Caring for laminate flooring at home - ways and means. How to care for a laminate so that everyone is happy - features of dry and wet cleaning How to care for a matte laminate

What you need to know about laminate

Laminate structure

Let's start with a little theory. The flooring that we used to call laminate is panels pressed under pressure and at high temperature from MDF or chipboard, paper and melamine resins.

The final coating of the boards - lamination - is made with melamine or acrylic paint. This is where the name of the material actually comes from.

Wear classes

Depending on the purpose of use, the needs and financial capabilities of consumers, laminate manufacturers have developed 33 classes of this material. To assign a certain class, the coverage passes about 18 tests.

The highest class of wear resistance is assigned to materials that can be used for flooring in various institutions and institutions with high attendance - it is called commercial.

However, you can also buy it for your home. Such a laminate will serve you for 30 years, while the declared service life in public places is only 3-5 years.

Laminate also differs in the degree of moisture resistance. For example, Aqua Resist laminate is resistant to moisture and can be safely laid even in the bathroom. But this is rather an exception.

As a rule, laminate does not like moisture. Its penetration into the boards through the seams can lead to swelling of the top layer and damage to the material. For the same reason, you should not use PVA glue to repair laminate.

What can be needed to properly care for laminate flooring?

Despite the complex structure, the laminate is easy to operate and does not require special care. Moreover, it is very sensitive to water, so it is not recommended to wash such a floor frequently. To take care of the laminate with your own hands, a few detergents and tools are enough.

Detergents

How can you clean laminate flooring? Definitely worth abandoning abrasive detergents and hard sponges. It is better to use such means:

Image	Description
	Special detergents for laminate flooring They have a special composition that does not harm the structure of the material and preserves it. appearance- Loba, Laminatclear and others.
	Floor cleaners with neutral PH Suitable for parquet and laminate flooring. But you need to carefully read the instructions on the label.
	Warm water without additives Cope with light soiling of the floor and refresh it.
	Grandma's recipe: 1 tablespoon of vinegar per 5 liters of water - suitable for wet cleaning laminate. Just wipe the laminate with this solution to make it shine.

Do not use soapy or alkaline solutions to clean the floor. They destroy the top layer of the coating and always leave streaks.

Instruments

To clean the laminate, it is enough to use the following tools:

Image	Description
	Vacuum cleaner with soft brush Ideal for dry cleaning. This is especially true for public places where it is necessary to clean dirt and dust daily.
	Mop with soft cloth and spin Suitable for wet cleaning and removing sticky stains. Wash the laminate correctly - along the plates.
	Dry microfiber cloth Indispensable for removing excess moisture at the joints of plates.

Do not use a washing vacuum cleaner: it leaves too much water.

Proper care of laminate flooring

After laying the laminate, the question naturally arises, how to care for the laminate at home? There is nothing easier. detailed instructions will help you take into account all the nuances.

Rule 1. How to wash the laminate?

Laminate washing technique:

1. Prepare detergents and cleaning tools.
2. If the dirt is minor, vacuum the floor.
3. Wipe the floor with a damp mop.
4. Wipe off any remaining water with a dry cloth.
5. For stain removal:

• apply the cleaner to the stain;
• wait a few minutes;
• remove the stain.

While washing, move from the farthest area under the window or in the corner, gradually moving towards the door. So you don't have to walk on a freshly cleaned floor.

Rule 2. How to remove difficult stains from a laminate?

If conventional laminate floor care products do not cope with dirt, use the following products:

Image	Recommendations
	Wine, sweet juice, fat can be removed with any pH neutral floor cleaner.
	Felt pens, nail polish, ink and shoe polish Easily removed with nail polish remover, acetone or thinner.
	Wax and chewing gum after complete hardening, it is removed with a plastic or wooden scraper.
	blood stains can be wiped off with a special nylon pad.

Rule 3. How to update the laminate?

Even with the most durable flooring, minor troubles happen - scuffs, scratches, chips. Therefore, I will add a few more words on how to update the laminate at home.

Scratches on the laminate can be easily removed using a special wax pencil desired color. You can buy it at any hardware store.

Do not know how to restore the laminate from scuffs? Use a professional polish. Its price may seem high to you, but the effect of its use cannot be compared with any other remedy. The polish will not only restore scuffs, but also improve the color of the coating.

If you failed to protect the laminate from moisture and mechanical damage, and some of the plates have deteriorated, do not be upset. They can be swapped with whole slabs from a less visible place (under a sofa or bed). True, it is better to do this for men with certain knowledge and skills.

And finally, a few more tips that will help extend the life of the laminate:

• Shoes with heels. Do not walk on this floor in heels.
• Soft slips on furniture. On furniture legs, flowerpots and other heavy objects, you need to glue special soft pads to avoid damage. floor covering.

• Rugs. To places of active use - in front of front door, a place for children's games - it is better to lay rugs.
• Mechanical damage. Do not drop heavy objects on the laminate.
• spilled liquid. Wipe up spilled liquids on the floor without delay.

Summary

Now you know that laminate differs from other floor coverings not only in beauty and high wear resistance. Caring for laminate flooring in an apartment is a simple and enjoyable experience. Do not believe it - watch the video in this article and see for yourself: if you follow simple rules, the laminate will serve you faithfully for many years.

I look forward to your advice in the comments.

Laminate is a popular floor covering with a multilayer structure. It is distinguished by an attractive appearance, practicality, resistance to deformation. However, despite the good wear resistance of modern flooring, in order to extend the life of the laminate and preserve its aesthetics, it is necessary to follow the rules of care at home and use only products that are safe for such a floor.

The main enemies of laminate flooring are abrasive wear and water.

The top film formed by the acrylic resin with mineral inclusions provides the coating with good wear resistance. The surface after varnishing acquires a glossy sheen or a pleasant matte finish. The main way to preserve the integrity and aesthetics of this layer is to protect it from the main household abrasive - sand. This is easy to do - you need to put a rubber mat at the entrance to the room and periodically clean it.

Since a material with lower wear resistance is usually chosen for residential premises than for public facilities, it is recommended to walk on a laminated board only in slippers. To prevent scratches, it is recommended to place rubber or felt pads under the furniture legs. You can extend the life of the coating with the help of paths or carpets laid in places of the highest traffic. Transparent rugs are placed under frequently moved chairs.

The second reason that can lead to early failure of budget-class laminate boards that are not intended for use in contact with water is a large number water on the surface of the coating. When penetrating into the seams between the panels, water leads to swelling of the main bearing layer of the coating - strips of wood chips pressed with an adhesive. To prevent water from entering the intermediate layer, the panels are never fixed to the substrate with water-based adhesives.

How to properly care for a laminate floor in an apartment or a private house?

Moisture resistance of a laminate does not depend on its class. All manufacturers produce laminate of the same moisture resistance in classes 32-33, however, class 31 laminate has a slightly lower moisture resistance than other classes, but still allows wet cleaning with a carefully wrung out rag.

For laminate grades 33 and above, dry cleaning is combined with wet cleaning, which is usually enough to do once a week.

For a floor made of panels of class 33, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner

Attention! Laminate flooring can be washed daily only if it belongs to the moisture resistant group.

Rules for wet cleaning laminate flooring:

• Water should be clean, its temperature is 35-45°C. During cleaning, it is advisable to change the water frequently.
• To combat heavy pollution, it is recommended to use special means.
• You can refresh the appearance of the coating and maintain shine by adding 9% vinegar (at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of water) or lemon juice.
• When wet cleaning, a rag or sponge is well wrung out to avoid waterlogging.

It is convenient to use a mop with a mechanical wringer

• For manual cleaning, flannel or microfiber cloths are most practical.
• The panels are wiped along the longitudinal axis of the board with a slight pressure, starting from the window and moving towards the door, which will allow you not to walk on already washed areas.
• After cleaning, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

Advice! It is possible to cover the floor with a carpet only after the surface has completely dried.

Features of care for different types of laminate - glossy, matte, white

Material with a matte surface is more prone to collecting dirt than glossy, but it is easier to care for it, especially when using special sprays. If you care for a matte laminate with a damp cloth, then after such cleaning it is necessary to wipe the surface with a dry cloth. If there are chamfers, you need to check if there is any moisture left in them.

The glossy surface has little tendency to collect dirt, but any traces and scratches remain on it. It is recommended to clean such a floor often, since it is quite difficult to remove dirt on it. The cleaning process is also complicated by the fact that after all operations, the panels must be wiped with a dry cloth until a shine appears. The glossy floor does not like walking barefoot.

Careful care needs actual in many modern interiors white laminate, for which it is recommended to use special products and often rinse the rag.

Care products for laminate flooring in the apartment

Laminate floor products available on the market successfully cope with all types of pollution. However, even with full observance of the rules of the instructions attached to the composition, it is advisable to test it on an inconspicuous area of ​​the floor during initial use.

Care products for laminated panels have a different consistency, differ in the method and conditions of use. Purchased products are often used to combat severe pollution, and improvised means are used for periodic routine cleaning. The most popular brands of flooring cleaning compounds: Tyron, Glorix, Mister Proper, Mister Muscle.

Attention! Proper care of eco-friendly cork laminate includes the same measures as for a conventional coating. Cork panels treated with water-repellent compounds tolerate wet cleaning well.

With what means you can take care of the laminate at home - regularly or in emergency situations:

• For regular cleaning, any baby shampoo is suitable, added to warm water at the rate of 1 tablespoon of shampoo per 2 liters of water.
• Traces of lipstick and shoe polish are removed with a cotton swab dipped in white spirit.
• If alcohol gets on the floor, it can be quickly and safely removed with a cloth soaked in warm water with soap and, of course, well wrung out.
• Marks from the felt-tip pen can be smeared with toothpaste, and then wiped with a dry rag.
• Stripes from the sole of the shoe are removed with a stationery eraser or the hard side of a dishwashing sponge.
• Nail polish traces can be removed with a small amount of washing powder. The powder is applied to the stain and wiped with a damp sponge.
• Gum, candle wax or resin. The removal of such contaminants can only be started after they have completely dried. The stain is rapidly cooled, for example, using a bag of meat removed from freezer. Do not remove stains with a metal knife or scraper.

Prohibited funds

Compounds that are prohibited for the care of laminate flooring include:

• Chlorine-containing means of the "Whiteness" type. Chlorine changes the shade of the coating, leading to discoloration.
• Concentrated acids and alkalis. Such substances can not only spoil the surface layer of the material, but also penetrate into the main carrier layer and destroy it.
• Solutions with the presence of ammonia - negatively affect the gloss.
• Polishes not intended for the care of laminate flooring. They can cause streaks and stains.
• Abrasive powders and pastes - lead to rapid wear and deterioration of the aesthetics of the surface layer.

Restoration activities

Sometimes minor damage appears on the laminated panels, which can be eliminated or at least masked with the help of simple operations:

Adviсe! It will not be possible to mask scratches with varnish - the damage will become even more noticeable. It is not recommended to use the mastic used for the care of parquet for continuous processing of the laminate and the elimination of local defects. This is due to the fact that parquet mastic is intended for such absorbent material as wood. On the surface of laminated panels, it forms ugly stains and stains.

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Laminate is a modern floor covering that is both beautiful and practical. In terms of its characteristics and appearance, it is not inferior to parquet, however, it is cheaper, so many prefer it.

Like any other coating, the laminate requires care, because the service life directly depends on it. It is also important to know the basic rules of operation.

Laminate is a decorative floor covering that looks like wood or other material. As a rule, it consists of four layers:

1. stabilizing layer. Increases rigidity and protects against damage and deformation.
2. carrier layer. It is the main part of the structure. Possesses heat-insulating and sound-proof properties. On the carrier layer there is a lock for connecting with other boards.
3. Decorative paper layer. Contains a pattern imitating wood, stone, parquet, ceramic tiles and other coatings.
4. polymer layer. Protects against rubbing, impact and other damage.

The following types of laminate are used in residential premises:

• Suberic. Harmless material with high water-repellent properties.
• Vinyl. Possesses higher rates of rigidity and durability that increases service life.
• Glossy. Attracts with a mirror shine, durability and reliability.

Basic rules for caring for laminate flooring in an apartment

With The life of a laminate in an apartment directly depends on its care. First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the general rules:

1. Carry out dry cleaning 2-3 times a week.
2. Do wet cleaning once a week.
3. Use detergents with a gentle composition.
4. Use only soft cloths and sponges.

There are also a number of restrictions that must be taken into account when caring for a laminate:

1. Refrain from using abrasive products and preparations with a high acidic and alkaline environment.
2. Refuse to use whiteness, chlorine, silicone and mastic.
3. Avoid mechanical impact. Metal brushes and hard sponges are not suitable for cleaning laminate flooring.
4. Avoid excessive wetting of the laminate. Wash with a well wrung out cloth.

How to properly clean laminate floors

Each coating has its own characteristics, so the rules for care also differ. Laminate is considered one of the most sensitive floorings, so it is necessary to wash such floors properly and select cleaning products.

Step-by-step instruction

Washing the laminate is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. Dry clean to remove most of the dust and debris. It is enough to sweep the floor or vacuum.
2. Prepare a bucket of warm water and a soft cloth. Add detergent if necessary.
3. Soak a cloth in water and wring it out thoroughly. The material should be slightly damp.
4. Wash the floor, moving from the far corner of the room to the door.
5. Rinse the cloth after every room.
6. Wipe the wet floor with a dry cloth. It is advisable to choose microfiber.

Detergents

In stores you can find a wide selection of products for washing laminate flooring in any price category. They are highly efficient and take into account the characteristics of the coating. Folk methods are also widely used, which show good results.

Water

To get rid of dust and simple stains, it is enough to wash the floor with water at room temperature. If it was not possible to eliminate any contamination, rinse the problem areas with a cleaning compound and wipe the entire floor again with a soft cloth dampened with water.

Special funds

In the department household chemicals You can always find at least a few laminate care products. Just a few types:

• liquids - fight against pollution, antistatic effect, giving shine;
• stain remover pencils - removing difficult stains;
• sprays - daily care, cleansing, antibacterial action;
• emulsions - giving shine, preventing the appearance of scratches and scuffs;
• sponge (MiraClean) - removes complex stains, including from the marker.

The method of application depends on the specific product and is indicated in the instructions. Manufacturers such as Leifheit Care, Emsal, Ludwik, Vileda Professional and others produce household chemicals for washing laminate.

Baby shampoo

Baby shampoo is considered the best way to wash laminate flooring, since it does not contain aggressive substances.

It is worth considering that only shampoo without dyes and flavors is suitable. As an alternative to baby shampoo, dishwashing detergent can be used, especially in the fight against greasy stains.

1. Pour into a bucket of 3 liters. warm water.
2. Add 3 tbsp. l. baby shampoo or dishwashing gel. Make sure that the agent is completely dissolved.
3. Wet a cloth and wring out well.
4. Wash the floor with soapy water.
5. Wipe again with a cloth dampened with clean water.

Vinegar

Washing laminate flooring with vinegar can restore shine and remove dried-on stains. It also eliminates such problems as divorces. Another advantage of the method is that the laminate dries in seconds.

1. Pour into a bucket of 5 liters. hot water. The temperature should not exceed 90 degrees.
2. Add 250 ml. 9% vinegar.
3. Wet a cloth and squeeze.
4. Wipe the floor. Do not rinse.

Glass cleaner

Easily removes marker and felt-tip pen marks, blood stains, tea, coffee and other complex stains. Alcohol-based products are effective.

1. Spray glass cleaner onto stained area.
2. Wipe stains with a soft cloth.
3. Remove residue with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

How to clean laminate flooring with household appliances

Using a vacuum cleaner and a steam mop makes cleaning much easier. The process takes less time and does not require much effort.

Washing vacuum cleaner

When choosing a washing vacuum cleaner to care for the laminate, you need to pay attention to such nuances:

• power not less than 800 watts;
• the possibility of both wet and dry cleaning;
• the presence of regulation of the liquid used for washing;
• drying mode.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Assemble the vacuum cleaner.
2. Add detergent. The proportions are indicated in the instructions.
3. Set the wet cleaning mode.
4. Start vacuuming the room from the far corner, moving towards the exit.
5. If the vacuum cleaner is not equipped with a dry mode, wipe the floor with a dry soft cloth.

The vacuum cleaner may not completely cope with dried stains, however, the dirt will soften and it will be easier to remove them with the help of improvised means.

steam mop

A steam mop is an easy-to-use device that cleans and washes well and quickly, takes up little space and is inexpensive. As a rule, it has a high power, which allows you to achieve high-quality cleaning. It is advisable to choose a steam mop with the following parameters:

• power 1600-1800 kW;
• several modes of control and steam supply;
• several floor nozzles.

Please note that the steam mop is only suitable for waterproof laminate flooring. You need to choose a gentle mode.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Vacuum the floor.
2. Fill the tank with distilled water.
3. Turn on the mop.
4. Set to gentle mode.
5. Wait until steam starts to be generated.
6. Wash the floor.
7. If you need to add water, unplug the appliance, wait until it cools down, fill in water and turn it on again.
8. Wipe the floor dry with a dry cloth if the laminate is damp.

Some useful advice You can learn about the best way to wash laminate flooring from the video.

Dry cleaning rules

Dry cleaning is recommended to be carried out daily, since the laminate is quite a sensitive coating. Crumbs and small debris can leave scratches, so you should at least sweep the floor at the end of the day. It is enough to clean the laminate with an antistatic effect 2-3 times a week.

Particular attention must be paid to the choice of inventory. Suitable:

• broom;
• soft brush;
• vacuum cleaner with a nozzle for a laminate.

How to properly care for different types of laminate

Depending on the type of laminate, cleaning methods may vary. It is important to take into account the characteristics of each type so that cleaning does not cause problems.

Bevelled laminate

Chamfer - a recess at the joints between adjacent laminate boards. This type of seam can be a serious hindrance to wet cleaning, because water can get into the cracks. It is also possible to clog dirt and dust into the seams.

To save yourself the hassle of cleaning hard-to-reach areas, you should treat the bevel with wax for a water-repellent effect, as recommended by manufacturers.

However, this method does not give a 100% guarantee, so it is advisable to do only dry cleaning with local wet cleaning. If you wipe only the areas with stains with a damp cloth and immediately go through with dry material, there will be no problems.

Light and dark laminate

Washing of light laminate is carried out according to the standard scheme and does not deliver special trouble. As practice shows, difficulties arise precisely in the care of a dark coating. Divorces, stains and other contaminants stand out on it much more strongly, therefore it is recommended to wipe such a floor twice in a row, paying attention to Special attention problem areas.

Matte coating

Dirt builds up and stands out more on a matte laminate than on a glossy one, but the ease of maintenance compensates for this inconvenience. It is recommended to wash this type of coatings with special sprays that easily remove stains. It will be possible to remove simple dirt with warm water, but it is important to remember that after wet cleaning, the laminate must be wiped dry.

How to restore laminate flooring at home

Over time, small scratches and damages appear on the laminate, even with proper care and respect. You should not be upset about this, because all defects can be hidden.

Removing scratches and chips

The appearance of scratches and chips is a fairly common problem. You can deal with them using the following tools:

• Wax crayon (pencil) - the fight against small scratches. Wipe the damaged area with a damp cloth and wipe dry. Paint scratches with melted wax pencil and polish with a soft cloth. Choose according to the color of the coating.
• Pastes and putties - elimination of chips and deep scratches. Clean the area with scratches and chips from dust and dirt. Apply a layer of putty with a spatula, smooth and remove excess with a soft sponge. After an hour, polish with a soft cloth. Choose according to the color of the coating.

Eliminate swelling

Laminate swells easily when exposed to large amounts of water. As a rule, this happens in just a couple of hours if the liquid is not removed in time. It happens that it is not possible to notice the water in time and the boards begin to swell. The situation can be corrected if you follow the plan:

1. Remove all wet boards from the flooring.
2. Wipe dry.
3. Place them under any heavy and hard surface.
4. Leave for 5-7 days.

This time is enough for the boards to regain their shape. Then they can be returned to their places.

Recommendations for the use of laminate flooring at home

Laminate is a rather capricious coating that does not withstand shock and exposure to aggressive substances.

It is also necessary to select gentle cleaning products and materials for washing such a floor, otherwise you can ruin the top layer, which will shorten the service life.

Compliance with the following operating rules helps to avoid such problems:

• do not walk in heels, especially stilettos;
• do not drop heavy and sharp objects;
• refuse to use a knife to remove dried stains;
• attach special pads to furniture legs and place under vases and other decorative elements of the stand;
• do not move furniture;
• eliminate scratches and chips as they appear, otherwise they will deepen over time, destroying the structure of the coating.

Caring for laminate requires a special approach. Cleaning should be regular and at the same time gentle. Then the laminate will last for many years and retain its original appearance.

Laminate is an artificial floor covering that imitates quality natural wood, stone or tile. modern material produced high classes of wear resistance, not afraid of moisture, resistant to deformation. To maintain the aesthetic appearance and characteristics, constant care is required for the laminate, which has specific features.

The importance of caring for laminate flooring

Laminate has high antistatic properties - it does not collect dust, the surface remains visually clean for a long time. Decorative protective layer prevents the penetration and absorption of dirt into the underlying layers, it is easy to clean during cleaning.

But even with careful care, the material needs regular cleaning, which is conditionally divided into:

• wet;
• dry;
• removal of specific contaminants.

Improper use and neglect of cleaning laminate flooring are the main causes of premature abrasion of the decorative coating and its destruction.

Laminate has a complex structure, reminiscent of its structure layer cake. Upper layer- a film that provides decorative properties and coating strength. It is she who requires care, as she scratches and wears out over time.

In addition to ensuring constant cleanliness, deformation prevention is equally important. Every day, sand and a variety of solid particles enter the house on the soles of shoes, which have an abrasive effect on the coating.

Another enemy of laminate flooring is water. These days, waterproof brands of laminate are being produced, the cost of which is too high even for people with average incomes. Therefore, prolonged presence of moisture should be avoided.

Cleaning methods

There are several ways to clean laminate flooring.

Dry

Dry cleaning is performed using:

• broom;
• brushes with non-rigid bristles;
• vacuum cleaner with long hair nozzle.

To care for the laminate at home, regular cleaning of the resulting dust and sand brought from the street is quite enough. Normal cleaning is recommended to be done daily, but taking into account the antistatic effect of the floor, 2-3 times a week is enough.

A washing vacuum cleaner may be used for cleaning only if the coating complies with class 33 and above.

Wet

If you do not forget about periodic dry cleaning, the floor stays clean for a long time, so wet cleaning should be done about 1-2 times a week. Daily wet maintenance of laminate flooring is allowed only for moisture resistant classes.

During the cleaning process, you must adhere to the following rules:

1. Only clean water of 35-45°C should be used, periodically replaced. Under such conditions, there are almost no streaks left on the floor.
2. For heavy soiling, the use of special products is recommended. Also, to refresh the shade and shine of the surface, lemon juice or a spoonful of 9% vinegar is added to the water.
3. The floor should be treated with a carefully wrung out cloth or sponge to avoid waterlogging the surface. It is recommended to use microfiber and a mechanical wringer mop.
4. It is necessary to wash the laminate in the direction of laying the boards, the movements should be light, without much pressure.
5. At the end of cleaning, the surface is carefully wiped with a clean, dry cloth and dried.

The chamfered coating must be washed in such a way that moisture does not accumulate in the depressions, leading to the expansion of the elements.

Cleaning with special products

Safe Substances

The stores have a huge selection of cleaning compounds for laminate flooring and caring for it. But they should not be used daily, but only in cases where severe pollution cannot be removed by wet cleaning with improvised means available in every home.

It is recommended to purchase a product for the care of the laminate and its cleaning only from trusted manufacturers, whose products have shown themselves only on the good side. The point here is not advertising and brand promotion, but the fact that little-known cleaners may contain substances that destroy the upper decorative layer. The floor after their application is unlikely to be able to shine as before.

Among the huge variety of products suitable for caring for laminate, brands such as Tyron, Mister Muskul, Glorix, Mister Proper stand apart.

Valuable advice can be given by a seller from a specialized section of a hypermarket.

home remedies

You can also take care of the coating with self-prepared compositions. They do not harm the coating and are able to effectively remove almost any contamination. For cleaning it is allowed to use:

1. Any baby shampoo that always has a neutral chemical composition. In a bucket filled with warm water, add 5 tbsp. spoons of shampoo, the mixture is thoroughly mixed.
2. To clean light dirt, you can use a solution consisting of vinegar and water in a ratio of 1 to 4.
3. It is also allowed to use a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice, which helps to perfectly polish the glossy surface. To prepare the mixture, you will need 1.5 cups of vinegar, a glass of lemon juice and 2 cups of warm water. 2-3 drops of dishwashing detergent are added to the resulting mixture. The resulting solution foams, it wipes the surface. The product has a polishing effect.

Prohibited Substances

Before you start caring for your laminate flooring using a variety of chemicals, it is necessary to study the recommendations of the manufacturer, and also adhere to the following rules:

1. You can not use bleach and products containing such a component, for example, "Whiteness". Chlorine contributes to the rapid discoloration of the surface, changes the shade of the coating.
2. It is forbidden to use concentrated acids and caustic alkalis. Such substances spoil the external decorative coating, penetrate and destroy the basis of the laminate - fibreboard.
3. It is not permissible to use disinfectants and solutions containing ammonia, which worsens the gloss when exposed to the laminated surface.
4. Do not use polishes designed to care for other types of coatings. There are no universal compositions that are equally suitable for all types of surfaces. A special polish for laminate is produced, and the use of a “foreign” product is fraught with the formation of streaks and hard-to-remove stains, turbidity.
5. To avoid scratches, do not use abrasive powders and pastes, or work with a hard brush on the laminate. They cause rapid wear and loss of aesthetic properties of the coating.
6. It is not recommended to wash the floor with a wet, wrung out cloth with large quantity water. Moisture penetrates into the cracks, which causes the wood fiber base to swell and damage the coating.
7. Detergents should be used in strict accordance with the dosage requirements of the manufacturers. The result of excessive use of detergent compositions can be stains on the surface and damage to the laminate.

How to remove tough stains from laminate flooring

To remove greasy stains or traces of juice, chocolate or wine from the surface of the laminate, the contaminated area is first treated with a conventional cleaning compound that has a neutral pH level. If the manipulations were ineffective, you can wipe the surface with ethyl alcohol.

On the floor in the hallway, there are often traces of lipstick and shoe polish. To remove them, use a cotton pad soaked in white spirit or acetone.

In the same way, you can get rid of ink, marker or chemical pencil stains.

If the traces of the felt-tip pen are not wiped off, the stain is smeared with toothpaste, and then wiped with a soft, dry cloth.

At the same time, the dirt is preliminarily collected with a linen or cotton rag, which absorbs the moisture present on the floor. After applying the paste, you need to wait a few minutes and wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth.

Stripes from shoe soles are easily removed with the hard side of a dishwashing sponge or a piece of nylon. But most often, shoe marks are erased with an ordinary school eraser, as well as moistened baking soda.

Nylon is also used when it is necessary to remove a dried drop of blood after careless handling of a sharp kitchen knife. The window cleaning spray has the same effect as nylon.

To eliminate traces of nail polish, a small amount of washing powder is poured onto the stain and gently wiped with a moistened sponge.

Chewing gum, wax from candles or resin is recommended to be removed only after they have completely hardened. To work, you need to use a plastic scraper that cannot damage the decorative surface. The stain can be quickly cooled with a bag of frozen meat removed from the freezer, and then the contamination is gently removed. When using a metal knife or scraper, scratches may remain on the surface.

Damage

To remove a small scratch, a wax pencil is used that matches the tone of the floor:

• the place around the scratch is cleaned, the resulting dust is removed;
• the place of the defect is processed with a pencil until it disappears completely;
• the area is rubbed with a dry cloth until the color matches the rest of the surface.

At deep scratches you should use a special mastic applied with a plastic glass that comes with the material. Excess paste is removed, the surface is polished with a soft cloth.

Pencil or mastic can be easily matched to any color of the laminate - dark, light, complex shades, for a matte surface.

How to extend the service life

Laminate is considered quite sensitive and "capricious" floor covering, the life of which any owner wants to extend. To do this, you must follow a few simple rules:

• you can not move on the floor in studded shoes, shoes with heels, high heels, it is better to walk in soft slippers or barefoot;
• in daily loaded places (by the sofa or bed, in the children's room, next to the front door), it is recommended to lay rugs or lay special silicone pads;
• it is necessary to constantly monitor the cleanliness of the coating, do not move heavy furniture, quickly wipe off water that accidentally hits the surface;
• to install vases with flowers, you should use special stands or linings, which can also lie under the legs of furniture;
• repair scratches and chips in a timely manner to avoid further damage to the coating.

Like any other material used as a floor covering, laminate has its own characteristics. The specifics of the coating care are as follows:

• the laminated surface is afraid of prolonged exposure to water, so you should always wipe the floor dry after wet cleaning or accidental ingress of any liquid;
• acid-containing, alkaline, abrasive cleaners, as well as metal tools, are not suitable for working with laminate;
• before any treatment of the coating, you should first test the cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area to ensure that there is no reaction to active substances;
• stains of any origin cannot be soaked;
• cleaning agents should not be left on the surface for a long time;
• drying of the coating should be carried out only natural way, do not use a fan, heater or hair dryer.

The main rule, the observance of which will ensure the preservation of the appearance of the laminate for many years, is careful use, systematic cleaning and the implementation of the manufacturer's recommendations regarding operation and maintenance.

Features of the care of the laminate and how to wash it. How to properly restore the flooring and extend its life. What not to do when cleaning.

The content of the article:

Caring for laminate flooring is a task that everyone who has laid this flooring at home or in an apartment faces. When starting a renovation, consider all the pros and cons of such finishing. It also does not hurt to learn how to care for the laminate correctly and what to do in emergency situations (stains from persistent dyes, felt-tip pens, grease, swelling due to accidentally spilled water, chips from heavy objects that have fallen on the floor).

Floor laminate structure

Often this coating is called laminated parquet, but the difference between the two types of finishes is significant. The laminate is a kind of layered cake", which consists of:

1. stabilizing layer. It is represented by a dense kraft cardboard impregnated with melamine. To improve the soundproofing properties of the laminate, in some cases a soundproofing layer is also glued to it.
2. carrier layer. This is actually the "body" of the laminate. In economy class models and some representatives of the middle price category, it is made of a dense chipboard. In an expensive laminate, the carrier layer is natural wood. It is much stronger than chipboard. In the carrier layer, locks are cut that connect adjacent lamellas.
3. decorative layer. Plain paper, printed and impregnated with melamine. Thanks to this layer, the laminate imitates everything - river pebbles and marble, natural wood of various species and ceramic tiles.
4. top or protective layer. How long the appearance of the coating will please depends on its thickness and quality.

In addition to the classic laminate, there are waterproof types of this flooring. The main layer in them is not represented by wood or chipboard, but by special durable plastic with air chambers. Caring for such a laminate is 90% easier than conventional and moisture-resistant, having a wood / chipboard base.

How to clean laminate

The tree does not like water, especially for materials made from the waste of the wood industry. Since 80% of us like to save money, we buy a laminate or an economy class, or a medium one, the basis of which is chipboard. Chipboard is afraid of water - it swells with prolonged exposure, rendering the coating unusable.

However, the laminate can and should be washed, though not too often. The main thing is to choose the right detergents for this. It is difficult to find household chemicals only for laminate flooring. Any non-aggressive agent in the form of a gel or liquid diluted in water is suitable for the floor. Soak a cloth in the solution, wring it out well and wipe the floor with it.

Laminate care products that can be found in any household chemical store - Mr. Propper and Mr. Muscle. Dilute them with water according to the instructions, wet a rag and wipe the floor. Perfect option- buy a special mop, on which, with the help of a simple device, you can wring out the washing surface well.

If Muscle and Propper are not at hand, any neutral pH laminate cleaner can be used for cleaning. In the absence of a suitable one, look at what ingredients are included in the available household chemicals. The simpler the composition (nonionic substances, fragrance, preservatives), the safer means. Knowing how and how to properly wash the laminate, you will keep its attractive appearance for a long time.

Consider the methods of wet cleaning laminate:

• Method one "water and a rag". Use a flat mop for cleaning, which has a device for wringing out a cleaning cloth. Pour water into a bucket, moisten a rag, wring it out using a special lever on a mop. Wipe the floor quickly, then rub it by hand with a dry cloth.
• Method two "hot water and a rag". Use very hot water, but not boiling water. The procedure is the same: wetted, squeezed, washed, rubbed. Hot water is the best way to wash possible dirt on the laminate.
• Method three "water and vinegar". Relevant if the floor in some places is dirty and has ceased to shine. Pour into a liter of slightly warm water? cups of white vinegar, stir. Pour into a spray bottle and use a soft, dry cloth. Spray on small area floors and start wiping immediately. When the surface shines, rinse it with clean water, wipe it dry and continue cleaning.
• Method four "baby shampoo". Pour into the bucket hard hot water, add a couple of tablespoons of baby shampoo, stir. Do the classic cleaning. Finally, dry the floor thoroughly.

Note! Household chemicals should not contain sodium hypochlorite. You can use this composition once. But frequent washing of the laminate will lead to loss of gloss and discoloration.

Features of laminate restoration

Caring for a laminate floor is not only dry and wet cleaning, but also emergency help coating in case of scratches, chips, swelling. Juice stains, wine and drawings with felt-tip pens stand apart. A laminate floor is a convenient easel for children, so multi-colored stripes, or even whole paintings, especially if a small artist lives in the house, can appear regularly.

How to Repair Scratches in Laminate

Scratches appear as a result of improper use of the floor covering - from children's toys (cars), moving furniture, under the legs of which there are no linings. Do not leave such defects on the floor unattended. Grains of sand will gradually increase the scratch, and dust and possible dirt will get stuck, as a result, you will have to change the entire lamella, and this is already a small repair.

To remove a small defect, use a wax pencil (select to match the floor):

1. Clean the scratch, remove all dust from the floor with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Run a pencil over the scratch. Repeat the action until the flaw disappears.
3. Polish with a dry cloth.

If the defect is deep, the pencil will not help, use either mastic or paste:

• Apply mastic with a plastic glass (included), remove excess from the surface, polish with a soft cloth. You can walk around this place right away.
• Pasta is thinner than mastic. Apply it with a plastic spatula to the cleaned scratch, smooth, wipe with a damp sponge, and then with a dry soft cloth. Cover the place with something. You can walk on it in a couple of hours.

Finding the right color pencil is easy. On sale you can find a shade for any laminate. It is more difficult with mastics and pastes, they are produced in a limited palette of colors. To get the right shade, you have to experiment: take several colors and mix in different proportions until you get the right one.

How to remove chips from laminate

Appear as a result of a heavy object falling to the floor. Most often found in the kitchen. Caring for such a floor is to repair it as soon as possible, since the chipped area is most susceptible to the penetration of moisture, dust, and debris.

Clean up the defect. Melt the special putty with a burner. Apply it to the defect and immediately remove the excess that has fallen on the surface of the laminate next to the chip. Let dry, sand and polish.

Take care of such a floor in the same way as before: daily dry cleaning, wet cleaning 2 times a week, special application once a year. means (mastics).

Elimination of swelling of the laminate

It occurs if water is spilled on the floor and it is not immediately removed. A wet lamella increases in size, its edges swell and wrap. If a lot of time has passed since the ingress of water, the situation can only be corrected by replacing the floorboards.

If the lamella spent an hour and a half under water, try to save it:

1. Disassemble the floor a little further than the “accident” site.
2. Lay the swollen floorboards on a flat surface (on paper) and leave to dry.
3. Do not collect the floor, arrange a good draft that will remove moisture from the space under the laminate.
4. Reassemble the floor, and place the affected lamella away from the source of possible moisture ingress.

Floor care after an accident is standard, but be sure to seal all joints between the slats with sealant. It is very good if they miss the locks while picking up the flooring.

Removing patterns from laminate

How to remove marks from felt-tip pens depends on the basis on which their ink is made. There are several options to get rid of them:

• Take an eraser, Kohinoor is better, and erase the drawing with it. If the idea is successful, complete the work by soaking a cotton swab in alcohol or vodka, and then wipe the floor with any suitable detergent and wipe it dry. The method is effective for alcohol-based markers.
• Take a microfiber cloth and try to erase the pattern. Then wipe the area with a damp and then dry cloth.
• Squeeze onto the stain toothpaste. Take the microfiber and wipe off the marker. If it worked, repeat on the remaining drawings. Then wipe the floor with a damp and dry cloth. Do not use whitening toothpaste and gel!
• Soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover, acetone, or white spirit. Try it on a small piece of laminate. If the felt-tip pen is removed, and the floor surface remains the same, carefully remove the remaining traces of the child's creativity.
• Water-based markers are easily washed off with clean water. Be sure to wipe the floor dry after cleaning.

How to remove stains from laminate flooring

In addition to drawings with felt-tip pens, blood can get on the floor in case of an accidental cut, tar from a Christmas tree, alcohol during a holiday, stripes from street shoes, if one of the household decided to run around the house without undressing.

Dealing with such stains is not difficult:

1. Dried blood can be removed with any window cleaner.
2. The resin from the Christmas tree needs to be frozen (put ice from the freezer on top), then carefully separate it from the floor with a plastic scraper. Clean the area with window cleaner.
3. Color alcoholic drink removed with water and detergent (one of the misters is suitable - Propper or Muscle). If it doesn't work, soak a cotton swab in denatured alcohol and try it on a small piece of laminate, and then evaluate what happened. If the floor surface is unaffected, remove the entire stain. After that, wipe the floor with a damp and then dry cloth.
4. Stripes from the rubber soles of street shoes can be removed with a regular eraser - just wipe them off the floor and then rinse it. And don't forget to wipe dry!

Laminate care instructions

There are several varieties of this flooring: the usual one, designed for installation in rooms with normal humidity, and moisture-resistant, which is laid where there is a high probability of accidentally spilling water (in the kitchen).

Moisture resistant laminate it is allowed to lay in the bathroom, but you will have to use the shower carefully. A few drops of moisture won't harm the floor, but regular water spills will ruin even the most expensive laminate flooring. For the bathroom, the best option is a waterproof version made of plastic.

The rules for caring for laminate flooring regulate the procedure, as a result of which the floor will remain beautiful for a long time. They need to be produced constantly:

• Pay attention to the entrance area. Dust, sand, soil particles are always collected here. To prevent them from spreading around the room, put a dust mat at the entrance. Every time you come from the street, carry out a wet cleaning of this area, and shake out the rug. Clean entry - 50% of your laminate care work!
• Remove all sharp objects. You can’t walk on stilettos and move furniture on home laminate (you can on a commercial one). To avoid scratches and dents, walk around the house in slippers, and “shod” furniture legs in felt shoes or glue special pads on them that are sold at any hardware store.
• Replace regular rollers with rubber ones. Some furniture (such as computer chairs) has wheels, but they are 90% plastic. If you ride them on a laminate, stripes will inevitably remain, which are difficult to get rid of. Replace such rollers with rubber ones and ride on your health!
• Eliminate or minimize water intrusion on the floor. A moisture-resistant laminate with high-quality insulated joints between the lamellas can be painlessly exposed to moisture for up to an hour. Further, the water will still find a tiny slit and begin to seep inside.
• Caring for laminate in the kitchen comes down to limiting moisture ingress: provide all flower pots with deep saucers, lay a rug on the floor near the sink. If water gets on it, remove it to dry and lay it dry.
• Dry clean with a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
• Do wet cleaning with a well-wrung cloth no more than 2 times a week. Change the water frequently during cleaning to avoid streaks on the floor. Be sure to dry the surface with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth.
• Use only special laminate care products.
• Once a year, treat the floor with special mastic.

What not to do when caring for laminate

Laminated surfaces are quite capricious in care, despite the fact that immediately after laying and during the time until protective covering whole, it is enough to vacuum the floor regularly and wipe it several times a week with a slightly damp cloth.

The following actions cannot be performed if you plan to keep the coating in its original form for as long as possible:

1. Use products containing alkali and acid, and powders containing abrasive particles.
2. Use sharp objects for cleaning.
3. Pour water on the floor while cleaning.
4. Keep many pets. If you love cats and dogs, put a more democratic flooring, such as linoleum or a higher-class laminate.
5. Use parquet products containing wax and oil for surface treatment. They do not penetrate inside the lamellas, creating a film on the surface, to which dust and debris adhere well.
6. Use gloss products containing glycerin. Getting into the joints, they swell the edges of the lamellas.

How to care for laminate - look at the video:

Caring for laminate flooring at home is quite simple. It is much more important and more difficult to properly operate this coating. Teach your family to undress at the entrance, and then go barefoot or in soft slippers, do not spill water on the floor and do not draw with felt-tip pens! Then cleaning will consist of a daily “walk” with a vacuum cleaner and one-time weekly “races” with a damp cloth.