Have you recently installed laminate floors, and would like to preserve its beauty? Here are some tips to extend its life and keep laminate flooring looking pristine year-round:

Tips for Protecting Laminate Floors

• Regular Cleaning – cleaning should be performed often, which would optimally be each day, or at least once per week. This includes vacuuming excess dust and debris, and using a soft microfiber cloth or mop to remove stuck on dirt and grime. A steam mop is ideal for cleaning laminate floors.
• Floor Cleaners – when using any type of floor cleaner, be sure to use only cleaners that are made specifically for laminate flooring. Many store bought and all-purpose cleaners may be too harsh, and strip natural coloring away from the laminate flooring. And speaking of tools, avoid items that will scratch the laminate floors such as wool or scotch sponge dish cleaners.
• Protective Accessories – to prevent scratches and dents, be sure to use a mat at each entryway, remove pointy shoes and keep the nails of family pets trimmed. In addition, when moving heavy furniture, protectors should be used underneath to avoid denting the flooring.
• Proactive Protection – no matter how careful we are, accidents happen. As soon as they do - where food and drinks are concerned, these should be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent them from penetrating or staining the laminate flooring.
• Replace Broken Boards – similar to caring for roofing, if one shinglee breaks or becomes eroded, spares should be kept to replace these. Most laminate floors can be easily installed with peel and seal or click-in options.
• Humidity – keep the indoor temperatures away from extremes, especially in the summer or wintertime. A humidifier or dehumidifier is helpful for achieving this.
• Window Treatments – block out the sun's harmful UV rays and prevents premature oxidation and weathering.

Stains on Laminate Flooring

Every so often laminate floors will endure stains. Here are some quick tricks to remove hard stains easily – and without damaging your floors.

• Nail polish – and markers can be used by using regular nail polish remover. Just a quick dab, followed by water will do the trick. The same tip can be used for stains like oil, tar or paint.
• Pet Stains – can be lifted with a pet stain remover.
• Gum – may be trickier to remove. Use ice to loosen the gum, then use a gentle scraper to untangle. One useful item that may be laying around is a debit or credit card. The same can be done for wax stains from candles for instance.

Most of the tips are applicable to timber flooring, laminate flooring in Auckland too. For wooden flooring, it's important to prevent scratches and dents and this can be accomplished by using furniture protectors and removing shoes upon entry in the home.

Today's hybrid of laminate floors are more durable and beautiful than ever. Make the most of your flooring to keep it shiny, pristine, and looking like new for years to come - with these cool tips.