How and with what to wash a laminate: quickly, without streaks and scratches

Laminate flooring is called a floor covering, the basis of which is a high-density fiberboard. Ecologically clean flooring differs in thickness (from 0.6 to 1.2 cm), color, quality.

In appearance, the laminate resembles a luxurious parquet board, which is quite justified - because this material is a budget alternative to expensive parquet. On sale you can find a laminate whose pattern resembles masonry, crocodile skin, fabric. An interesting option for covering the floor in a children's room will be a material with a cartoon pattern. And for the bedroom or living room choose a floor with a picture-imitation of animal skins.

Care features: learning to wash the laminate properly

How to easily and quickly wash laminate floors from building and other dust? Today, laminate flooring is the most popular flooring, due to its good price-quality ratio. You will be satisfied with this choice if you follow some rules of care. They are aimed at preventing:

• scratches;
• bloating;
• divorces;
• color loss;
• the appearance of squeaks.

Floor cleaning equipment

Since a special film with a glossy effect acts as the top layer of the laminate, it is easy to wash, which can not be said about natural wooden floors. However, it is important to stock up on special equipment. Usually, cleaning is carried out in three stages, each of them needs its own tools. So, to wash the laminate so that there are no stains, the following devices will help you.

1. For dry cleaning. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush or a broom with a soft synthetic pile.
2. For wet cleaning. You will need a mop butterfly or a flounder with a microfiber mop. A rope with a bucket for spinning is also suitable.
3. For wiping after the main wash. To wash the laminate without ruining it, you need a separate rag for the final stage of cleaning. Dry it with a coating. A flannel, nylon cloth or microfiber is suitable.

Special household chemicals

The best laminate cleaner. In a quality laminate, the topcoat protects the base layer from dirt. Therefore, most often, only dust and stains should be removed from the surface, which are easily cleaned first with a wet and then a dry rag. If complex contaminants have appeared or when it is necessary to polish the floor, you can use special household chemicals.Laminate washing gels and liquids not only clean, but also disinfect, create an additional protective layer and seal the joints, protecting them from moisture. At least, manufacturers promise this effect. The following brands are heard:

• Emsal;
• HG;
• Unicum
• Starwax
• Denkmit.

What detergents can not be used

It is forbidden to use three types of detergents to wash the laminate.

1. Chlorine-containing. Whiteness is not suitable for processing a laminate - the surface may become stained. You can not use other means, which include bleach.
2. Acetone-containing. Use caution near the laminate with products containing acetone (solvents and even nail polish remover). If they hit the surface of the floor, damage may occur in its structure.
3. Powder Abrasive particles in powder detergents can scratch the laminate.

Standard Cleaning Technique

During cleaning, to move the furniture, you should use special protective pads or cardboard, which will protect the laminated floor from scratches. After liberating the territory, divide further actions into six steps.

1. Remove large debris with a broom or vacuum cleaner.
2. Dilute the detergent in water. Not "by eye", but strictly according to the instructions on the bottle.
3. Moisten the base of the squeegee in the prepared liquid.
4. Squeeze the mop and wipe the coating with spiral movements, heading from the windows to the door.
5. If the floor remains wet, walk on top with a dry rag. It can be thrown directly onto the base of your mop to clean the laminate by removing the mop.

Alternative way with hot water

Despite the effectiveness of store-based laminate care products, experts still recommend cleaning without chemicals if possible. The fact is that in the manufacture of a laminate, materials are used that, by reacting with chemical compounds, methods to release ethanolamines and chloramines harmful to humans. They evaporate quickly during harvesting and increase the risk of respiratory diseases. In particular, rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

The use of folk remedies

Qualitatively clean the laminated surface from the five common types of pollution, give it shine and freshness, folk remedies will help.

1. Traces of a pencil or felt-tip pen. Easily removed with medical alcohol or triple cologne.
2. Stains from brandy or wine. They will leave without a trace if the floor is treated with ethyl or technical alcohol.
3. Traces of slippers. They are scrubbed with stationery gum or baking soda, which is sprinkled on a stain and then removed with a napkin.
4. Traces of fat and blood. They can be easily removed if you pre-treat the stain with a soapy cloth and then go through a window cleaner.
5. Small scratches. Masked with plasticine or felt-tip pen, which match the color of the floor surface.

Modern fixtures

Can a laminate be cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner? Mechanized vacuuming can only be carried out on a durable and wear-resistant laminate. It should have wax impregnation, which will protect the boards from the intense effects of moisture. Also on a durable laminate, two more washing devices are used.

1. Multifunction device. This, in fact, is a vacuum cleaner that is suitable for cleaning different surfaces and includes the possibility of dry and wet cleaning. But not all models are suitable for laminate flooring. It is better to give preference to the unit, which sprays water with its subsequent quick assembly. Equipping the model with additional features in the form of a parquet adapter and a device that will regulate the flow of water is welcome. Necessarily the vacuum cleaner should be equipped with a nozzle that quickly removes excess fluid.
2. Steam cleaner. Steam cleaning is not suitable for cleaning wood cover with a lock connection - when steam penetrates into the cracks at the joints, the laminate can be deformed. But if the coating is glued, then a steam mop is suitable for cleaning. The device will remove dust and dirt, disinfect the surface. It will clean the floor without the use of special detergents, leaving no traces and stains

The nuances of washing white and black floors

There are two main color types of laminate: the coating is dark and light. And there are differences in care.

1. White. How to properly wash a white laminate will depend on its properties and the presence of contaminants. Usually, cleaning is carried out according to the standard scheme using special or folk remedies. The main thing before starting the procedure is to remove sand and small pebbles from the surface with a broom, which can damage the coating.
2. Dark. Caring for a dark floor is much more difficult than for a light one. On a black background, all spots and traces from poor-quality cleaning are visible. To wash a dark laminate without streaks, it is recommended to carry out wet cleaning twice. First, the surface is cleaned of dirt, then from possible traces and stains from water. Grate the laminate to make it shiny, polishing it with a clean rag and window cleaner.

Post-repair cleaning tips

After repair, the laminate will be easier to clean if you first cover it with a film of polyethylene. Further, the protection is removed, and all trash and dust that has fallen are removed with a broom. The improvised means that can be found in the first-aid kit or in the cosmetic bag of the hostess will help to solve three problems.

1. Paint. Ethanol or nail polish remover should be used to remove paint, but only in the area of ​​the stain. A small portion of the solution is poured onto the contaminated area for about one and a half minutes, after which it is wiped with a clean rag.
2. Putty. The white plaque from the putty is removed with a damp cloth, after which the surface is wiped with a dry microfiber cloth. You can use a detergent for windows - this will help give shine to the laminate at home.
3. Damage and scratches. Special repair paste for the laminate or wax pencil will help to mask the resulting damage.

Recommendations at the end

How to make the floor clean and the laminate shiny? How often can I wash and rub the laminate at home? Do not get carried away. But every three to four days (or as it gets dirty) you need to do a wet frill. With proper proper care, the life of the laminate can be extended by several tens of years.It is much more practical, for example, carpet, which quickly loses sight, accumulates garbage and is a source of allergens.

Before washing the laminate, you should read the information on the composition and care recommendations in the insert to it. According to reviews, a high-quality flooring does not deform over time, and in case of damage it is easily partially replaced by new boards. If you regularly and correctly carry out cleaning, even ordinary water without any additives will cope with the task.