6 Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning laminate floors.

Beneath the polished and shiny look of laminate flooring, common mistakes in care and cleaning often happen. These mistakes diminish the floor’s appeal and may result to permanent damage over time.

In this article, we look at these mistakes; from using harsh chemicals, ignoring spills, and even using excessive force.

1. Using Excessive Water:

One of the most common mistakes that you might make is using excessive water when mopping your laminate flooring. Probably, you may not know that excessive moisture can seep into the seams and edges of laminate flooring.

Consequently, when moisture seeps through the edges, it causes warping, buckling and delamination.

Warping:

When excess water/moisture penetrates the seams between laminate planks, it causes them to swell, peel and warp.

This warping disrupts the uniformity of the floor surface which creates tripping hazards and also produces funny sounds while walking on the floor.

Buckling:

Excessive moisture also results to buckling which causes your laminate floor to lift away from the subfloor.

This occurs when the core layer of the laminate absorbs moisture and expands, pushing the planks upward. Buckling is not only unsightly but also potentially dangerous.

Delamination:

Excessive moisture compromises the adhesives that hold the layers in the laminate floor together.

The layers detach from each together appearing as if they are fractured. Once delamination occurs, you will be forced to replace your flooring since the structural integrity is affected.

Mildew and mold growth:

In addition, excess moisture also creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold growth on your laminate floor.

The growth is most likely to occur in the damp areas beneath the flooring, and if prolonged may also affect your plywood subfloors underneath. Besides, mold and mildew not only cause a bad odor in your house, but also poses a health risk.

How to minimize excessive moisture risks on laminate floor:

Use Damp and not Wet Mops:

When mopping your laminate floor, ensure you wring out the mop thoroughly so that it is a bit damp but not dripping wet.

This process allows you to clean the floor surface without saturating it with moisture. Also avoid using steam mops on laminate floors since they also cause too much wetness on the floor.

Clean Spills Immediately:

If you spill liquids on the floor, clean them up promptly. Use a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel to blot the spill, rather than letting it sit and potentially seep into the seams. If you ignore spills, the water or liquid is likely to penetrate to the wear layer.

Besides, if you leave acidic or staining substances like red wine, coffee, or pet urine, they can gradually erode the protective wear layer. Such stains or discoloration is often challenging to remove, even with proper cleaning.

To protect your laminate floor from spills, you can do the following:

Immediately clean spills using clean absorbent cloth to remove the liquid.
Clean the area with a laminate-specific cleaner such as the Bona laminate floor cleaner or a mixture of water and mild Ph-balanced detergent. You can see our guide on DIY laminate floor cleaners.
Regularly inspect your laminate floor for any signs of swelling, discoloration, and water damage.
Consider placing waterproof mats or rugs in the spill-prone areas such as under kitchen skins and the refrigerator.

Keep Humidity in Check:

Maintain a stable indoor humidity level.

Laminate floors can expand or contract with changes in humidity, so use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed to keep the environment within the recommended range.

2. Using Harsh Chemicals:

You might also make the mistake of using harsh chemicals to clean your laminate floor. Abrasive and acidic cleaning products like bleach or ammonia can damage your laminate floor. They not only strip away the protective wear layer but also cause discoloration to the laminate floor surface.

In areas where the chemicals are concentrated, it results to uneven patches or streaks on your flooring.

As the protective layer is eaten away by the chemicals, your flooring becomes more prone to damage through spills, scuffs and scratche s.

Besides, such fumes from strong chemicals like bleach or ammonia can be irritating to the eye, nose and throat and thus pose a potential health risk.

How to protect laminate floor from harsh chemicals

Opt for gentle cleaning solutions specifically designed for laminate flooring without harming the protective or decorative layer.
You can use homemade cleaning solutions that are effective for cleaning without harming the laminate floor.
Use microfiber mops and soft cloths that will not scratch the floor.
Always rinse the floor after cleaning to remove any chemical residue
After cleaning the floor, dry it promptly.

3. Scrubbing with Abrasive Tools:

Another common mistake that we make while cleaning laminate floors is scrubbing the floor with abrasive scouring pads or brushes.

Abrasive scouring pads and brushes damage the laminate floor protective layer creating scratches and abrasions on the surface. As these scratches accumulate over time, they diminish the appearance of your flooring.

Besides, scrubbing the floor with abrasive tools results to the loss of the laminate floor’s shine and luster. The micro-scratches created on the surface by abrasive materials usually scatter light differently, causing the floor to appear dull.

If you use a lot of force while scrubbing, there is a likelihood of causing irreversible damage. Once the wear layer is damaged, it cannot be repaired and you might be forced to replace the damaged sections or entire floor.

How to protect your laminate floor from abrasive cleaning tools:

Use a Soft Bristle Broom or Vacuum:

For routine cleaning, sweep your laminate floors with a soft-bristle broom or use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. This will remove loose dirt and dust without causing damage.

dry-microfiber-mopping for laminate flooring

Damp Mopping with a Gentle Cleaner:

For deeper cleaning, use a damp mop with a gentle laminate-specific cleaner or a mixture of warm water and a mild, pH-balanced detergent. Avoid excessive moisture and make sure the mop is only damp, not soaking wet.

Microfiber Mops:

Microfiber mops are effective at capturing dirt and debris without scratching the surface. They are a gentle and efficient tool for cleaning laminate floors.

Felt or Rubber Furniture Pads:

To prevent scratches from furniture movement, place felt or rubber pads under the legs of chairs, tables, and other heavy furniture items.

4. Using Excessive Force:

Overly aggressive cleaning can cause damage or scratches to the laminate floor finish.

Remember that laminate floors are not immune to physical stress. If you continuously use excessive force while cleaning the floor, it will definitely develop visible scratches on the surface. This results to your floor losing its glossy finish/ shine.

Besides, excessive force also weakens the wear layer making your flooring susceptible to damage. In extreme cases, wear layer erosion which is irreversible may happen, forcing you to replace the floor.

To avoid using excessive force, consider the following techniques:

When using a mop or cloth for cleaning, apply gentle, even pressure. There’s no need to scrub vigorously; simply let the cleaning solution do the work.
Use a Microfiber Cloth or Mop which are materials effective at capturing dirt and debris without causing scratches. They are gentle on the surface and ideal for maintaining the laminate’s finish.
Refrain from using abrasive scrubbing pads or brushes, which can cause surface damage. Stick to soft, non-abrasive materials.
Performing regular, gentle maintenance like sweeping or vacuuming helps prevent the buildup of dirt and debris, reducing the need for aggressive cleaning.
To prevent damage when moving furniture, consider using felt or rubber pads under the legs. This minimizes the risk of scratches during rearrangement

5. Allowing Dirt Buildup

Neglecting regular cleaning of your laminate floors leads to dirt and debris buildup. While dust, dirt, sand and small particles are not harmful to the floor, when they accumulate they act like abrasives. With regular foot traffic, these particles get ground into the surface, creating a sandpaper effect.

Over time, this abrasive action results to visible scratches and wear patterns. Besides, the more dirt you have on the floor, the more likely that you will use excessive force while cleaning. This will cause further scratches.

To avoid the mistake of allowing dirt buildup, consider the following:

Make routine sweeping or vacuuming a part of your regular cleaning routine. This removes loose dirt and prevents it from accumulating.
Place mats or rugs at entrances and high-traffic areas to capture dirt and grit before they can reach your laminate flooring. Clean these mats regularly.
Use microfiber mop heads or cloths for cleaning, as they are highly effective at trapping and removing dirt without causing scratches
In addition to regular cleaning, promptly clean up spills and stains to prevent them from becoming embedded in the surface.
Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes before walking on your laminate floors, as shoes can bring in dirt and debris from outside.

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6. Not Protecting Furniture Legs:

Furniture can scratch and dent the laminate flooring when moved or dragged around. You will be making a huge mistake if you do not use felt pads or glides under the furniture legs.

When pulled over the laminate flooring, furniture legs leave surface scratches. Heavier items like tables and chairs often have sharp edges or rough surfaces that easily scratch the laminate floor.

Over time, the scratches will accumulate and damage the floor’s visual appearance.

Besides, heavy furniture can also create dents and indentations on the laminate floor.

Also, for furniture with metal or plastic feet, they can leave scuff marks on the floor when dragged or moved.

How to protect laminate floor from furniture leg scratches:

Use Felt Pads or Glides: Attach felt pads or glides to the bottom of furniture legs. These protective accessories create a cushioned barrier between the furniture and the floor, preventing scratches and dents.

Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the condition of felt pads or glides to ensure they are still in place and in good condition. Replace them if they show signs of wear or detachment.

Lift, Don’t Drag: When moving furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it across the floor. Encourage family members and guests to do the same.

Use Furniture Sliders: Furniture sliders are another effective way to move heavy items without causing damage. These handy devices allow furniture to glide smoothly across the floor.

Rearrange Carefully: If you’re rearranging furniture, take care to lift and place items gently to avoid accidental damage.

6 Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning laminate floors.