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Using Mops To Clean Laminate Floor Not Recommended

beautiful home — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:01:11 +0000

Harsh cleaners and cotton mops may be staple in many houses for keeping their floors clean, you should not use wet mops to clean laminate floor materials. Typically, a dust mop is used on a regular basis to remove any dust and grit that can cause scratching to the surface of the floor, and an occasion pass with a damp, not wet, mop can help restore the luster of the flooring, but using mops to clean laminate floor is not always necessary.

Most laminate flooring material is designed to be water resistant, and if connected properly, even a spill on the floor will not cause much damage if it is wiped up and not allowed to lay on the floor. When using mops to clean laminate floor there is a chance excess water can get down into any unnoticed cracks and work into the underlayment of the flooring. The resins in the fiber core of the flooring usually contains waterproofing chemicals, such as paraffin wax, but the floor on which it sits probably does not have the same protection.

Laminate flooring, installed correctly, will be free of gaps where the floor panels connect, but since the flooring is not glued or nailed down, there is always the possibility of the boards slowly working loose, creating small gaps. Using mops to clean laminate floor can allow extra moisture to get between the boards and turn any dust located there to mud.

Dry Mop Usually Sufficiently For Laminate Floors

Those with experience in maintaining wood floors know how hard it can be to maintain the shine on the wood. Whether the floor is coated annually with a sealer and acrylic coating, most people also wax the wood to help protect the finish and the shine. There is no reason to wax laminate flooring to maintain the shine and, in fact using mops to clean laminate floor can cause the shine on the floor to fade over time.

For stubborn stains on the flooring, the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products and techniques should be used to insure the floor’s warranty is not voided. Each manufacturer may have a different cleaning product in mind to protect the integrity of the floor. Even if it call to use mops to clean laminate floor, the mop should never be wet and water should not be allowed to lie on the flooring. If possible, the floor should be protected with throw rugs or small carpets, especially during inclement weather.

Tags: laminate floor cleaning, laminate flooring, flooring,floor cleaning, mops to clean laminate floor

Laminate Floor Cleaning Can Wipe Away Years

beautiful home — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:59:49 +0000

An ancient proverb argues that “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Indeed, this saying could apply to our clothing, our vehicle, or our home! Keeping our investments clean prevents unwanted substances and bugs from appearing. If we periodically maintain products from the moment we purchase or install them, they can maintain the same appearance for several years or even decades. In particular, floor cleaning, such as laminate floor cleaning, remains one of the most difficult items to maintain in our homes. However, caring for a floor properly will maintain a new appearance, increase its life, and avert damage.

Slip Into Slippers

The first step in laminate floor cleaning actually requires no cleaning. When you enter your home, make it a habit to remove your shoes. The underside of your shoes contain any substances that you had treaded over outside, including dirt, oil, and bubble gum. Also, the base of your feet contains oils, so it is advisable to wear socks or slippers inside your home.

Warming Up

Preventing unwanted substances from being tracked on your floor will make laminate floor cleaning exceedingly more easy. Prior to mopping the floor, sweep the surface.

Next, before you begin your laminate floor cleaning, prepare a mixture of ½ cup of distilled white vinegar per each gallon of water. Previously, you may have used vegetable oil on your floor. If that is the case, then boost the ratio to one cup of vinegar for each gallon of water. Vegetable oil cleaners should be avoided as they leave deposits on wood flooring. This will eventually destroy the sealant.

Why is vinegar recommended? Water has alkaline, which can create water spots on wood floors. The vinegar functions as a neutralizer of the alkaline, significantly reducing water spot damage.

Drop The Mop

Now you are prepared to begin your laminate floor cleaning. Immerse a towel in the mix and then wring out the extra liquid. You will not need a mop and you will not need to rinse, when cleaning laminated floors. Simply use the towel to clean the floor. If the flooring requires drying, do that.

A Second Opinion About Ammonia

An interesting issue has recently developed in the realm of laminate floor cleaning. Some producers of laminated wood floors now suggest that ammonia be used as a cleaner for their floors. Ammonia is utilized to remove wax from floors, and could actually have the same effect on the majority of laminated floors’ sealants.

Laminated floors are some of the loveliest floors found in homes. Doing periodic, proper laminate floor cleaning can make your wood floor look as if it were just installed!

Tags: laminate floor cleaning, laminate flooring, flooring,floor cleaning