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Laminate flooring is a popular alternative solution for those seeking the look of real wood. Apart from the fact that it is much cheaper than a solid wood floor, one of it's biggest advantages is its low level of maintenance. It is designed to be easy-care and once installed you won't need to spend much time for it's cleaning. However, this doesn't mean that is "bullet proof". Although it is manufactured to be resistant to scratches, denting, stains, fading and wear from heavy use, it is still possible that might get damaged from everyday grit and dirt. Hence, cleaning your laminate floors on a regular basis is vital.

To help you remove any tough stains, and ensure your laminate flooring stays as it was when you first bought it, we have designed this simple "cleaning and maintenance" guide.

Methods for cleaning your laminate floors:

  • Sweep your laminate flooring Sweep your laminate flooring frequently with a dry dust mop, to remove everyday grit and dirt. Using a regular broom would be a mistake, as it can damage the surface. How? If you use a regular broom is very likely that particles will be spread around on the surface, which might cause scratches on it.

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  • Use a vacuum cleaner: An alternative way to remove grit and dirt from your laminate flooring, is to use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. This is vital for cleaning the dust from around the edges of the room and in between the laminate planks. Make sure you don't use a vacuum cleaner with beaded bars, as they can scratch your laminate flooring. Additionally pay special attention to unwanted particles that might get stuck onto the wheels of your vacuum cleaner. This will cause scratches on the surface.

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  • Apply laminate floor cleaner: Spray a small amount of the laminate flooring cleaner onto a flat mop with a microfibre pad and start to mop the floor in the direction that it is laid. Make sure you use a cleaner suitable to your laminate flooring and always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Once you've finished with that, replace the microfibre pad with a dry one and re-mop the floor to remove any remaining residue of the cleaning product.

    Easyshine Floor Cleaner

  • Mop the floor with hot water: Instead of using laminate floor cleaner you could also mop your laminate flooring with hot water (use a regular mop or sponge mop). The water doesn't need to be boiled but should be warm enough to remove any stains. Before you start, wring the mop out well, as too much water can cause the edges of the boards to expand and the entire floor could be bend. Then, ventilate the room for an hour or so, by leaving the windows open. Alternatively you can wipe the hot water with a dry damp cloth.

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  • Use a mix of vinegar with water: This is a very useful receipt that will save you money from buying a laminate cleaner. Add approximately 50 ml of white vinegar into an old spray bottle and fill the rest with hot water. Then, spray the mix onto the area of your laminate flooring you want to clean. Do not spray the solution onto the entire floor.

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  • Wipe out any liquid spills or water immediately: Do not allow any liquid spills or water to remain on the surface for prolonged periods, as it can cause warping and damage the top-layer of your laminate flooring. Clean it out immediately with a dry cloth or a damp mop.
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Tips and advices for keeping your laminate floors new

  • Use a plastic scraper to clean wax or gum
  • Clean oil, ink and other tough stains with acetone, using a dry cloth.
  • Remove blood stains with a regular window cleaner.
  • Clean nail varnish with nail vanish remover.
  • Do not use soap or other conventional cleansers when cleaning your laminate floors.
  • Place doormats in front of each door, so they can retain most of the dirt from shoes and not your floor.
  • Install felt pads on the bottom of furniture legs to avoid scratches.
  • Always shake your carpets outdoors.
  • Never use chlorine when cleaning your laminate floors.
  • Follow your manufacturer's instructions.