Revive Your Laminate Floors

Many of us will remember the days of laminate flooring with brightly colored greens, oranges, reds, and patterns on top of patterns. Fast forward to the present day, laminated flooring has undergone a remarkable transformation. Manufacturers have not only refined the production process but also elevated the visual and tactile appeal of laminated flooring. While you can still choose a psychedelic pattern, today's laminated flooring offers a wide array of textures, patterns, and finishes that closely resemble natural materials such as hardwood, stone, and even tile. This advancement is attributed to improvements in printing technology, allowing for more realistic and intricate designs. 

Understanding Laminate Flooring  

There are only four layers to laminate flooring: the top melamine layer, a decorative print layer, a thick core layer, and a stabilizing back layer.  

As we mentioned earlier the top melamine layer is there to protect the lower layers from dirt, grime, water, and other corrosive substances.  

The second layer is purely for aesthetics and is completely up to you. There are thousands of designs and patterns to choose from and even different finishes depending on the manufacturer.   

Check out RC Willey’s laminate styles and finishes. 

Underneath the print layer is the core. A laminate core is usually either made from high-density fiberboard or medium-density fiberboard — more commonly referred to as HDF or MDF.  

HDF is stronger and more durable due to its higher density and smaller wood fibers making it a perfect solution for high-traffic areas.  Additionally, it is more resistant to moisture and swelling.  

However, MDF can easily be cut and shaped. Making it a good solution for detailed areas. MDF is also going to be less expensive upfront. 

The final backing layer is there to stabilize and prevent moisture from creeping in from underneath. Pretty straightforward.  

Laminate Flooring Maintenance and Upkeep 

Laminate flooring is extremely easy to maintain, that’s one of the reasons why it’s so popular. Just remember that laminate is scratch-resistant and not scratchproof. Puppy paws, stilettos, and dragging your furniture across the floor will result in your floor looking less than desirable.  

However, life happens and scratches will occur. The best way to clean laminate floors is with a gentle approach. Elbow grease not necessary! 

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide 

Dry Cleaning 

• Use the vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. 
• Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate. 

Damp Mopping 

• Mix a small amount of gentle laminate cleaner with warm water in a spray bottle. 
• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and a smidge of dish soap 
• Lightly mist the cleaning solution on a microfiber mop, ensuring it is damp and not soaking wet. Swiffer Sweeper Floor Mop and Swiffer WetJets are also great tools to use! 
• Thoroughly mop the laminate floor, working in small sections to avoid excessive moisture. 
• Focus on high-traffic areas and spots with visible grime. 

Touch Up Scratches 

• Minor scratches can be touched up with marker pens. Just be sure to match the color and tone. 
• Deeper scratches can be filled in with wax filler sticks or burn-in sticks. 
• Keep extra planks on hand. If a scratch or dent can’t be masked, inserting a whole new plank might be the best course of action.  

Stain Removal 

• For tougher stains, apply a small amount of the laminate cleaner directly onto the stain. 
• If you don’t have laminate cleaner, acetone or rubbing alcohol will work too! 
• Gently scrub with a soft cloth or microfiber pad. 
• Rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue and pat it dry. 

Drying 

• After damp mopping, allow the floor to air dry or use a dry, clean microfiber mop to speed up the drying process. 

 Avoid Damaging Your Laminate Floors 

Abrasive cleaners and tools (steel wool, hard bristle brushes) will only scratch and scuff the surface.  Never let water pool on your floor, laminate floors swell and warp with excessive moisture. Laminate floors are extremely sensitive to heat and moisture. Moisture from a steam cleaner can seep into the cracks and warp the layers of your floor. So, we suggest avoiding this method.  

Polishing for Extra Shine 

Laminate floors are already pretty shiny thanks to the melamine top layer, but over time they will lose their luster. With proper daily maintenance, polishing laminate floors is not something you will have to do very often. In fact, polishing your laminate floor too often will result in a sticky buildup.  

Applying Polish to your Laminated Floors 

• Apply a small amount of polish onto a clean, dry microfiber mop. 
• Spread the polish evenly over the laminate floor, working in manageable sections. 
• Allow the polish to dry (follow product instructions). 
• Buff the floor with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to achieve a brilliant shine. 

Maintenance Tips for Prolonged Shine 

• Regularly sweep with a dry mop or vacuum to prevent dirt and debris buildup. 
• Place doormats at entrances to minimize the amount of dirt tracked onto the floor. 
• Use furniture pads to prevent scratching when moving furniture. 
• Clean up spills promptly to avoid stains and water damage. 

Laminate flooring is a good option for homeowners due to its affordability, aesthetic versatility, and ease of maintenance. If you're looking for a flooring option that can stand the test of time, laminated flooring is a smart choice. It's designed to be really tough, so it can handle all kinds of activities and still look good. Even if you accidentally drop things or make a mess, it won't easily get scratched or stained. The best part is that you won't have to spend a lot of time cleaning it. Just a quick sweep and occasional mopping is enough to keep it looking nice. So, if you want a floor that can handle your busy life, stay looking great, and not be a hassle to take care of, laminated flooring is a great option.