How To Maintain Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring has become a popular choice around the world ever since it was first discovered in 1977. It is very common in Singapore and is available from a wide range of vendors like Evorich Flooring Group, Supreme Floors or Floor Xpert. Users can also set it up themselves as laminate floors are also available in the form of Do-It-Yourself kits. Laminate floors are cheap, hygienic and can be maintained with relative ease.

This firm and resilient method of flooring involves lamination of two layers of synthetic products that are fused together. This multiple layered approach using synthetic products offers a number of distinct advantages like stain resistance, sound absorption, moisture reduction and unparalleled beauty due to its ability to replicate wood or stone. Laminate floors generally have high durability, but can be affected by surplus of activities that may reduce their lifespan. Hence, it is vital to clean and properly maintain these floors on a regular basis to increase their longevity.

Listed below are some methods along with their importance, that can help in achieving this purpose.

1. Heavy objects should not be dragged across the floor
Dragging tends to leave deeps marks on the surface that cannot be washed away, as the floors are made from synthetic products. The inner layer of the floor is made of an organic substance called melamine resin, which may crack under extreme cases. Also, the layers might get detached due to pressure on the glue that attaches them. All these can be avoided by placing an air sled beneath the heavy appliances and furniture. This is a rubber blanket that allows air circulation within itself, which makes the process of dragging heavy items without leaving a scratch marks.

2. Keeping the surface covered
Rugs and carpets should be used under furniture and appliances and in certain areas, like front or back door, bathroom and kitchen, where there are chances of moisture retention. Spilling of liquids should be avoided at all costs as seepage through the joints between the panels and damage the glue or inner layer and cause swelling. Adhesive pads can be used to protect the surface from scratches.

3. The floors should be cleaned regularly to retain their beauty
Vacuuming and sweeping are the ideal methods, but mopping is necessary too at regular intervals. The mop should be chosen carefully as it should contain micro pores that will have the ability to limit the flow of water. Difficult stains can be removed with organic substances like paraffin or nail polish remover. Special cleaning products for laminate floors are available, that inflict no damage to the synthetic panels.

4. The house should be properly humidified
During the construction of lamina floors, a very small gap of size ranging from 1 to 10 mm, is kept between the floor and walls. This allows proper expansion and contraction of the flooring due to seasonal changes without any restriction. Proper humidification and aeration ensures that the laminae do not become disproportional or get bent, by limiting the rate of expansion or contraction. A humidifier can be used to maintain a constant humidity level, if the house is located in an area with unstable humidity.

5. Laminate flooring should be repaired from time to time with utmost care
Scratches and other small damages should be immediately repaired with wax colors or silicon alternatives, that will match the color of the panels. This will prevent accumulation of dust and other unwanted particles in these small in these small spaces. The colors should be applied gently, while a soft cloth should be used to keep the surface plain. In case of extensive damages like cracks, the panels need replacement without delay.