Means and rules on how to care for a laminate in an apartment at home

Laminate floors are popular, among other things, because of their durability, but for them to last a very long time, you need to know how to maintain them properly. The first laminate flooring was developed in Sweden in 1977 and since then has evolved considerably both in terms of external characteristics and inherent properties.

Composition and characteristics of the material

Translated from Latin "laminated" means "in layers", the material received this name due to the multi-layered structure. Currently, each element consists of four layers:

• At the very bottom is a protective layer that increases the rigidity of the coating. Its functions also include stabilization.
• The second layer is the most important, it is the basis of the floor covering, as a rule, it is made of fiberboard. This piece provides thermal and sound insulation, as well as fixing the elements together thanks to the lock cut into the thickness of the plate.
• The appearance of the laminate is due to the third layer, which is a paper with an applied pattern, most often imitating valuable wood species.
• The surface layer is made of resins to protect it from moisture and external influences. In accordance with the design, it may have irregularities inherent in natural wood.

Classes of resistance to wear and humidity

According to the generally accepted classification, all types of laminate are divided into 2 groups: domestic, for domestic use, and commercial, for use in rooms with a high load on the floor. There are 6 classes of laminate, depending on the ability to support the load.

21-23

Household laminate of classes 21-23 is characterized by low cost and has a service life of 1-6 years. For the manufacture of its base, fiberboard and MDF panels with a thickness of 6-7 mm were used. Currently out of production.

31

Class 31 laminate is used in low traffic offices, reception rooms and meeting rooms. The service life in commercial premises with a low load is 2-3 years, but if you apply such a coating in an apartment, the floor will retain its appearance for up to 12 years in the bedroom or closet.

32

The coating is recommended for offices with an average load, where it will last up to 5 years. In the home, Grade 32 laminate flooring is installed in frequently used spaces such as the hallway and kitchen and has not been altered for 15 years. The most popular class today, both in commercial and residential premises.

33

Class 33 laminate flooring with increased wear resistance is suitable for rooms through which a large number of people pass during the day. Under high load conditions, the service life will be up to 6 years, and in an apartment - more than 20 years.

Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty for this category of coverage.

34 years and over

This type of laminate can be used in industrial buildings, stations, airports, fitness centers, dance clubs - that is, in rooms with an increased floor load. An additional benefit of the coating is water and fire resistance. The manufacturer's warranty for Class 34 laminate is given starting at 10 years for commercial use and 25 years for domestic use.

Rules of care

Caring for the laminate floor in the apartment is not difficult, you just need to remember a few rules that will allow you to maintain the appearance and extend the life of the material. When caring for the coating, it is recommended to observe the following principles:

• Regular wet and dry cleaning.
• Use of products and equipment adapted to the maintenance of the equipment.
• Removing dirt and stains as soon as they are found.
• Restoration of scratches and chips.
• Waterproof.

Types of cleaning

The laminate is cleaned both dry and wet.It is important to clean the coating regularly so that the trapped grains of sand do not leave micro-scratches and the accumulation of dust does not turn into persistent dirt.

Dry

Dry cleaning of laminate is done every few days or daily if necessary. Dust is collected using a vacuum cleaner with a soft tip, a broom with soft synthetic bristles or an ordinary broom.

Wet

Wet cleaning of laminate floors is carried out once a week. To do this, a soft cloth is moistened in water and wrung out well; it is convenient to use a special mop with mechanical wringing. The detergent is chosen suitable for the laminate; in the absence of specialized detergent, baby shampoo can be diluted in water.

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How to wash properly at home

The main condition for good cleaning of laminate floors is a small amount of water. The contact of the coating with the liquid is minimized to avoid deformation of the floor. Cleaning can be done with a mop, an ordinary doormat, or a household appliance such as a vacuum cleaner if the characteristics of the laminate allow it.

washing machine vacuum cleaner

The vacuum cleaner should only be used to clean impervious commercial laminate flooring as specified in the manufacturer's care instructions for the flooring. It is better to use a vacuum cleaner specially designed for laminate floors, the device has a reduced water jet and increased suction. If wet cleaning is carried out using a universal washing vacuum cleaner, a special soft nozzle for laminate is required.

The clear water

If the surface is not very dirty, a damp cleaning can be done with a cloth or mop and plain warm water. Do not use liquid that is too hot, it will cause deformation of the laminate.

Special cleaning agents

Laminate flooring can be cleaned with a special or general detergent. Before buying, you need to study the label and make sure that the composition is safe for laminate. Before starting to wash the entire surface, the product is tested on a small area.

Glorix

Glorix for floor cleaning is a chlorine-free liquid suitable for treating various surfaces, including laminate. Just add a capful to a bucket of water. The product has a pleasant fragrance and does not leave streaks.

Synergistic

Synergetic is a concentrated multi-agent ideal for parquet and laminate floors. In the manufacture of the liquid, innovative and high-quality German developments are used, but the product is produced in Russia, which leads to high quality at a affordable price.

"Correct"

"Mister Proper" floor and wall washing liquid is suitable for cleaning various surfaces, including laminate. The advantages of the product include the fact that it does not need to be washed off after use and wiped off. For the treatment of laminate floors, the liquid is used in diluted form: 60 ml of the product is diluted in 5 liters of water.

"Mr Muscular"

Mister Muscle universal detergent is suitable for cleaning floors as well as other surfaces. Several fragrance options presented in the range allow you to choose a fragrance to your liking. In addition to removing dirt, the agent has an antibacterial effect.

Organic Mellerud

The laminate and cork care product from the German manufacturer Mellerud Bio is used for regular maintenance and can remove stubborn dirt such as grease and shoe marks. When used regularly, it creates a protective barrier that prevents dirt buildup.

Emsal laminate

The product is made in a translucent plastic bottle with a dispensing cap, which allows you to easily measure the required amount and control consumption. The liquid thoroughly cleans the surface without leaving streaks. The inherent antistatic effect of Emsal laminate prevents the formation of an electric charge on the floor, which will be convenient for pet owners, as it prevents the wool from sticking.

Pronto

Pronto parquet cleaner removes impurities of various origins, acts gently on the skin of the hands, has a pleasant smell that quickly disappears. Convenient packaging with a handle that allows you to easily pour liquid into a measuring cap is one of the advantages of the product.

H.G.

Concentrated laminate cleaner and shine remover that removes light, stubborn dirt. Regular cleaning is carried out by diluting HG with water, and to remove stubborn stains, the liquid is left undiluted on the problem area for several minutes, after which it is wiped off.

Laminol

The laminated detergent concentrate comes in a black bottle with a measuring cap. The professional product is biodegradable and does not irritate the skin of the hands; after cleaning does not require rinsing and does not leave traces. It is recommended to determine the optimal concentration based on the type and degree of contamination, the hardness and temperature of the water, the type of surface and other washing conditions.

meine liebe

Meine Liebe concentrate is specially designed for cleaning laminate and parquet floors, but is also suitable for other surfaces. The universal liquid can be used both for wet cleaning by hand and for washing vacuum cleaners. The product cleans thoroughly and without leaving traces of dirt, gives shine and freshness, creates a water-repellent effect.

Luxus

Means for cleaning laminate and cork floors “Clean floor. Laminate ", produced under the German brand of household chemicals Luxus Professional, is economically consumed, gives a gloss to the surface and has protective properties. When using the liquid, the structure of the coating is not damaged, which has a positive effect on appearance and properties.

Grass

When wet cleaning the floor with Grass Parquet and Laminate Cleaner, dust and dirt are effectively removed without leaving streaks. The treated floor does not need to be rinsed with clean water, the coating acquires shine and improved appearance.

Sarma

Sarma Floor Cleaner is an economical and common option that can be found at almost any hardware store. The concentrate is intended for manual cleaning, does not contain chlorine, cleans and disinfects the surface.

Lobacare Laminate Cleaner

LOBA is one of the leading German manufacturers of finishing materials and maintenance systems for wood floors, wood floors and cork floors. LOBACARE Laminat Cleaner, pH neutral, is used to clean laminate floors as well as plastic coated walls, doors and furniture. Leaves no streaks when dry.

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Sidolux expert

The Sidolux Expert Cleaner for laminate and wood surfaces contains a natural extract of argan oil, which not only promotes the maintenance of the material, but also improves the depth of the color, thus improving the appearance.

The benefits of the liquid include effective dirt removal, no streaks after use, and a mild, pleasant smell.

Solvents for stubborn stains

It's best to try to remove stubborn stains with a laminate stain remover available at your hardware store. Among the generally available solvents, you can use acetone or white spirit. The product is applied to the dirt, left to act for a few minutes, then washed off with clear water and wiped dry. The solvent is pre-tested on a discrete area of ​​the laminate.

A Versatile Homemade Vinegar Recipe

The vinegar will help clean dirt from your laminate floor, disinfect the surface and give it a shine. For treatment, prepare a solution of vinegar and water. The floor is washed with a cloth soaked in liquid and wrung well, it is not necessary to rinse it with clean water.

steam cleaner

Class 32-34 laminate can be treated with a steam cleaner, this method is suitable for both regular cleaning and for removing stubborn dirt. There are a number of nuances when using the device:

• Cleaning with a steam cleaner is recommended at least once a week, this will prevent the accumulation of dust and the formation of stubborn dirt.
• It is better to release steam not constantly, but periodically.
• The surface of the laminate is cleaned of dust using the supplied brush.
• Disinfection and removal of dirt is carried out with a microfiber cloth.
• To remove stains, add an appropriate detergent without beeswax without glycerin or table vinegar to the water.

Prohibited substances

When caring for a laminate, it is necessary to choose an acid-neutral product without hard particles in the composition. You should refrain from using certain substances that can damage the surface in some way.

Preparations containing particles

Laminate floors should not be cleaned with harsh abrasives. They can damage the surface of the laminate, leaving invisible scratches where dust will collect.

Preparations with an increased acidic or alkaline environment

Concentrated acids and alkalis negatively affect the top layer, destroying its integrity and damaging the appearance. In addition, they can penetrate and damage the inner layer of the laminate.

Substances containing chlorine

When choosing a liquid for cleaning the floor, carefully study the composition. Detergents containing chlorine (such as the widely used "whitener") will cause the laminate to lose color.

Products containing ammonia

When caring for the laminate surface, avoid ammonia preparations. Their use will cause a loss of shine.

polished

Laminate should not be treated with polishes intended for other types of surfaces. The consequences can be streaks or spots.

Use lots of water

Water penetrates the joints and is absorbed into the inner layers of the floor elements, from which it swells.That is why the formation of puddles on the surface of the laminate should not be allowed, and cleaning is done only with a well-wrung cloth, in some cases wiping the floor after washing.

How to Clean Stubborn Stains

The general rule for removing stains from a laminate floor is to start removing as soon as possible. Over time, dirt eats away at the surface and becomes more resistant.

Spots are rubbed in the direction from the edges to the middle, so as not to increase the area of ​​​​the lesion.

Zelenka

If a brilliant green is spilled on the laminate, you should immediately collect the liquid as much as possible with the help of absorbents - dry towels, toilet paper, salt, starch, sand. Brilliant green will only be coated with damp cloths. After most of the liquid has been collected, the stain is wiped with a cotton swab moistened with glass cleaner, alcohol, kerosene or gasoline until the dirt is removed from the laminate. Aggressive agents must first be controlled in an inconspicuous area.

Dye

Oil paint can be removed from laminate floors with white spirit or automotive chemicals, and bitumen strippers are best. Scratching with a pointed object is strongly discouraged.

Polyurethane foam

Drops of polyurethane foam are removed from the laminate using "Dimexidum" - a drug that can be purchased at the pharmacy. The stain is gently wiped off with a product applied to a cotton ball.

Acrylic paints

Until the acrylic paint has hardened, a damp sponge will help remove dirt from the laminate. After drying, and acrylic dries almost immediately, it is better to use special acrylic paint removers, which are sold in hardware stores.

Plaster

Gypsum hardens very quickly, so it is better to remove drops of material on the laminate as soon as possible. If the gypsum has had time to harden, it is soaked with a damp cloth left on it until it softens, and washed with vinegar.

Scotch tape marks

Minor traces of tape are wiped off with an eraser, but if the method does not completely help, the sticky spot is washed off with soapy water. Complex or bulky contamination is removed with vodka or alcohol.

Wine or brandy stains

Alcohol stains are best removed with a soft cloth dampened in a mild detergent solution. After removing the stain, the surface is washed with clean water.

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Gum, gum, wax or glue

The freezing method will help remove clinging gum, wax that has dripped from a burning candle, resin that has fallen from a Christmas tree, or accidental glue from laminate flooring. A piece of ice or a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer is placed over the dried contamination and then scraped off with a scraper.

Blood

Blood stains are removed with glass cleaner. A cotton ball is soaked in liquid and the dirt is gently wiped off.

Markers and ink

How to remove stains left by writing and drawing tools depends on the substrate on which the felt pen or marker is made. The easiest way to remove marks from a water-based felt-tip pen is to treat the contamination with plain water.

The mark of an alcohol-based marker is removed by first rubbing the dirt with an eraser, then a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or vodka, after which the floor is washed in the usual way.

The most stubborn dirt will succumb to toothpaste or solvents. The non-whitening paste is applied to the stain and then removed with a soft cloth. Solvents such as acetone, nail polish remover or white spirit are pre-tested in a small area, if there is no deformation of the material, contamination is removed over the entire area.

Shoe stains and streaks

Often, dark stripes remain on the ground surface due to tangential contact with the sole of the boots. This dirt can be removed with a stationery eraser.

How to properly remove damage

No matter how carefully the laminate is handled, small scratches may form on its surface from sand brought onto the shoe, chips from falling heavy or sharp objects, and other damage. They can and should be eliminated. This will restore the attractiveness of the coating and protect its structure.

small scratch

Small scratches may not be noticeable at first glance, but over time they lead to serious problems with the appearance of laminate flooring, as they violate its integrity. Defects should be dealt with as soon as they are discovered. To remove a small scratch, a few drops of olive oil are applied to a thoroughly washed and dried problem area, rubbed into the damage and carefully buffed with a dry towel. If necessary, repeat the procedure after a few days.

deep scratch

Special products of a suitable color purchased at hardware stores will help close deep scratches:

• crayon;
• repair paste or putty;
• mastic for the restoration of laminate or wooden floors;
• acrylic varnish for glossy laminate;
• gypsum mixed with sawdust.

What is the difference between caring for white and dark material

The white laminate floor looks very elegant, but even small dirt and grains of sand become immediately visible on it. In addition, dust accumulates in the form of minor damage and micro-scratches, giving a stale and messy appearance. In this regard, the white material requires frequent and thorough cleaning.

Detergent stains are particularly visible on dark laminate floors and should be rinsed off with clean water. Accumulated gray dust spoils the appearance of dark laminate, which is removed as part of regular cleaning or as needed.

How to extend the life

In order for the laminate to fulfill the period declared by the manufacturer, it is necessary to carefully handle the coating, regularly clean it and provide the necessary care. It should be remembered that the service life of the floor is laid even at the stage of its installation, in connection with which it is necessary to lay the laminate in accordance with the standards and requirements.

In addition, a long service life is due to the correct choice of material, taking into account the expected functional load and operating conditions.

The reasons for squeaking and their elimination

Laminate floors can squeak for various reasons: due to a difference in the height of the base, incorrect selection or fixing of the substrate, friction of the interlocking joint of the floor elements, installation low-quality, from a violation of the humidity regime in the room . In addition, plastic skirting boards in contact with the laminate surface can produce an unpleasant noise when walking. It's best to let a professional determine the cause of the tightening and choose a way to eliminate it.

In some cases, the problem is easy to fix. For example, if the noise is due to the friction of the plastic inserts at the ends of the connections, the wax up will be useful. But it also happens that it is impossible to get rid of the squeak without replacing the laminate in part or in whole.

Useful tips

In order for the laminate floor to serve for a long time and at the same time not lose its attractive appearance, it is necessary to remember some points:

• Outdoor shoes should not be worn in rooms with laminate floors. The stiletto heels of women's shoes and the sand brought to the sole can damage the coating.
• It is better to put a carpet in front of the door. It will protect the high traffic area and trap dirt from the street.
• Place soft pads, such as felt, under furniture legs.
• Computer chair wheels should be rubberized.
• If there are pets, they should trim their nails regularly.
• The use of special varnishes twice a year improves the color of the laminate, eliminates scratches and maintains its gloss and cleanliness for a long time.

Laminate is a beautiful and durable coating that is used both in apartments and in private houses. A wide range of color options allows you to choose an option for any interior.

In order for such a floor to serve for a long time without losing its beauty and cleanliness, it is necessary to take care of it regularly, following simple recommendations.