With the current popularity of laminate flooring it is no wonder that so many cleaning products are being introduced specifically to clean them. Not all of these products are actually what they claim. Be very careful when choosing a cleanser for your laminate flooring. To choose a safe laminate floor cleaner there are some things you must know. First and foremost never use any type of cleaner that works by excessive amounts of liquid or uses steam.
Liquids and steam will damage your flooring beyond repair. At first your floors will look beautiful. The shine created by these products will amaze you, but what is underneath is terrifying. When you use these kinds of cleaners they soak through your flooring. Because laminate flooring does not breathe like real wood the liquid stays inside the floor. This eats your flooring from the inside out, slowly rotting the inside of the floor. Eventually the flooring will not only become weak and damaged but it will also be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. For this reason never apply cleaner directly to your floor, always use a mop that is barely damp, and avoid close or prolonged contact with liquid and steam.
Another type of cleaners to avoid is any that claim to leave a protective coating on your floor. This includes, but is not limited to, wax. Laminate flooring is not wood. You do not need to polish a laminate floor because it has its own shine. These cleaners and waxes will look nice for few uses but after 2 or 3 months they begin to change to a gray or yellow color. This forms a film that makes your floors look dirty and dull. The film caused by these cleansers can be difficult to remove and ruin your investment. If this type of build p occurs on your laminate flooring find a cleanser that will strip the layer off. Do not try to refinish your laminate floor. You will not be pleased with the results that sanding will bring.
The best way to choose a laminate floor cleaner is to look for a product that when applied by a damp, but not wet, mop will lift dirt with out actually polishing the floor. By following these simple rules you will preserve your flooring for years to come. Protecting your investment will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your floors more freely. They really are the easiest type of flooring to care for know that you know the proper treatment they require.
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