Caring for your laminate flooring is simple if you get familiar with its structure. Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. It’s widely used because it simulates wood with its photographic applique layer under the protective layer.

However, the above mentioned protective layer is vulnerable to dust and dirt, as these can lead to scratches if not regularly cleaned. So, try to sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to prevent scratching the finish.

Any spills should be blotted as soon as you notice them. Do not allow liquids to stay on the floor for too long, as moisture can cause the planks to wrap or swell.

For cleaning tough stains such as oil, paint or ink use nail polish remover on a clean cloth to wipe down the stain. Then, wipe it with a clean damp cloth.

For washing the floor you can use cleaning products made for laminate floor care, liquid soap diluted in water, or just pure water. Use a slightly damp mop with the cleaning solution to wash the floor surface and prevent swelling, warping and delamination. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool.

For removing candle wax or chewing gum use ice cubes to harden the spots, then scrape off with a plastic scraper.

Caring for your laminate floor will extend its life and help keeping it looking like new.

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If the stain has not penetrated and it is on the surface, probably your finish is a hard one – such as urethane. If the stain has penetrated through to the wood, the finish is maybe a soft oiled one.

Surface stains are easy to remove. Just use a soft clean cloth to wipe the stained area. Avoid using sandpaper, steel wool or any chemicals, as those can damage the finish.

Removing marks from soft oiled finishes requires a little more attention. Treatment depends on the type of stain you try to remove. Follow our suggestions on how to easily remove marks from your hardwood floors.

Fixing white stains or water marks: Let the stain dry for two days to see if it disappears. If it is still cover the stain with a white cotton cloth and rub with a hot iron (set to no steam) for several seconds. If that doesn’t work, rub the spot with very fine steel wool pad soaked in lemon oil to prevent scratching. Then, clean the stain with odorless mineral spirits.

Dark spots and pet stains: These require more attention when penetrated deep into the finish. One of the solutions is treating the stain with bleach. Repeat after several hours and let the area rest until next day. Rinse with clear water. If the area is still dark, strip, sand and reseal the spot if possible.

Cleaning greasy stains: Such stains should come off with dish-washing detergent. Use a soft cloth to rub the stain and the detergent will break down the grease. Rinse with clear water. You may need to repeat the treatment several times.

Tips:

For regular maintenance, use a spin mop which is self-wringing. It requires no bending and wringing with your own hands. It cleans better than anything else if it is a one that wrings out very dry.

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However, a crumbling, messy deck isn’t pretty. To ensure lasting beauty of your deck, you should regularly care of it and clean it as well. Proper installation and care will provide years of outdoor living pleasure.

For cleaning heavily soiled areas, there are special eco-friendly decking cleaners on the market. Usually, spray in the direction of the grain to avoid damaging the wood.

For periodic maintenance cleaning, power washing of the deck boards is recommended to prevent build-up of pollen/debris.For best results, use a maximum of 3000 psi gas powered pressure washer with 25 degree fan tip. Hold the power wash wand at approximately a 30 degree angle. Spray in the direction of the length of the plank, not across or surface damage may result.

Advices:

For best results,complete cleaning during the early morning or evening hours when the board surface is cool to prevent cleaners from drying/evaporating on the deck surface.

Do not forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions before applying any cleaner.

Always take the proper safety precautions when operating a power washer.

If you happen to spill something on your deck, blot the spot as soon as possible. Use a soft, clean towel soaked in warm water to blot up the stained area. Avoid rubbing. For stubborn stains use a cleaning solution of mild dish-washing soap and warm water. Wipe it dry.

Do not use rubber or vinyl products (welcome mats, planters, etc.) on deck planks, as those can cause discoloration of the decking under the rubber/vinyl product.

For periodic maintenance cleaning, rinse deck thoroughly. A soap and water solution is a good choice for the purpose.

For ice removal, either rock salt or calcium chloride may be used without damage to the surface.

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However, you have to properly take care of your timber floors to create a healthier environment for living. Following the best cleaning techniques will help you prolong your floor’s life and preserve the beauty of its colour and natural patterns. And if you get tired of the colour, you can always stain or lime your floor.

Mopping your timber floor is essential, but how to do it without making mistakes?

Sweep floor beforehand.

Any dust and hair should be removed from floor before mopping to prevent scratching. A cleaning robot or a soft indoor broom will make the job easier.

Use flat mops.

Flat mops are recommended for cleaning hardwood floors. For best results with least efforts use a spinning microfiber mop.

Use cold or warm water.

Do not use hot water when mopping, as it may dull the finish and damage the floor.

Wring the excess moisture.

Keep wringing to make the mop as dry as possible. Moisture is your floor’s biggest enemy. It can cause the wood to wrap. Using a lightly damp mop will protect the wood and even make it dry faster.

Empty the water regularly.

You may use two buckets – one for detergent and one with pure water for rinsing the mop. This way you will prevent spreading the dirt.

Use the right detergent.

Using a solution with just water is recommended. However, if you need to use floor detergent or soap in the mop water, try not to use too much of it, as it can make the floor slippery or leave chemical residues.

Follow the grains.

To pick up as much dirt as possible follow the grains of the wood when mopping.

Wash mop after using.

When you finish with cleaning your floor, thoroughly wash your mop to leave it hygienic for the next use.

Mop frequently.

Clean your timber floor at least once a week to keep your floors feeling fresh and shiny.

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