10 Tips – Cleaning and caring for laminate floors

Shoes can bring in dirt, gravel, and other abrasive particles that can scratch your floors over time. By creating a shoe-free environment inside, you can reduce the wear and tear on your laminate and keep it looking fresh. Consider placing a shoe rack (or basket, or something in-built) near the front door to encourage family members and guests to slip off their shoes as they enter. A chair or ottoman is also helpful from a practical perspective.

High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and kitchens are more prone to scratches and dirt buildup. Place rugs and mats in these spaces to shield your floors from excessive foot traffic. Make sure your rug has a non-slip mat to prevent slipping and sliding such as the Total Grip Pad.

Regular cleaning is the best way to prevent dust, dirt, and debris from building up and potentially damaging your laminate floor boards. Frequent cleaning of laminate floors means that there is less chance of any everyday mess and loose dirt won’t be damaging to the floor in the long run. How do you clean laminate floors? Use a broom or a vacuum with the bristles down as to not scratch the floor. The Hard Flooring Care Guide is a great place to start to learn more.

Ensure you’re using a quality mop when cleaning your laminate floors. Using a damp mop rather than an excessive amount of water is also important. It’s best to stay well away from any abrasive cleaners as well as waxes and polishes.

Pets can be tough on floors, especially if they have long nails. Regularly trimming your pet’s nails will help prevent them from scratching the surface of your laminate floors. Consider using pet mats in areas where they spend the most time, such as near food and water bowls, to add an extra layer of protection. Laminate is a resilient product but prevention is still important! Read more in our Hard Flooring and Pets Guide. 

Spills happen, but it’s essential to clean them up right away to prevent damage. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to gently blot up spills rather than wiping, which can spread the liquid. 

If you have furniture with castor wheels, it’s crucial to use with caution. Wheels can cause scratches or dents if they’re rolled across your floors without protection. Use rubber or felt pads under wheeled furniture, or consider using protective rugs in areas where wheeled furniture is used frequently.

Whenever you need to move heavy furniture, avoid dragging it across the floor, as this can scratch and damage the laminate. Instead, lift the furniture if possible, or place furniture sliders or towels underneath the legs to make moving it easier without risking harm to your floors.

Extreme sunlight can cause floors to fade or discolour over time. Protect your floors by using curtains or blinds. Regular ventilation will also help maintain a stable indoor environment, preventing moisture buildup that could affect your flooring.

Indoor plants are a wonderful way to enhance your space, but they come with their own set of considerations for floors. Ensure that plant pots have trays to catch any excess water, and check for leaks to avoid water damage. Consider placing felt pads or a mat under plant pots to add another layer of protection.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is constructed from several layers to create the appearance of timber or stone. Laminate floors utilise cutting edge photographic technology to simulate the grain, stain and texture of wood at a fraction of the price. Its highly resistant to scratches, dents and stains, with the top layer, known as the wear layer, usually made of a aluminium oxide or melamine resin which enhances its durability.

How to clean laminate floors

Laminate floors, like all hard flooring, should be frequently vacuumed or swept to remove dirt or grit to minimise scratching or wear. It’s also important to clean up any spills as quickly as possible. Read our hard flooring care guide for more information.

What are the benefits of professional flooring installation?

Deciding what new flooring you will install at home is a big deal! There is a lot to consider and it’s an investment which is why it’s important to get the installation done by the professionals- they know what they are doing and are incredibly knowledgable. They have all the right tools, they can problem solve, drawing on years of experience and get things done promptly. Each Flooring Xtra store has its own professional installers so you can relax while the experts get the job done!