Laminate Care & Cleaning Guide

This care and cleaning guide is provided by the World Floor Covering Association.

Sweeping & Mopping

Dust and dirt act as an abrasive on a laminate’s surface and seriously dull its appearance. This fact of life can be avoided by regular sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming to remove loose dirt and grime. Either a broom or a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar will do the trick. Vacuum cleaner attachments are useful to capture dust and dirt between planks or along edges. An occasional damp mopping is also recommended. But be careful — laminate flooring can expand when it comes in contact with excessive water. After damp mopping, a clean cloth should be used to wipe the floor dry. Placing doormats at each entryway is also a good idea to collect excessive moisture and dirt before they enter your home.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do use glides or floor protectors on the bottom of furniture to prevent scratching or abrasion.
Do lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling it to avoid scratching and abrasion.
Do use carpet fragments face down under heavy objects when moving them across a laminate floor.
Do your spot cleaning and occasional complete cleaning using the manufacturer’s recommended products.
Don’t use soap-based detergents or “mop-and-shine” products.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder.
Don’t flood your floor with water or cleaner.
Don’t try to refinish or sand your laminate floor.

Repair

Replacement laminates may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than your original installation. With time and usage, however, the replacement product will blend in with the rest of your floor. With proper care and regular maintenance, laminate flooring will provide you and your home with many years of beauty, warmth and durability.