floor care

How to clean Laminate Wood Floors

Items you will need:

  • Broom
  • Vacuum with soft brush attachment
  • Laminate Floor Cleaner (Products sold in store)
  • Micro fibre Mop
  • Bucket of clean hot water

Instructions:

  1. Begin by sweeping the floors to remove any loose dust and debris.
  2. Next, use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum to thoroughly clean the floor, paying close attention to corners where dust and pet hair tend to accumulate.
  3. Follow the instructions on the floor cleaner and apply it to a small section of the floor.
  4. Dampen a microfiber mop, ensuring to wring out any excess water, and gently run it over the area with the floor cleaner, moving with the grain of the wood in smooth, even strokes.
  5. Rinse the mop in clean water and repeat steps 3 and 4 on the next section of the floor.
  6. There’s no need to rinse the floor unless the cleaner’s instructions suggest otherwise.

Laminate Wooden Floor Stain Removal

For Stubborn Stain Cleaning.

While laminate floors are typically resistant to stains, certain persistent stains may necessitate specific treatment methods. Below are some of the commonly encountered troublemakers:

Instructions:

  1. Blood: Apply underfoot stain remover to the stain and wipe with a damp microfiber mop.
  2. Liquor: Dampen a microfiber mop with warm water and detergent, then rub the spot. If unsuccessful, try using a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.
  3. Grease: Place an ice pack (or a package of frozen vegetables) over the grease until it hardens, then gently scrape with a plastic spoon or butter knife. Any remaining residue can be wiped away with underfoot cleaner.
  4. Crayon marks: Rub with a soft microfiber cloth dampened with underfoot stain remover. Alternatively, apply toothpaste and rub with a dry cloth.
  5. Nail polish: Mix a small amount of scouring powder with warm water to create a paste, then apply with a plastic mesh pad. Be cautious not to rub too vigorously to avoid scratching the finish.
  6. Ink: Wet a rag with warm water and detergent, and rub the ink stain. If unsuccessful, try a commercial ink remover.
  7. Heel marks and scuffs: Rub the marks with a pencil eraser.
  8. Chewing gum: Remove excess gum with a plastic knife, then rub residue with a damp microfiber cloth dampened with underfoot cleaner.

Keep Your Laminate Wooden Floors Looking New

Tips to keep your floors scratch-free.

Though laminate floors are low-maintenance and scratch-resistant, they’re not indestructible. Simple precautions can maintain their appearance and prevent scratches.

*These cleaning instructions draw from years of experience. Terrific Floors is not liable for the completeness or accuracy of the instructions, despite regular updates.

Instructions:

  1. Keep a microfiber mop nearby for daily quick sweeps to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, and pet hair.
  2. Avoid using regular floor cleaners, especially pine-scented ones, on laminate floors as they may leave a dull, soapy residue.
  3. Oil soap is not recommended for laminate floors as it can leave streaks.
  4. For spot clean-ups, spray with underfoot cleaner and wipe with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid overusing cleaners containing ammonia, as excess ammonia can strip away the protective sealant.
  5. Promptly wipe up water and other spills to prevent damage and warping.
  6. Laminate floors do not require waxing, as applying floor wax can lead to a dull build-up.
  7. Consider using carpet runners or area rugs, with non-skid pads underneath, especially for high-traffic areas.
  8. Avoid wearing heavy-soled shoes or high heels on wood floors; barefoot is best!
  9. Never drag furniture or other items across hardwood floors; use furniture pads on the bottoms and legs of furniture.
  10. Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to prevent nicks and scratches on the floor.