Can laminate flooring be washed with a damp cloth? Sparkling laminate - take care of it right! Video - How to clean laminate flooring

Laminate, like any other floor covering, requires careful and careful maintenance. Recently, my husband and I put a new laminate in two rooms, and I needed to understand: how and with what to wash it, how often, what he is “afraid of” and so on. Of course, we studied the information about the laminate before purchasing and installing it. But that was information about the properties and quality of the laminate, and now I had to figure out how to properly care for it.

Washing rules

Laminate flooring is much easier to maintain than real wood flooring, as it is only partly made from wood. But this does not mean that it cannot be damaged, scratched or that it is less dirty. Lack of proper care in the near future will lead to the fact that the surface of the floor will fade and be covered with scratches, stains and other traces of improper cleaning. Therefore, it is necessary to wash the laminate correctly, timely and carefully. .

For wet cleaning you will need:

1. Broom with soft pile.
2. Vacuum cleaner with brush head.
3. Mop with fabric (soft) nozzle.
4. Bucket with warm water.
5. Special cleaner for laminate flooring.

Attention! Never use an abrasive sponge!

Immediately before washing, the floor must be thoroughly swept or vacuumed. Always use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to prevent scratches. Especially carefully walk around the corners of the rooms, where most of the dust usually collects.

Advice! Any new laminate cleaner should be tested on a small area of ​​the floor first. Preferably somewhere in a corner or behind a closet. If the coating is clean and undamaged, feel free to use it to clean the rest of the floor.

The principle of washing a laminate floor is quite simple: dilute a special cleaning agent in water, moisten a mop in it, wring it out well and wipe the floor. Etc. I advise you to rinse the sponge in a washing solution more often and change the water as often as possible. So you will avoid the appearance of streaks after washing. Some manufacturers of detergents recommend that after washing the floor, wipe it with a mop dipped in clean water, without a product. Therefore, carefully study the instructions for the selected tool.

Laminate flooring can also be washed with a steam cleaner. But! And it's important : fold the floor nozzle cloth in half and do not use continuous steam (change to intermittent)!

Detergents

Every supermarket sells detergents and cleaners for any type of flooring. Such funds are of two types: universal and special. Universal ones are good because you can wash laminate, tile, and linoleum with one product. Special tools (and this is clear from the name) are produced for a specific coating. If your financial resources allow, then it is better to purchase detergents for each specific coating available in your home if not, universal means will come to your aid.

Universal means

• . Good antibacterial agent. Perfect for any kind of coverage. It does not form a lot of foam, therefore it is well washed off and successfully copes with any kind of pollution. Has a pleasant aroma. Important! It contains no chlorine.

• . My favorite all-rounder. It washes well, cleans floor coverings (and not only) even from greasy stains. Economical, lathers well. And it also has one indisputable advantage: it does not require rinsing! I often use this tool and am very pleased with the result.

• . A budget option for cleaning, but it must be admitted that its quality is much higher than the price. Quite successfully copes with almost any dirt on the surface, has a pleasant smell. The only drawback for me personally: after it, my hands are terribly itchy. This is the reason why I don't use it.

• Help . In principle, a normal cleaning agent, washes well and does not leave marks. But it foams too much and is extremely inconveniently packaged.

• . Universal alkaline floor cleaner. Absolutely safe, although I would not risk using it at home. This product is well suited for cleaning floors in a store, office, school and other areas where there are a lot of people. It can also be used to clean metal, plastic and rubber surfaces.

• . An excellent universal remedy of domestic production. It is rightfully in demand among hostesses. Suitable for cleaning any floor, as well as for washing tile walls. Perfectly cleans any surface from any kind of pollution. The only drawback is that it must be washed off with water.

• . This detergent is made in Germany, and you can not say anything more. Any product made in Germany does not raise doubts about its high quality and this is a fact. Detergents are no exception. This product is of very high quality! It cleans even a heavily soiled surface, regardless of when and from what this pollution appeared. It contains no harmful components. After washing the floors with Karcher, a fresh fragrance remains. But that's not all, even dishes can be washed with this product, it is so safe. Produced in large capacity from 10 liters. Most often it is used in enterprises, shops and offices.

• . It is also an all purpose cleaner. It contains natural ingredients, so it is safe not only for hands, but also for various floor coverings. But, the quality of washing leaves much to be desired. My opinion: waste of money. If it is not possible to buy a good detergent, then it is better to make it yourself than to spend money on a low-quality product.

Special funds

• It's a great cleaner for laminate flooring. It has water-repellent properties. It is good to wash the floor after repair.

• This is a premium cleaner. But the price matches the quality. Perfectly copes with any pollution, does not leave streaks, is economical, has a pleasant unobtrusive aroma.

• - a good tool, a confident middle peasant both in price and quality. It is unlikely that it will wash off old dirt, but it will definitely polish the surface and give it a beautiful gloss. It can be used for light daily cleaning. The secret of this tool is in linseed oil, which is part of it.

Advice! When choosing a detergent for laminate care, be sure to consult with a specialist. Be aware that some products can cause serious damage to your laminate flooring.

Household detergents

Detergents from the store are, of course, good, but: expensive, not always of high quality and safe. Therefore, it is better to wash the floor with the help of self-prepared products.

• Option 1 . Alcohol or acetone . If you need to get rid of heavily soiled stains, immediately before washing the floors, apply a few drops of alcohol or acetone to a cotton swab and wipe the dirty areas of the floor. You can even use acetone based nail polish remover.

Advice! Do not overuse sprays containing ammonia to remove stains. Since such products very often erase the protective coating along with the stain.

• Option 2 . Laundry soap . The best means for removing various contaminants is laundry soap (marked with GOST 30266-95). A small amount of soap should be grated and added to a bucket of warm water, stir thoroughly so that no pieces remain. Then wash the floor first with soap, then wipe with a damp cloth and finally dry. In addition to the fact that soap washes dirt well, it also disinfects the surface.
• Option 3 . table vinegar. Dilute four tablespoons of 9% vinegar in two glasses of warm water, pour the resulting solution into a bucket of water and wash the floor. With the same solution, you can wipe the furniture from dust and dirt.

When cleaning a laminate floor, it is important to follow some simple rules:

• Laminate does not tolerate aggressive powders.
• It is strictly forbidden to rub it with a brush.
• After washing - be sure to wipe the laminate dry.
• Sweep the floor daily.
• Wet cleaning - 2-3 times a week.

In recent years, laminate is perhaps the most popular flooring finish. But it requires special care, as it is different from all others. And before you wash the laminate, you should find out its features and rules of care.

Caring for laminate flooring

In order to understand how to properly care for a laminate, you need to know how and what it is made of. A film with a pattern is glued onto the base, which resembles a very dense and hard cardboard. A protective laminating film made of a transparent polymer is glued on top of it. That is why this type of coating is called a laminate - because of the film lamination.

The laminate pattern is protected by a polymer film a fraction of a millimeter thick

There can be one or two layers of film on the laminate. The durability of the pattern and its resistance to abrasion depend on the strength and thickness of the film. And if the film has already been rubbed, then the pattern is also erased. It is impossible to restore the coating over a large area, and small damage is. But this requires special tools. If the surface is rubbed, you can only replace the damaged fragment with a new one. To do this, you often have to iterate over the entire coverage. Fortunately, it usually resolves without any problems.

So, in a laminate, a polymer film is responsible for strength and durability. As you understand, the material is chosen durable. And it is precisely by the strength of the protective coating that it is divided into classes. The thinnest layer is for household, the thickest and most resistant to abrasion is for office. But within each group there are abrasion classes, which are indicated by numbers. The higher the number, the more durable the protective coating. But keep in mind that the price of resistant ones is higher.

How and with what to wash the laminate so that it is shiny and not dull

No matter how durable the laminating coating is, if certain rules are not followed, scratches appear sooner or later. So. To ensure that the laminate does not lose its luster, care should be taken to ensure that there are as few scratches as possible and that they appear as late as possible. What causes scratches on laminate flooring? When there is sand on it, which scratches the protective coating. To avoid this, at the entrance to the house, apartment, put anti-splash mats. Mats or rugs woven from jute fiber work great. The sand in them wakes up and lies under the rug.

Second moment. It is necessary to wash the laminate after all the debris has been collected with a vacuum cleaner. Preferably with a vacuum cleaner, not a broom. A broom in combination with sand actively scratches the surface. So at least inexpensive, but the vacuum cleaner should be.

How to wash the laminate: the choice of fixtures

The most common option is a mop with a telescopic handle and a microfiber cloth. This material absorbs water well, picks up small debris, dust. When using microfiber, you can wring it out well and wipe the floor almost dry. Or you can have two rags, and wipe dry after washing.

Laminate is easier to care for with a modern mop

The rag with which the laminate is washed should be washed after each cleaning with a detergent (possible for dishes) and dried. And about once a month you can wash it in the washing machine. In this case, you do not need to change them often. A good one costs a lot, so it’s better to keep it in good condition, and it can serve for several years.

What to add to water so that there are no streaks

In order to ensure that the appearance of the coating is preserved, the laminate can be wiped with a damp cloth. Frankly wet, with which water drips, it’s better not to. It is based on pressed cellulose, and if it gets wet, it does not retain its shape after drying. In order to worry less about getting wet, the laminate can be treated with special silicone. The tool is not cheap, but allows you to keep the attractiveness of the coating longer. Silicone is distributed in the thinnest layer and protects not only the joints, but also the film.

And so that after washing the floor there are no traces or stains, you can add a little detergent for washing the laminate floor to the water. Like Mister Proper, Mister Muscle and the like. But you can also find less advertised brands that perform their functions just as well, but are cheaper. In addition, you can use improvised means. Here is what is added to the water for washing the laminate without streaks:

Remove dust and give the laminate shine, you can use simple and inexpensive auxiliaries

• Add a little fabric softener to the water. This is how easy it is to make the laminate shiny and remove all the dust. The fabric softener contains some kind of additive that prevents the buildup of static. And this means that the dust does not "stick" to the laminate, but remains on the rag when you rinse it.
• Add a little detergent, then wipe dry with a clean cloth.
• Add a pinch of salt to the water.
• A little bit of vinegar. About half a cup per bucket of water.
• You can use salt and vinegar.

If you need to give shine to a dull laminate, then add a little vegetable oil to the water. A little is a couple of tablespoons per bucket of water. Don't worry, the floor won't be greasy or slippery. But it will shine more and there will be no divorce. The same technique with oil helps to remove traces of construction dust. In general, try.

In order not to have to restore the laminate, it is better to periodically rub it with a special agent with silicone

There is another focus. Wash the laminate without streaks with hot water. Not boiling water, but so that the hand endures, but it is hot. Add the product you like and wash with a well-wrung warm cloth. Hot water evaporates very quickly, so there are no streaks left.

For the manufacture of laminate, MDF boards are used. From above they are covered with decorative paper imitating the texture of any wood, and sometimes marble. To protect the paper from damage, melamine or acrylic resin is applied to it. Such a coating requires special care. If you want the laminate to last for a long time, you must strictly follow the requirements for caring for it.

How to prevent problems

If a new laminated coating has appeared in the apartment, then sooner or later the question will arise how to wash the laminate. But before you break down the basic cleaning rules, check out these five tips for proper floor care.

1. Damage protection. Furniture can leave scratches on the surface. They will accumulate dirt and water. It is almost impossible to save such surfaces. To prevent damage to the laminate, cleaning companies recommend using felt. Attach small felt stickers to furniture legs, and completely avoid walking on laminate flooring in stilettos.
2. Rescue mats. It is unlikely that you will like the prospect of putting on shoes on the landing. Therefore, try to protect those areas of the laminate that are subject to active use with rugs. Be sure to lay a path in the hallway near the door and in the mirror area. Remember to cover the floor near the sofa or bed. Arrange an appropriate play area in the nursery. This will greatly facilitate the care of the laminate at home, will prevent the destruction of the coating.
3. Sand removal. Sand is very dangerous for laminate. It serves as an abrasive component that can erase the coating. Therefore, if you notice sand on the floor, do not be lazy and immediately remove it before it begins its “destructive” work.
4. Fluid removal. Liquid is no less dangerous for the laminate. Water is able to flow into the seams, as a result, the coating swells and rises. It is impossible to save such a laminate. If liquid is spilled on the floor, immediately blot the puddle with a soft cloth or sponge.
5. Special fixtures. From the very first day, start caring for the laminate in the apartment with the help of special tools, and only with approved detergents. Be sure to purchase them in advance. It is important to have a special paste on hand that allows you to quickly repair the surface on which a scratch has accidentally appeared.

How and how to wash laminate

Laminate flooring needs regular and thorough cleaning. However, not every tool can be used for this task. Incorrectly selected detergents can leave streaks and dark spots on the coating. A hard brush will just scratch it.

Required inventory

To care for a laminated coating, you must purchase the appropriate equipment that will provide decent and gentle care. For such purposes, it is recommended to stock up:

• brush with soft bristles;
• mop;
• vacuum cleaner with special nozzles.

When choosing a mop for laminate, consider the characteristics outlined in the table.

Table - Types of mops and their features

Type of mop	Characteristic
Household or butterfly mop	- Possesses the telescopic handle and a mobile platform; - allows you to adjust the height of the handle; - facilitates washing in hard-to-reach areas; - has the ability to change nozzles
Universal	- Differs in existence of two surfaces; - allows you to collect dust, debris; - provides cleansing from adhering contaminants; - can be used for any coatings
professional	- Possesses the adjustable telescopic handle; - has a movable platform; - has greater maneuverability than a butterfly mop; - allows you to wash large areas and hard-to-reach places
Steam Mop	- Allows you to quickly and efficiently wash the surface; - carries out disinfection of a covering; - applies only to glue-based laminates

1. Mop . An all-purpose mop is quite suitable for washing laminate flooring. But at the same time, be sure to provide for the presence of several nozzles that allow you to carry out both wet and dry cleaning.
2. Steam cleaner. Despite the ease and ease of use, it is undesirable for the care of the laminated coating. Exposure to steam may cause the surface to swell.
3. Washing vacuum cleaner . It is possible to clean the laminate with a washing vacuum cleaner only if all the joints are carefully glued, and the laminate itself is classified as waterproof. At the same time, it is recommended to choose a vacuum cleaner model that sprays water over a short distance and has a significant retraction force.

Detergents

When carrying out high-quality cleaning, only a mop or a vacuum cleaner is not enough. Detergents are required to remove heavy dirt or stains. Before picking up "heavy artillery", it is important to remember that some of the drugs are strictly prohibited for coverage. When choosing a detergent for laminate, consider the recommendations from the table.

Table - Permitted and strictly prohibited products for washing laminate

If you want to not only wash the laminate, but also rub it to make it shine, then use ready-made chemicals. But do not forget that they must be designed to care for laminated surfaces. With such a task, as the reviews show, three means will help to cope.

1. Emsal Laminate. Liquid soap. Provides laminate gloss, protects the coating from dust and moisture.
2. Mellerud Bio. Helps to remove dirt and dust. Copes with greasy stains and eliminates shoe marks with little effort.
3. "Mister proper" . Removes streaks and dirt from laminate flooring. Leaves a pleasant and persistent fragrance.

Do not rush to rub the entire floor with the selected product. Be sure to test the drug on a small, inconspicuous area. And only after making sure that it does not threaten your laminate, feel free to proceed with a complete cleaning.

Decontamination Technology

Laminate, given all the recommendations described above, looks like a rather capricious coating that requires daily cleaning. But life is not so scary. Dry cleaning is recommended as it gets dirty - once every two to three days. But at the same time, dirt and sand in the hallway must be removed regularly. And washing the laminate with a damp cloth should not be too often, you can limit yourself to one or two times a week.

Dry cleaning…

Peculiarities . The essential difference between dry cleaning is the complete rejection of water and detergents. The main purpose of this procedure is to eliminate dust, sand, dirt, animal hair and other small litter.

The course of the procedure

1. Arm yourself with a broom, broom or special brush, but do not forget that the pile in contact with the surface should be as soft as possible.
2. Gently sweep the rubbish to one side.
3. Move along the boards to sweep out the dust and dirt stuck in the grooves as much as possible.

It is very convenient to work with a vacuum cleaner. But for cleaning the laminate, use only soft nozzles that will not leave scratches on the coating.

…and wet

Peculiarities . Wet cleaning is carried out as the premises become dirty. So, the hallway will have to be cleaned two to three times a week. In the nursery or living room, you can limit yourself to one or two procedures. This method does not require the use of detergents, it is more suitable for light coatings. To properly wash white laminate, use the following algorithm.

The course of the procedure

1. Initially, start by sweeping the floor to completely eliminate all debris.
2. Type hot (approximately 30-35 ºС) water into the bucket.
3. Arm yourself with a special mop.
4. If you use ordinary equipment, then do not forget that only a soft cloth will allow you to wash the laminate without damaging it.
5. Wet the nozzle or cloth in the bucket.
6. Wring it out carefully so that moisture does not provoke deformation of the coating.
7. With a damp cloth, wipe the entire floor, starting from the farthest corner, gradually moving towards the exit from the room.
8. Assess the condition of the surface. If the floor is slightly damp, then leave it to dry on its own.
9. If there are puddles, arm yourself with a dry microfiber cloth, wipe the surface dry.

Washing laminate without adding chemicals allows you to environmentally eliminate a wide variety of contaminants. This method is recommended if the family has allergies. Thanks to warm water, there will be no streaks on the coating.

Shine

Peculiarities . If you want to remove hardened dirt and give shine to the laminate flooring, you can resort to the help of vinegar at home. But never use the product in its pure form. Otherwise, the vinegar will ruin your coating.

The course of the procedure

1. Pour 60 ml of table vinegar into 1 liter of clean water.
2. Add three tablespoons of dish detergent to the solution to enhance the cleaning effect.
3. Pour the resulting solution into a spray bottle, thoroughly foam the mixture.
4. Spray the vinegar solution on a small area, approximately 30 cm³.
5. Immediately start washing the wet laminate so that the product does not have time to begin its destructive effect.
6. Next, be sure to wash the surface with warm water, not forgetting to wring out the rag thoroughly.
7. Finish the procedure by wiping the surface with a dry microfiber cloth.

To wash a dark laminate without streaks, it is recommended to resort to special detergents. And if there are no such people on the farm, the vinegar procedure will solve the problem.

Using improvised means

Peculiarities . If you need to wash the laminate after repair, remove dirt, snow residue, salt, then resort to mild detergents. Soapy liquid will eliminate strong pollution, in the fight against which all the methods described earlier have failed. For washing, you will need household products such as baby shampoo or dish soap.

The course of the procedure

1. Fill a bucket with hot water, about 4 liters.
2. Pour two tablespoons of detergent into the liquid.
3. Lather the solution with your hand.
4. Wet the nozzle in soapy water, wring out the cloth thoroughly.
5. Wipe the surface.
6. To completely eliminate white deposits, rinse the floor with clean water, wipe dry with a napkin.

Is it possible to use whiteness or bleach if there is a need to disinfect the floor? These products are not recommended for wiping laminate flooring. They can destroy the acrylic coating.

Stain removal

Some stains are very difficult to clean. But even the most difficult to remove pollution can be overcome both with the help of folk remedies and special chemicals. Since the latter are not cheap and are often not available at the right time, pay attention to the home cleaning methods presented in the table.

Table - Methods for eliminating heavy pollution

Type of pollution	How to clean laminate
Tea stains, watercolors	- Baby shampoo; - detergent for dishes; - baby liquid soap
Wine, cognac stains	- Ethanol; - shampoo for children
Traces of felt-tip pens, pencils, lipstick	- Triple cologne; - methyl alcohol
Gum	- Acetone (after freezing with ice); - nail polish remover
Grease spots	- Windshield wiper; - acetone
Ink	- Washing powder; - means for removing ink
Footprints	- Regular eraser; - warm water
Blood	- Windshield wiper; - hydrogen peroxide
Shoe polish	- Acetone; - nail polish remover.

How else can you wash the laminate so that there are no streaks? For light surfaces, use soda by adding a tablespoon to a liter of water. And if you want to eliminate stains, make a dark laminate shine, use citric acid.

Reviews: “Be sure to generalize once a month”

I either just wash the laminate with water, or add baby shampoo. And recently I bought washing probiotics, a universal stain remover, and there it is. Washed well, however, as well as shampoo. I won’t say about the duration of the effect, but it’s easier to wash with shampoo, that’s for sure. Yes, and the child's evaporation is not as harmful as from special chemistry.

Guest (46.180.*.*), http://www.kemdetki.ru/forum/thread/31975/

From experience I can say the following, for a long time we struggled with stains on the laminate on one of the objects, tried many different media and sprayed and wetted. We came to the conclusion that it is best to rub the laminate with a dry microfiber pad and no, I repeat, no water and chemistry !!! BUT!!! You still need to generalize it once a month with chemistry with a polishing effect.

Andrey, http://www.cleannow.ru/forums/teme17269-4.htm

The question of how and with what to wash the laminate so that there are no stains is on the agenda of many housewives. The wide distribution of such flooring is due to its low price and attractive appearance. But care is required for it to look perfect and shine.

Features of the laminated coating

Laminate is a multi-layer building material that requires special care. The reason lies in its composition:

• the first lower layer is stabilizing, sometimes provided with noise insulation;
• the second is a carrier layer with a lock, made of wood;
• the third - a layer of colored paper, determines the appearance and design of the cover;
• the fourth is protective varnishing.

According to the composition of the laminate, it is clear that it will not work to wash it like a tile or parquet. If the manufacturer has stinted on the quality of the inner layers, then it will not be possible to see this with the naked eye. And to experiment, and fill it with water every day, you hardly want to.

Important!

The weak point is the joints of the laminate planks along the length or end. It is in the area of ​​​​the castle that the flooring is most deformed when moisture enters.

Laminate Floor Cleaning Instructions

Learn the instructions on how to wash the laminate without streaks at home, following all the steps. It is noteworthy that cleaning in an apartment where there is a laminate with a chamfer is somewhat more difficult. In recesses imitating the surface of a tree, more litter accumulates than on a smooth surface.

Precleaning

Before washing laminate flooring, pick up all visible debris such as street dirt, sand, toys, plastic fragments, scratches or splinters.

Carefully remove contaminants such as adherent earth, plasticine, paraffin with a plastic spatula, wooden spatula or the corner of a scoop. Get rid of greasy stains after plasticine and paraffin, wipe the areas with medical alcohol.

Sweep away debris with a soft-bristled broom so as not to ruin the top layer of the laminate. Check the absence of large specks in the corners of the baseboards, under the batteries.

Basic rules for washing laminate flooring

1. Clean laminate stains quickly, with the least amount of water. The faster the moisture evaporates, and the less it gets into the joints, the greater the likelihood of the safety of each lamella.
2. Use specialized mops with a spin mode, with a microfiber cloth. Do not use old towels, T-shirts or other rags. The result of washing with such things will disappoint with an abundance of stripes and stains.
3. During wet cleaning, provide air access: open a balcony, window or door. Make sure the water evaporates as quickly as possible.
4. Start cleaning the floor from the far wall to the exit so as not to step on wet areas. Move in a zigzag pattern.
5. After wet cleaning, wipe the laminate from white plaque with a dry microfiber cloth. This will achieve a polished surface, plus remove the remaining water before it penetrates into the structure of the lamellae.

What can not be washed laminate

Laminate is a rather whimsical material, so there is a whole list of products that are prohibited for washing the floor with such a coating. Can not use:

• powders with abrasive cleaning elements;
• iron scrapers or brushes with stiff bristles;
• alkalis, acids, bleaches;
• polishes designed to care for furniture or leather.

"Home" equipment for washing laminate

For effective cleaning in the house where the laminate is laid, purchase the necessary equipment.

For daily cosmetic cleaning:

• vacuum cleaner with a soft brush or washing;
• mop-broom with a long flexible pile;
• set of napkins made of nylon, microfiber, flannel.

For general cleaning:

• a mop with a removable rag made of fleecy soft fabric;
• mop with a microfiber cloth.

On a note!

You can use the same mop, but use different rags for each cleaning step.

In some homes, washing the floor is necessary every day, in others, this procedure is carried out less often. It depends on the number of family members and their age. But the laminate does not "tolerate" daily water procedures, try to minimize such contact.

Stain removers

The laminating layer prevents the penetration of dirt deep into the structure of the planks. Most often, wet and then dry cleaning is sufficient. In difficult cases will help:

• specialized stain removers for laminate;
• Thick floor cleaning gels with a non-aggressive pH level.

Detergents

1. Mister Muscle and Mister Cleaner are made as universal floor care products. They have a neutral pH, good cleaning properties and rave reviews.
2. Emsal Laminate washes dirt, dust, provides gentle cleaning, does not damage the floor covering. An economical remedy, one bottle is enough for 3-4 months of regular use.
3. Pronto - in addition to being a good washer, polishes well, saves time on caring for the laminate. The floor is shiny and glossy.
4. Mr. Propper is specialized in laminate, in addition to washing and refreshing, as the advertisement promises. But the price is higher.
5. Laminol - softens hard tap water, adds shine to the laminate, but requires rinsing, which is doubtful. If you use unsoftened, unfiltered water when washing again, the stains will appear again.
6. Mallured Bio is a specialized tool suitable for post-repair cleaning. Forms a thin film on the surface, which "glues" the loosened laminated layer. It is advisable to purchase when there are scratches and minor deformations.

Universal way of washing without chemicals

In a situation where the use of specialized chemicals is contraindicated, there is a proven recipe with vinegar.

Add a glass of table vinegar 3-9% to a ten-liter basin of hot water. When using vinegar essence, reduce its volume by ten times. Wash the laminate from dirt and dust with the prepared solution. After wet cleaning, wipe the floor with a dry microfiber cloth to further dry the seams. The surface will become shiny and smooth.

The most unpleasant drawback of this "universal" remedy is a pungent smell, but it is absolutely harmless. You can reduce its caustic effect in the following way:

• open a balcony or windows;
• put on a medical mask or cotton-gauze bandage.

On a note!

The smell of vinegar disappears the faster the hotter the water was. When moisture evaporates from the floor surface, acetic fumes also evaporate.

Mop and cloth for laminate floors

When washing the floor, it is much more convenient to use a mop than to do it by hand. Moreover, this rule is more relevant for large open areas in the house, when there is little furniture.

1. Get a mop that is easy to adjust in height, then you can involve all family members in home cleaning, regardless of age and height.
2. Choose a mop with a movable bottom part, a spin mode and several removable rag covers. The spin mode will help in removing excess liquid with one touch, which even a child can handle. Removable covers are convenient for wet, then dry cleaning and polishing the laminate. One rule: all removable rags should be soft, without rough elements that can damage the flooring.

Washing vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner

The use of a washing vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner simplifies the cleaning process, but is allowed under a number of conditions:

1. Laminate panel locks must be pretreated with wax or acrylic sealant and glued.
2. It is reliably known that when installing the floor, a material of at least class 33, which has high strength, was used.
3. The floor is not deformed and has no cracks.

When buying household appliances equipped with such functions, ask if it is possible to use it for cleaning laminate flooring or if it is better to look at another unit.

Can you clean laminate flooring with bleach?

Washing laminated planks with whiteness or bleach is strictly prohibited. Chlorine corrodes the outer protective layer of the plates, they lose their color. Sometimes the shape is deformed, and the floor covering needs to be completely replaced.

If chlorine accidentally gets on the floor, you should immediately remove it with a dry cloth, rinse the place with warm water, check whether the color of the coating has changed. In case of lightening of the damaged area, it must be carefully replaced with new panels. Therefore, when buying a laminate, take care in advance that after the repair a sufficient number of new “boards” remain to replace the damaged ones.

How to clean laminate after repair

The floor was new, and suddenly it was necessary to replace the window or re-paste the wallpaper. Subsequent cosmetic repairs, other similar situations are inevitable, so make a note of how to wash the laminate from building dust or stubborn stains.

Cleaning from mounting foam or resin

Getting mounting foam or resin on the laminate is highly undesirable, but if this happens, act quickly. At the nearest pharmacy, buy Dimexide liquid. In its absence, acetone or nail polish remover based on it is suitable. Removing pollution:

1. On a cotton pad, apply any of the found liquids.
2. We place it on the contaminated area for 10 minutes, rinse.
3. Wipe with a damp cloth, then polish with a dry one.

On a note!

If the repair has just begun or there are small children in the house, then replenish your first aid kit with Dimexide, it will also help with other stains on the laminate.

Dry wallpaper paste cleaning

Wallpaper glue on the floor, even if it is dry, does not pose a serious problem. It is completely removed by wet cleaning. Only use water with a temperature of at least 40 degrees to make the procedure faster.

Primer removal

The technology for removing primer stains from a laminate depends on the type of composition.

1. For light water-based primers, damp cleaning is sufficient, as is the case with wallpaper paste.
2. For thicker ones, use glassware or window cleaners. Wipe down the laminate with a flannel or microfiber cloth after applying the chemical.

Putty removal

If a few drops of putty fell on the floor, do not rush to remove it immediately. Let dry, then wipe with a dry cloth.

We wash the remaining white spots with a wet cloth, and finally dry the surface with a flannel.

Laminate paint removal

We remove fresh paint from the surface of the laminate using acetone or white spirit. Gently apply the solvent to a clean cloth and three in a dirty place, trying not to touch the adjacent clean laminate strips.

Cleaning from glue "liquid nails"

They didn’t save the floor, and a blot of “liquid nails” appeared on it - clean it by heating it with a hairdryer. Carefully scrape off the melted substance with a wooden spatula. Polish the remaining stain until it disappears completely with a microfiber cloth.

Laminate marker cleaning

To clean marker marks from the floor surface will help:

• ethanol;
• triple cologne;
• acetone;
• White Spirit.

Moisten a cotton pad with any of these liquids, and wipe marks from a marker or felt-tip pen.

Removing adhesive tape from laminate flooring

Adhesive tape stuck to the floor, there are several options to get rid of this problem:

1. Wipe the tape with solvent.
2. Soften with a hair dryer.
3. Wipe with a sponge dipped in glass cleaner.

After any of the methods, polish the laminate with a dry cloth.

How to wash other stains

Types of stains and products used:

• remove stains from red wine, cognac with medical alcohol applied to a napkin;
• from fat - white spirit;
• wash a green diamond (brilliant green) with honey alcohol or liquid for washing glass surfaces;
• traces of lipstick, shoe cream - acetone or alcohol;
• stripes from bicycle ramps or stroller tires - using a student's eraser.

What is the difference between the care of light and dark laminate

On a light-colored laminate, all scratches and small bumps are much more noticeable. Such a coating needs more frequent wet cleaning. If any defects and dents appear, it is necessary to cover them up with a specialized corrector, varnish or marker to match the floor. Otherwise, dirt will clog in the remaining scratches, which will further aggravate the situation. The edges of the damage will become dark and untidy.

On a dark laminate, white stains after wet cleaning and settled dust are more visible. Therefore, it will have to be vacuumed more often. After the main wet cleaning, it is necessary to additionally rinse the surface with clean water. And then polish the floor.

1. Daily dry cleaning.
2. Wash floors as they get dirty, but no more than 3 times a week.
3. Avoid dropping heavy, sharp objects. Warn your family members about this.
4. Put soft pads on the legs of sofas and cabinets so that you do not damage the laminate if you accidentally move them from their place.
5. Having a rug at the front door and getting in the habit of drying your feet will reduce the amount of litter in your home.
6. Walk around the apartment in slippers or socks, so the life of the coating will last.
7. For guests, keep an extra set of indoor soft shoes.
8. Clean up spills quickly and dry the floor.
9. Correct small scratches and defects immediately with wax pencils. Deeper and more serious gaps along the seams or end, seal with a specialized sealant. Take care of the presence of sealant and a pencil to match even when buying a laminate in a hardware store.

Prevent contact with moisture and increase service life

1. Indoor flowers in pots placed on the floor should be placed in deep trays so that excess water does not overflow when watering.
2. Use window blinds and curtains to reduce constant sunlight on the floor surface. Shade rooms and scatter direct rays, then the color of the floor will remain saturated, and the texture will remain smooth and shiny.
3. Do not rub in mastics or any other wax emulsions. The use of these tools will increase the risk of injury, and the service life will only be reduced. Achieve a glossy sheen by rubbing with a dry cloth or using approved chemicals.
4. Wipe the matte laminate with a dry cloth daily, with light movements without pressure.
5. Places for games in the nursery or areas near armchairs, sofas, beds, equip with rugs. This will protect against stains and abrasion of the top layer.

Laminate is a very beautiful and high-quality floor covering, besides, it is easy to install. That is why when choosing a material for flooring, people often make their choice in favor of it. However, laminate flooring needs some care if you want to keep its original look for a long time. If you simply put it on the base, and then occasionally wipe it with a rag, then the material will quickly lose its appearance. To make the laminate shine, it needs special care.

To make the laminate shine - how to do it

Laminate is a floor covering that is small panels made on the basis of fibreboard. This is a multilayer material that has a paper layer on which the coating pattern is printed directly, as well as a protective top layer, which covers the paper itself.

On a note! Laminate is sometimes called laminated parquet, but this is a fundamentally erroneous idea about the material. It's all about the structure and the substances from which it is made. The parquet is made entirely of wood, while the laminate has a layered structure that contains both paper and polymers.

Laminate board - device

Benefits of laminate:

• low price;
• beautiful appearance;
• ease of installation with the help of special locks;
• the possibility of choosing different colors;
• sufficient wear resistance with proper care;
• the possibility of implementing any design solutions.

Disadvantages of laminate:

• the material requires a perfectly flat base for installation;
• needs special care;
• easily scratched;
• and, finally, the main drawback is that the material is afraid of water (with the exception of the moisture-resistant variety), which complicates wet cleaning.

Since the laminate is based on fiberboard (a material that does not tolerate moisture), such a floor needs special care. Just washing it with water will not work. If the laminate is subjected to intense moisture, it begins to lose its appearance - its edges swell, stand up, and bend. Even after drying, the material may not return to its original state, and only a complete replacement of the coating can correct the appearance of the floor.

Attention! If a flood occurs in the apartment where the laminate is laid, then with a probability of 99% the entire coating will have to be removed and thrown away. Although in some cases, if the laminate is taken apart and dried, the floors can still be saved. However, this is only possible if a high-class coating is used.

It is because of the hydrophobia that the material does not fit in the bathrooms and bathrooms. Even a slight excess of a certain level of humidity in the room will negatively affect the external condition and performance of the laminate. The period of use of the coating in this case is reduced to only 8 years.

Tarkett laminate prices

tarkett laminate

Basic rules for washing laminate, important nuances of the process

You should not wash the laminate in the same way as ordinary floors, and use untested methods and means. Fortunately, laminate has been on the market for more than a year, so certain rules have now been formed for the care of this coating.

People begin to learn about how to care for a laminate only after they have already made some mistakes or encountered certain results of improper work. For example, whitish stains appear on the surface of the coating, or the edges of the lamellas become chipped, wavy.

To prevent this from happening, you have to take care of the material in a special way.

Attention! Under no circumstances should abrasive products be used to clean laminate flooring. They will hopelessly ruin the coating, “rewarding” it with scratches.

Prices for Emsal laminate floor care product

Emsal Floor Care Laminate

If you do not take care of the laminate, then there will be a risk that the coating will fade, become covered with stains and will no longer please the owners of the house with its beauty.

How to wash laminate at home

To clean the laminate and remove stains on it, as well as to give shine, only special products should be used. Among them there are both professional preparations and folk, home-made. You can get acquainted with them by viewing the table below.

Table. Laminate cleaners.

Detergent	Description
	About 2-3 tbsp. l. of this versatile culinary remedy are diluted in a large bucket of water. It is important that it is vinegar, and not vinegar essence. Vinegar can be replaced with lemon juice or alcohol.
	Also diluted in small quantities in a bucket of water. However, do not forget about testing the resulting solution on a piece of laminate.
	These can be Bugs Mastic, K-Floor, Emsal Laminate, etc. Since the composition of the products contains special components whose action is aimed at cleansing and careful care of the laminate, they will not harm the material if used exactly as directed. Some of them do not even need to be washed off the floor surface - on the contrary, they will give the coating a shine.
	To prepare this remedy, 2 cups of vinegar and the same amount of warm water are mixed, 1 tbsp is added to them. l. lemon juice and 2 tbsp. l. dishwashing detergents. The composition will make the coating shiny, moreover, it will not damage the material.

In general, if laminate flooring has been handled with care, it can be easily cleaned with plain clean water and a soft cloth. And if any chemical agent is used to clean the coating, it is important to read the instructions for use before use and act strictly according to it - an excessively thick and saturated solution can damage the laminate.

What is needed for cleaning

Before you start cleaning laminate flooring, it is important to purchase everything that can be useful for this procedure. For cleaning you will need:

• brush or broom with soft bristles;
• mop;
• vacuum cleaner equipped with a special brush;
• sponge without abrasive side;
• a rag (you can use a microfiber cloth, flannel);
• a bucket of water at room temperature;
• means for cleaning the laminate or prepared independently according to folk recipes.

What is better not to use

When cleaning the laminate, you can not use some of the means familiar to us. They can cause irreparable damage to the coating. List of drugs that can not be used to clean the laminate:

Attention! Protective caps should be put on furniture legs, since moving a chair or any other element of the interior over the laminate can severely damage the surface by scratching it.

It is also not recommended to use a washing vacuum cleaner to clean the laminate. Yes, it is convenient for removing dirt and makes life much easier for apartment owners, but since laminate does not like water, this household appliance can cause irreparable damage to the coating.

On a note! Some modern models of floor vacuum cleaners can still be used to clean laminate flooring. It is important to clarify this point with the managers of the household appliances store when buying equipment.

How to choose the right cleanser

Among the wide variety of home cleaning products, there is an extensive range of products designed for cleaning laminate. And to choose the tool that will suit the owner of the apartment and is ideal for covering is quite difficult.

In order to make the right choice, you must:

• evaluate the form that is comfortable to work with. Funds are available in the form of shampoos, gels, powders;
• evaluate the environmental friendliness of the drug, especially if there are children in the house;
• look at the composition of the product, make sure that it does not contain substances hazardous to the coating.

Floors in rooms for different purposes are washed at different intervals. For example, in the hallway and kitchen, laminate flooring will be cleaned more often, but in other rooms you can clean it less often. However, dust in any case, even if the entire house is kept clean, will quickly settle on the floor, which increases the frequency of cleaning with water.

Luckily, there are anti-static products on the market today. Of course, they won’t save you from settling dust at all, but they will reduce its amount on the floor.

Advice! To clean the laminated surface, it is convenient to use robotic vacuum cleaners that are programmed to clean the house in the absence of the owner. They clean floors very carefully.

How to remove stains from laminate

Laminate, like any other coating, can be stained with completely different types of stains. You need to deal with them carefully and in a special way.

Table. How to remove stains from laminate.

Spot type	Removal method
White stains from cleaning products	Eliminated with any alcohol solution applied to a soft cloth.
felt-tip pen	The best remedy for such pollution is white spirit applied to a rag.
Alcohol	The best cleaning option is denatured alcohol.
Chocolate and other confectionery	A mild soap solution will do.
Black footprints from shoes	A regular eraser is used to erase traces of a pencil or a soda solution.
Fats	Regular soap will do the trick.
Ink	If the stain is fresh, it will be removed with ordinary water and a rag. If it is old, then you will have to use any laminate cleaner or ink stain remover.
Blood	Spray for washing window glass will help to defeat such a stain.

How to wash laminate - cleaning steps

Step 1. All large debris is removed with a brush or vacuum cleaner. It is important to sweep away sand, crumbs and other specks that can create an abrasive effect when washing the floor with a rag and ruin the coating. All distant corners and hard-to-reach places are well swept.

Step 2 Water at room temperature is poured into the bucket. Hot or cold liquid is not used - the first will harm both the laminate and the human hands, the second will simply be uncomfortable to use. Further, in accordance with the instructions for use, a small amount of laminate cleaner is thoroughly dissolved in water.

Step 3 A soft cloth (preferably microfiber) is dipped into the bucket and wring well. The cloth should be damp, but not damp. To begin with, a small area of ​​​​the surface is washed to make sure that the product is safe to cover.

Step 4 The rag is put on a mop, the laminate is well wiped over the entire area.

Step 5 As the fabric gets dirty, the rag should be rinsed well in clean water, wetted again with a liquid with a diluted agent. The floors continue to be cleaned of dirt.

After cleaning, the floors can be wiped with a dry soft cloth or left to dry naturally by opening the windows in the room.

Prices for washing vacuum cleaners for laminate

washing vacuum cleaner for laminate

Video - How to care for laminate flooring

Video - How and how to wash the laminate

Video - How to properly wash a moisture-resistant laminate

Cleaning laminate flooring is a simple process. The main thing is that during work all the rules for putting it in order are observed. Then the coating will last as long as possible and will not lose its beautiful appearance.