E05 - CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
E05-1 Laminate Flooring Maintenace
E05-2 Remember
E05-2 Remember
Preface:
This guide on cleaning and maintenance of laminate flooring is provided for general information only. Specifiers and/or persons requiring specific cleaning and maintenance information about laminate flooring should verify the requirements with the selected laminate flooring material manufacturer.
1 • LAMINATE FLOORING MAINTENANCE
.01 Laminate flooring is one of the easiest of all floor surfaces to keep clean and new looking. Laminate flooring finishes are hard and durable, so dirt and dust does not readily stick to them. Although pre-finished, laminate floors still require care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
.02 What is minimum care? The following general maintenance procedures govern all laminate flooring as noted:
.03 In all cases and for all types of laminate flooring it is extremely important to consult with the laminate flooring manufacturer or supplier for specific cleaning and maintenance procedures, including products to be used.
.04 While laminate is remarkably durable, there is no such thing as an indestructible flooring material. There are a few simple protective measures that are important to keep laminate flooring looking new.
.05 In addition to the care and maintenance procedures indicated, the life of laminate flooring can be extended if extremes in temperature or humidity conditions are avoided. Laminate flooring will perform at its best when climate-controlled conditions of 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F) and 45% to 65% relative humidity are maintained in the home or office.
This guide on cleaning and maintenance of laminate flooring is provided for general information only. Specifiers and/or persons requiring specific cleaning and maintenance information about laminate flooring should verify the requirements with the selected laminate flooring material manufacturer.
1 • LAMINATE FLOORING MAINTENANCE
.01 Laminate flooring is one of the easiest of all floor surfaces to keep clean and new looking. Laminate flooring finishes are hard and durable, so dirt and dust does not readily stick to them. Although pre-finished, laminate floors still require care and maintenance to keep them looking their best.
.02 What is minimum care? The following general maintenance procedures govern all laminate flooring as noted:
- Dust mop, sweep, vacuum (preferably with a non-beater bar vacuum), or wipe laminate floors occasionally with a damp cotton or cloth mop regularly (at least weekly) to remove dust and dirt.
- As with hardwood flooring water and laminate flooring don't mix. No matter what finish a laminate floor has, or what claims the manufacturer makes for the finish, water should never intentionally be poured onto a laminate floor or the floor wet mopped. While damp mopping is fine for some laminate finishes in good condition, excessive amounts of water may find a way to seep between the panel joints causing them to swell, warp, or stain.
- Food and other spills must be wiped up immediately with a slightly dampened towel.
- When required, clean flooring using cleaners recommended by the laminate flooring manufacturer (these are available at hardware, household, and janitorial supply stores). Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, scouring powder, soap or detergent-based cleaners, wax-based products or any type of polish on laminate floors because they will scratch, dull, or leave a dull, filmy residue on the floor. In addition, never use any type of dust attraction product on laminate flooring as these products may leave sticky or slippery residues on the laminate surface.
- If an accident occurs and a stain remains, the worst stains can be removed with acetone or denatured alcohol on a soft cloth without bleaching or damaging the floor. In a pinch, nail polish remover containing acetone is a handy substitute. For tough spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. These and other stain removal methods must be verified with the manufacturer before using.
- Minor damage to a laminate plank or tile can be easily repaired with laminate finishing putty. If the damaged area is larger than 6 mm (1/4"), replacing the panel may be recommended. It is strongly recommended that the laminate flooring manufacturer or supplier be contacted to assess and/or repair any such damage.
.03 In all cases and for all types of laminate flooring it is extremely important to consult with the laminate flooring manufacturer or supplier for specific cleaning and maintenance procedures, including products to be used.
.04 While laminate is remarkably durable, there is no such thing as an indestructible flooring material. There are a few simple protective measures that are important to keep laminate flooring looking new.
- The use of door mats or throw rugs is recommended at the exterior and interior of all entrances to help keep tacked in grit (dirt and sand) and moisture to a minimum.
- The use plastic or fabric-faced glides or pads on furniture legs (chairs, sofas, TV stands, tables and other easily movable furniture) is recommended to prevent scuffing and scratching the floor. These must also be cleaned occasionally.
- Plastic casters on chairs with rubber wheels should be replaced and heavy objects (e.g., furniture) should be lifted rather than slid across the floor.
- Where chair castors are present, hard (non compressable) plastic mats are recommended to protect the floor covering from repeating rolling wear and tear.
- Mats must be confirmed compatible with the flooring product to avoid plasticizer migration and discolouration of the flooring surface.
- During cleaning and when moving heavy furniture, it should be picked up and carried to its new location in order to protect the flooring.
.05 In addition to the care and maintenance procedures indicated, the life of laminate flooring can be extended if extremes in temperature or humidity conditions are avoided. Laminate flooring will perform at its best when climate-controlled conditions of 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 85°F) and 45% to 65% relative humidity are maintained in the home or office.
2 • REMEMBER
.01 It is extremely important to always use the laminate floor manufacturer's cleaning and finish products and recommendations when known. The use of improper cleaning products or procedures may damage the finish, contribute to additional wear, and may void any warranty or guarantee.
.01 It is extremely important to always use the laminate floor manufacturer's cleaning and finish products and recommendations when known. The use of improper cleaning products or procedures may damage the finish, contribute to additional wear, and may void any warranty or guarantee.