Laminate floors in Brooklyn might just be the best decision you’ve made for your home in a long time. It gives you all the beauty of hardwood or stone without breaking the bank, plus it’s incredibly durable.
But, like anything else in your home, you need to know how to keep it looking fresh for years to come. Whether you’re dealing with everyday dust or the occasional spill, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about maintaining gorgeous laminate floors.
What Makes Laminate Flooring So Durable?
Before we dive into cleaning tips, let’s talk about what you’re actually working with. These floors are built differently from solid hardwood.
Laminate flooring has several layers pressed together:
- A photographic layer that creates those beautiful wood, stone, or tile patterns you love
- A protective wear layer on top that shields against daily wear and tear
- Core layers that provide stability and structure
This sort of construction makes laminate a lot more resistant to moisture from spills and the occasional scratches. However, that also means you need to care for them in a particular way.
Also Read: What is the Best Way to Clean Hardwood Flooring?
What Your Daily Floor Care Routine Should Look Like
We’ll let you in on a secret most people won’t tell you: consistency is key.
What you need:
- Microfiber mop or soft-bristled broom
- Good entrance mats (both inside and outside doors)
- Microfiber slippers for quick touch-ups
Daily routine:
- Quick sweep or dry mop to remove dirt, dust, and debris
- Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas where outdoor dirt gets tracked in
- Use those microfiber slippers for a quick walk-around to grab surface dust and pet hair
Place mats both outside and inside each door, and actually clean them regularly. This simple step dramatically reduces how much dirt makes it onto your floors in the first place!
What Your Weekly Deep Clean Routine Should Look Like
We recommend doing your weekly deep clean routine once or twice a week, depending on how much traffic you get.
Step-by-step weekly cleaning:
- Start with dry cleaning: Remove all loose dirt with your regular sweeping routine
- Prepare your damp mop: Wring it thoroughly so it’s barely damp, never dripping
- Choose your cleaning solution: Either a few drops of dish soap in warm water or a commercial laminate cleaner
- Work in sections: Spray a small area and mop immediately
- Follow the grain: Mop in the direction of the laminate planks when possible
How to Handle Spills and Stains on Laminate Floors?
Clumsy folks, listen up: the best thing about these floors is how forgiving they are with spills. But that is, only when you’re quick about cleaning it up. A good rule of thumb is never to let spills sit for too long.
For everyday spills:
- Wipe up immediately with a clean, dry cloth
- Follow with a damp cloth if there’s sticky residue
- Dry the area thoroughly
For stubborn stains:
- Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with water, let it sit for a few minutes, and gently scrub with a soft cloth
- Grease stains: A Small amount of dish soap with warm water
- General tough spots: Commercial laminate cleaner designed for stains
What You Should Never Use on Your Laminate Floors
Just like it’s important to know what to use on your floors, it’s essential to know what not to use. Make sure to never use:
- Wax, polish, or oil-based cleaners
- Steam cleaners or steam mops
- Bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners
- Soaking wet mops
Do You Need Professional Help With Your Laminate Floors?
Most homeowners don’t realise this, but not all laminate floor problems can be DIY-ed. In fact, it might even be better for your floors to get professional cleaning. Here’s when to call in the professionals:
- You’re dealing with extensive staining
- It’s been a while since regular maintenance
- You want a deep clean before a special event
- You’re having persistent issues with streaking or dullness
Professional cleaners have specialized equipment and products that can deep clean without risking damage to your floors!
Ready to Achieve Beautiful and Clean Laminate Floors?
Fellow houseowners, you’ll be pleased to find out that taking care of your laminate floors in Brooklyn doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
With the right techniques and consistent maintenance, you can keep them looking sparkly for years. Remember, prevention through daily maintenance and quick spill cleanup is always easier than trying to restore neglected floors later.
When you’re ready to upgrade to beautiful, durable laminate flooring, Floorika Fine Hardwood is your trusted partner for premium flooring solutions in Brooklyn and throughout the NYC area. Our team specializes in high-quality laminate floor installations. From selection through installation and beyond, we’re committed to helping you achieve the perfect flooring solution for your space.
