Home Appliances
Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring type made from high density fibreboard and topped with a decorative image layer that mimics natural flooring finishes like wood or stone. It's a feature of many homes due to its affordability, versatility and easy-maintenance.
Though it may look like wood or stone, laminate requires different care. This guide will walk you through the best way to clean laminate floors, how to prevent damage, and keep your floor looking brand new.
Top tips for cleaning laminate floors
1. Remove the debris/soil/dust first
Firstly, you want to tackle any dirt and debris on the floor. Any hard particles may scratch the surface and ruin the overall finish of your flooring.
For this we suggest you use a vacuum suited for hard floors.
The entire Unlimited range is ideal for vacuuming all flooring types, with the Unlimited 7 and 8 having an Auto Detect function for a seamless transition between surfaces.
For vacuuming and mopping hard floors simultaneously, take a look at the Unlimited 7 Aqua. The clever design incorporates a suction channel at the front of the head to vacuum dirt and debris, before the two spinning pads get to work on mopping your floors without damaging them for a quick but powerful cleaning solution.
2. Don’t let stains sit on the floor
Stains and spills should be given your immediate attention. Most stains, if treated quickly, are easily removed from laminate. However, if left to sit they can become unsightly permanent marks on your flooring.
While our Unlimited 7 Aqua doesn't absorb excessive water from spills, it can be used to clean stains without damaging the laminate thanks to the Power Spinning Pads. If your stains are super stubborn, you can leave the reusable pads on the stain longer to gently soak it before cleaning.
3. Don’t use too much water
It is not advised to use a traditional mop and bucket to clean your laminate flooring.
Liquid causes damage, even if your laminate is water-resistant. Excessive moisture causes the soft inner wood layer to swell as it is absorbed, causing lifting that ruins the finish.
The Unlimited 7 Aqua, a mop and vacuum in one, has been designed with this in mind. The Aqua nozzle allows you to adjust the water level, allowing you to mop your laminate without flooding it.
4. Don’t use abrasive tools/cleaning products
Abrasive cleaning products or tools can scratch and chip the thin image layer of laminate floors. Use softer cloths, sponges or brushes when cleaning your laminate to avoid chipping or scuffing the finish.
The washable and reusable Power Spinning Pads used on the Unlimited 7 Aqua vacuum and mop can help you avoid damaging your floors. You can even add your favourite floor polish to the pads for a deeper clean that protects the laminate finish.
Dealing with challenges on laminate floors
How to remove stains from laminate floors?
Act fast when it comes to stains on laminate floors. The protective coat on the laminate surface allows most stains to be easily wiped away with a damp cloth.
A laminate floor cleaner is great for tackling existing or tougher stains, but keep in mind that the solution should be used sparingly to avoid excessive moisture. The Unlimited 7 Aqua is an ideal tool for eliminating stains on laminate as the Power Spinning Pads apply the force needed to remove stains whilst avoiding flooding or scratching the flooring.
How to remove scratches from laminate floors?
Unlike wooden flooring, laminate cannot be sanded to remove scratches or chips in the surface. Hard particles of debris can cause scratching and chipping, alongside the sliding of hard furniture or the paws of your furry friends.
Touching up stains with marker pens, crayons or repair kits are the best way to cover up unsightly scratches. Vacuuming regularly and adding anti-scratch protectors to the legs of chairs can prevent future scratching and damage to your laminate. Doormats are also a great way to catch the worst of the debris as people enter your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to use to clean laminate floors?
The best tool to use for cleaning laminate floors should be one that doesn't over wet the flooring or cause any abrasive damage to the surface. Tools should be soft and suited for hardwood flooring, like the Unlimited 7 Aqua which vacuums, mops and polishes your laminate without scratching or soaking the floor.
Why are my laminate floors still dirty after mopping?
When floors still look grimy or dirty after mopping, it is usually a result of the products you're using. Oil-based cleaning products can leave streaks or residue on laminate surfaces which cause your floor to look dirty or feel greasy after cleaning.
It's also important that your cleaning tools are clean to avoid adding old dirt to your floors and that you vacuum before mopping. The Unlimited 7 Aqua vacuums and mops at the same time, thoroughly cleaning your floors in one pass. Its reusable pads are easily thrown in the washing machine after use, for a fresh base every time.
How often should I clean my laminate floors?
How often you should clean your laminate depends on the situation of your household. If you have children or pets, daily maintenance is recommended to stay on top of stains, spills and pet hair.
Vacuuming regularly to prevent dirt built-up, avoiding excessive moisture and dealing with stains immediately are the best ways to keep your laminate clean. Laminate flooring is known for its ease of maintenance, so a deep clean every couple of weeks goes a long way.
