Take care of your laminate flooring investment and it will reward you and your home for many, many years to come!

Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding laminate floor upkeep can be a determining factor in the type of flooring you purchase.

This section is about the care, considerations, and cautions of maintaining a laminate floors. Read the following advice and learn more about smart and durable laminate flooring.

Dirt is the enemy, use these weapons

• Laminate floors are beautiful and very durable but not indestructible. Floors can dull when unattended dirt acts as an abrasive on its surface.


• This can be avoided by sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming regularly to remove loose dirt and grit.


• You can use a broom or, to make the job faster, a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar is also recommended.


• Vacuum cleaner attachments are useful to pick up dirt from between planks or along edges.


• An occasional damp mopping is also suggested. However, your laminate flooring can expand if excessive water is used while cleaning.


• After damp mopping, a clean dry cloth should be used to wipe your floor thoroughly.


• Placing doormats or walk-off mats at each entryway will collect excessive moisture and dirt before they enter your home.

Tips and Hints, Do’s and Don’ts

• Glides or floor protectors on the bottom of your furniture will prevent possible scratching or abrasion.


• It’s important to lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling them.


• Use pieces of carpet face down under heavy objects when moving them across your floor. Get a small army of helpers to move that pool table.


• Spot cleaning and occasional complete cleaning of your laminate floor can be done using the manufacturer’s recommended products.


• Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder.


• Do not use soap-based detergents or “mop-and-shine” products.


• Never flood your floor with water or cleaner.


• Do not wax or polish your laminate floor.


• Never try to refinish or sand your laminate floor. That’s a real no-no.


• Durable but not indestructible, your laminate floor can be damaged by stiletto heels.


• The finish on your laminate floor can help protect the floor from sunlight and the typical fading you find with aging hardwood floors.


• Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation. However, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with your original product.

Proper care and regular maintenance of your laminate flooring will provide you and your home with many years of beauty, warmth and durability.

For more maintenance information specific to your hardwood flooring, remember to consult the wood floor’s manufacturer recommendations.