary to disassemble a part of the floor from the nearest wall, and if it is impossible to partially disassemble, use the method described in the video.

Video - How to replace a damaged board in laminate

At observance of all recommendations on care of a laminate its service life will be at least 15 years. At the same time, the appearance of the coating will preserve the brilliance and beauty, and your home will be stylish and comfortable without the extra cost of replacing the flooring.

What you need to know about the laminate?

Laminate structure

First, a little theory. The flooring that we used to call laminate is a panel of MDF or chipboard, paper and melamine resins that are pressed under pressure and high temperature.

The finishing coating of the plates - lamination - is made with melamine or acrylic paint. Hence the actual name of the material.


Wear resistance classes

Depending on the purpose of use, needs and financial capabilities of consumers, laminate manufacturers have developed 33 classes of this material. To assign a certain class of coverage passes about 18 tests.

The highest wear resistance class is assigned to materials that can be used to cover the floor in various institutions and establishments with high attendance - it is called commercial.

However, you can buy it for home. Such a laminate will serve you for 30 years, while the declared duration of its service in public places is only 3-5 years.


Laminate also differs in the degree of moisture resistance. For example, Aqua Resist laminate is resistant to moisture, and it can be safely laid even in the bathroom. But it is rather an exception.

As a rule, laminate does not like moisture. Getting it into the slab through the seams can cause the upper layer to swell and damage the material. For the same reason, do not use PVA glue to repair laminate.


What may be needed for proper care of laminate flooring?

Despite the complex structure, the laminate is easy to use and does not require special care. Moreover, it is very sensitive to water, so often it is not recommended to wash this floor. To care for the laminate with their own hands, just a few detergents and tools.

Detergents

What can wash the laminate? Definitely worth refusing abrasive detergents and hard sponges. It is better to use such tools:

Picture Description
Special detergents for the care of laminate

They have a special composition that does not harm the structure of the material and retains its appearance - Loba, Laminatclear and others.


Neutral pH floor cleaning products

Suitable for the maintenance of parquet and laminate. But you need to carefully read the instructions on the label.


Warm water without additives

Copes with light dirt and refreshes the floor.

Grandma's recipe:

1 tablespoon of vinegar per 5 liters of water - suitable for wet cleaning of the laminate. Simply wipe the laminate with this solution to make it shine.

Do not use soap and alkaline solutions for cleaning the floor. They destroy the top layer of coating and always leave stains.

Instruments

To clean the laminate is enough to use such tools:

Picture Description

Soft brush vacuum cleaner

Ideal for dry cleaning. This is especially true of public places where it is necessary to clean dirt and dust every day.


Mop with a soft cloth and spin

Suitable for wet cleaning and removing sticky spots. Wash the laminate properly - along the plates.

Dry microfiber cloth

Indispensable for removing excess moisture at the joints of plates.

Do not use a washing vacuum cleaner: it leaves too much water.

Proper laminate care

After laying the laminate naturally the question arises, how to care for the laminate at home ?. There is nothing easier. Detailed instructions will help you take into account all the nuances.

Rule 1. How to wash laminate?


Laminate Washing Technique:

  1. Prepare detergents and cleaning tools.
  2. If there is minor contamination, vacuum the floor.
  3. Wipe the floor with a damp mop.
  4. Remove the remaining water with a dry cloth.
  5. If necessary, remove stains:
  • apply detergent to the stain;
  • wait a few minutes;
  • remove the stain.

During the wash move from the farthest section under the window or in the corner, gradually moving towards the door. So you do not have to walk on freshly washed floor.

Rule 2. How to remove complex stains from the laminate?

If conventional laminate flooring products do not cope with soiling, use the following tools:

Picture Recommendations
Wine, sweet juice, fat  can be removed with any floor wash agent with a neutral pH.

Markers, nail polish, ink and shoe polish  easily removed with nail polish remover, acetone or solvent.

Wax and chewing gum  after full hardening it is removed with a plastic or wooden scraper.

Blood stains  can be wiped off with a special nylon pad.

Rule 3. How to upgrade laminate?

Even with the most durable flooring there are minor troubles - scuffs, scratches, chips. Therefore, I will add a few words about how to update the laminate at home.

It is easy to remove scratches on a laminate, using a special wax pencil of the necessary color. You can buy it at any hardware store.


  In the photo - the process of selecting a wax pencil of the desired color to eliminate scratches

You do not know how to restore the laminate from scuffs? Use a professional polisher. Its price may seem high to you, but the effect of its use cannot be compared with any other means. The polish not only restores abrasions, but also improves the color of the coating.


If you failed to protect the laminate from moisture and mechanical damage, and some plates have deteriorated - you should not be upset. They can be swapped with whole plates from a less conspicuous place (under the sofa or bed). True, it is better to do this to men with certain knowledge and skills.


And finally, some more tips to help extend the life of the laminate:

  • Shoes with heels.You should not walk on such a floor in heels.
  • Soft lining on the furniture.  Furniture legs, flowerpots with flowers and other heavy objects should be glued with special soft lining to avoid damage to the floor covering.
  • Floor mats. In places of active use - in front of the entrance door, a place for children's games - it is better to lay rugs.
  • Mechanical damage. Do not drop heavy objects on laminate.
  • Spilled liquid. Wipe up spilled liquids on the floor without delay.

Summary

Now you know that laminate flooring is different from other flooring not only by its beauty and high wear resistance. Caring for laminate flooring in the apartment is a simple and enjoyable experience. Do not believe - watch the video in this article and see for yourself: if you follow simple rules, laminate will faithfully serve you for many years.

Waiting for your advice in the comments.