How to clean and maintain Laminate flooring

How to clean and maintain Laminate floors

Homeowners often choose Laminate floors for their durability and low maintenance. At Tarkett, our Laminate offers hassle-free maintenance. Its hard sealed surface with a stain-resistant overlay makes our Laminate floorings very easy to clean : a vacuum and a damp mop with a mild detergent are all they need. The top layer protects the surface against scratching anf fading, making Laminate the perfect choice for busy spaces.

A word about hygiene

The dirt-repellent melamine surface is an excellent barrier against the growth or spread of germs, contributing to a healthier home environment in every living space. With many of us spending more time at home recently and with the sanitary crisis, household hygiene has taken on a new importance with the spread of COVID-19. High-touch surfaces are the main pathways for transmitting infection, so it’s reassuring to know that floor coverings count as low-touch surfaces. That means they’re extremely unlikely to spread infection if properly cleaned and cared for, as outlined below in our cleaning and maintenance advice for Laminate flooring. With no need for chemical agents beyond the mild detergents we recommend, the process is simple and gentle on your floors.

What’s more, the long and/or wide planks in our Laminate collections leave little space for dirt and germs to build up as there are less joints. The tight locking system prevents better dust and dirt from collecting between the boards and getting stuck on the surface.

Helping keep you safe at home is part of Tarkett Human-Conscious Design^®, our commitment to stand with present and future generations by creating flooring that’s not only stylish, durable and great value but also good for people and the planet.

How to clean Laminate flooring

The hard sealed surface with a stain-resistant overlay makes our Laminate flooring is very easy to clean : a vacuum and a damp mop with mild detergent are all they need.

The dirt-repellent melamine resin surface of our Laminate floorings make them an excellent barrier against the growth or spread of germs, contributing to a healthier home environnement. Laminate’s cleanability makes it a more hygienic floor covering.

Following our tips regularly will help keep your flooring as good as the day you laid it.

Tips for cleaning stains on your laminate flooring

When applied regularly, these tips will help keep your floor looking as good as the day you laid it:
• Daily: wipe or vacuum.
• Once a week or more: wipe the floor with a damp mop or a cloth moistened with warm water and a neutral detergent.
• Whenever necessary: remove dust with a broom or vacuum cleaner to avoid dust and dirt build-up.
• It is advisable not to let the water station on the floor for a long time.
• Mop up spills as they occur. Liquids left to stand on Laminate floors can cause stains and more severe damage.
• Remove stains by rubbing them with a dry cloth moistened with a gentle cleaning agent. Never spray a cleaning product directly onto the floor.
• Remove rubber, plastic and heel marks by rubbing with a dry cloth and acetone.
• Remove shoe polish, paint and ink with a cloth soaked in acetone, paint thinner or vinegar essence.
• Remove candle wax and chewing-gum, once hardened, with a blunt plastic scraper.

How to maintain Laminate flooring

Even though Laminate flooring is low maintenance, there are a few basic steps that you can follow to keep them looking better for longer.
• Clean Laminate floors regularly to avoid a build-up of dirt and dust. You can wipe, vacuum or sweep your Laminate floor with a soft broom. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with warm water and a mild detergent.
• Use doormats at the entrances to prevent dirt and other debris being tracked through your home.
• Place floor protectors, such as pads and soft castors, under table legs and chairs to prevent scratches and dents.
• Protect the floor’s top layer by avoiding the use of harsh scouring devices or cleaning product – both of which can prematurely wear down the top layer.
• Clean up spills immediately to avoid standing puddles of liquid. If water, or other liquids, penetrates the surface of your Laminate floors, it will cause the boards to swell and the top layer to peel and bubble.
• Don’t drag or slide furniture across your laminate flooring to avoid damage.

How to repair Laminate flooring

If your Laminate floors get damaged, either from scratches, minor chips or more severe water damage, you can generally repair them yourself using the right tools and techniques. For more severe damage, such as water damage, remove the damaged boards, by either cutting them out or removing the surrounding boards, and lay new ones.

How do you make laminate floors shine?

Regular cleaning and proper maintenance ensure that your Laminate floors remain clean and shiny. However, if you let dirt and residue to build up, or you use the wrong cleaning products, your Laminate floors can start to look dull. If this happens,, give your Laminate floors a deep clean using warm water and a mild cleaner. Avoid using abrasive scouring devices and harsh soap-based cleaning products, as these will both damage the top layer of the Laminate and cause it to lose its shine. Instead, look for products that are specifically meant for Laminate floors.

Can you polish laminate floors?

Unlike wooden floors, you can’t sand back and wax or polish Laminate floors. If your Laminate floors start to look dull, it's likely due to a build-up of dust and dirt. A good, deep cleaning using water and a mild cleaner should be all that's needed to restore your floor's shine.