Laminate care tips How to care for the laminate in the apartment: cleaning rules and safe products. Universal recipe without unnecessary chemicals

Laminate flooring has many advantages, which is why it is so popular. Laminate is used in private houses, city apartments, cottages. It looks attractive, functional, resistant to mechanical stress and relatively affordable. To extend the life of such a floor, you should know how to properly care for it.

Why you need to take care of laminate flooring

Laminate has a layer cake structure, the top layer of which is a film that provides a glossy sheen and durability of the coating. She needs care according to all the rules, otherwise she will quickly wear out. In addition to cleanliness, damage prevention is very important. We regularly bring dirt into the house from the street, and sand is an abrasive that acts on the principle of emery. No matter how durable the laminate is, scratches are guaranteed in this case.

Put a rug in the hallway, preferably made of rubberized material that will perfectly trap dirt, and shake it out every two days.

The second enemy of laminate flooring is water. Expensive waterproof laminate flooring can be installed in the kitchen and bathroom, but not everyone can afford it. To care for the coating, you need to know how it can be washed and how not. If you have floors in the budget price category in your house, do not forget that water tends to penetrate into the seams of the coating, which causes the top layer to swell. For the same reason, laminate flooring is never fixed with adhesives. water based, for example, with PVA glue.

Most suitable way daily care is dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with a special nozzle in the form of a long-haired brush. Vacuum carefully, avoiding the accumulation of sand and dust. At least once a week, laminate flooring requires wet cleaning.

Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner - best option for laminate flooring

What to wash to make the floor shine

There are special household products for washing floors, including laminate. When choosing them, be extremely careful. Such a product should not contain abrasive particles (powders are excluded unequivocally) and strong disinfectants or bleaches that can disrupt the glossy layer, including acids and alkalis.

Special household chemicals are produced for washing laminate flooring.

Such products are usually made from an organic soap base with the addition of fragrances, glycerin, antibacterial disinfectants and alcohol. Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer and the original composition in the range of 100–1000 rubles. But even if you need a more expensive product, do not worry: it will last you a long time, and the money spent will pay off.

According to the instructions on the package, the laminate flooring cleaner must be diluted in a ratio of 1-2 caps per 10 liters of water. In addition, its use is allowed no more than 1 time for 3-4 washes, that is, about once a month.

When choosing cleaners for laminate flooring, avoid abrasive, alkaline, acidic and bleaching agents.

We take into account the class of coverage in the apartment

In the production of laminate, there is such a thing as wear resistance classes. They have been developed to simplify the choice of product based on the principle of matching the needs and possibilities of the buyer.

There are 2 groups of laminated coatings according to the type of operation: for commercial (31, 32, 33) and home use(21, 22, 23). Group 1 laminate is much stronger, which allows it to be used in high traffic areas where there are always a lot of people. To simplify the selection suitable coverage they also use markings that indicate the level of strength and durability.

This table will help you understand the labeling of laminate classes.

Coating care different type albeit slightly, but still different. For example, a moisture-resistant laminate is practically not afraid of prolonged exposure to liquid, and you can use a washing vacuum cleaner and a wet rag to care for it, unlike a regular non-water-resistant one, with which you have to be much more careful.

Moisture-resistant laminate is practically not afraid of prolonged exposure to liquid

Let's take a closer look at the classification of laminate flooring.

Class 21 - household (home) coverage. Service life - about 2 years. There is no reliable coating, so the laminate can quickly lose color and wear out easily. Afraid of water, unstable to scratches and chips.
Class 22 (domestic coverage) is stronger than the previous one, but nevertheless it is not suitable for rooms and corridors where people often go. It will last longer than 2-3 years if you put carpet on it, which will significantly reduce the load.
Class 23 is suitable for rooms of any purpose, because it is different high level strength. Service life - up to 4 years.
Grade 31 (Commercial Laminate) is the most economical commercial flooring option. It is stronger than any class of household laminate and will last you 10-12 years at home.
32 class (commercial coating) can last from 3 to 5 years indoors commercial purpose with medium load. At home, this laminate is able not to lose its qualities for 15 years, even in the kitchen and corridor.
Class 33 (commercial) can withstand heavy loads, so it will last you up to 20 years in an apartment. In addition, such a laminate is not afraid high humidity and hides sounds when walking.

Do not use wet rags, a washing vacuum cleaner, or try to remove stains with caustic substances when caring for household coatings. Dry cleaning should be done once every 2 days, wet cleaning once a week. It is better to cover the laminate of 21 and 22 classes with a carpet in places of the greatest traffic, to minimize the movement of furniture on it. Defects that appear on such a coating should be restored immediately, as damage quickly aggravates.

Wipe grade 21, 22 and 23 laminate flooring with a thoroughly wrung out cloth

Commercial grade laminate flooring can be vacuumed less often and washed more often, and is also more resistant to the alcohol, acids, and alkalis you might need to remove stains. When cleaning, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth. Defects on such a coating appear much less frequently.

Laminate Care Instructions

As already mentioned, it is enough to wash laminate floors once a week, on other days it is enough to sweep away dust or walk with a vacuum cleaner. The good thing about laminate flooring is that you don't have to use wax or other shine products, so maintenance is kept to a minimum.

First you need to check the floor care product for safety. When you wash your laminate floor for the first time, select an inconspicuous area and treat it. If the result is good, feel free to expand the cleaning area.
Special products designed for washing laminate flooring contain substances that will perfectly cope with almost any dirt. Dilute them in warm water according to the instructions. If household chemicals are not to your liking, you can use a simple proven recipe for cleaning: 1 tablespoon of vinegar per 5 liters of water. This solution has long been successfully washed windows, mirrors and other glossy surfaces. With a smooth top layer of laminate, he will cope just as well.
Start washing the floor from the window, moving towards the door. So you do not have to walk on the washed surface.
For convenience, use a mop, which has a mechanism for squeezing the rag. This will get rid of excess moisture. When washing by hand, opt for a microfiber or flannel floor cloth. They are quite soft and absorb moisture well.
Do not forget! Cleaning should be damp, not wet. Therefore, wring out the rag well.

If wet stains remain on the floor after cleaning, then your rag does not absorb moisture well enough. If necessary, wipe the floor dry with a cotton cloth.

Use a special mop with a microfiber head and a wringing option

These simple precautions will greatly reduce the risk of defects in your laminate flooring.

Solution of problems

No matter how durable the laminate is, various minor troubles can happen to it during operation. Still, the floor can withstand considerable loads: heavy furniture, restless children, adults constantly busy with household chores.

After removing the stains, wipe the surface with a solution of 1 tablespoon of 9% vinegar per 5 liters of water to restore the floor to its former shine.

Restoration of scratches and chips

Tools such as wax crayons, paste and laminate restoration varnish should be discussed separately. You can buy any of them in a specialized store. It is advisable to take care of this immediately when buying a laminate, so you will save time. In addition, you need to have a sample of the coating with you so as not to make a mistake with the color.

You can buy a complete laminate repair kit, in which you will find handy spatulas and spatulas, as well as all the necessary materials.

Wax crayon is suitable for processing small scratches and scuffs. It consists of wax, paraffin and dye. The work flow is as follows:

Thoroughly clean the surface of the laminate from dirt, grease and dust, let dry.
Drive over the damaged area with chalk until the scratches are completely covered with the composition.
After a few minutes, when the wax is dry, polish the surface with a dry cloth.

If the scratches are deep, or chips have formed on the laminate, use a special wax paste desired color. The processing process is almost the same as in the previous case:

Clean the laminate.
Apply the heated paste to the chip with a plastic spatula so that it completely covers the damage.
Remove excess product with a wet cloth.
Wait for the paste to dry and polish the area.

Finally, the restoration area can be covered with a transparent laminate repair varnish.

Photo gallery: materials for laminate restoration

Restorative paste must be heated to a liquid state before work. Sealant is useful not only when laying laminate flooring, but also for preventive maintenance. Applying wax paste to a scratch in a laminate is done with a small plastic spatula. Wax crayons are the easiest way to fast restoration scuffs and minor scratches

Laminate - artificial flooring, qualitatively imitating natural wood, stone or tile. modern material produced high classes of wear resistance, not afraid of moisture, resistant to deformation. To maintain the aesthetic appearance and characteristics, constant care is required for the laminate, which has specific features.

The importance of caring for laminate flooring

Laminate has high antistatic properties - it does not collect dust, the surface remains visually clean for a long time. Decorative protective layer prevents the penetration and absorption of dirt into the underlying layers, it is easy to clean during cleaning.

But even with careful care, the material needs regular cleaning, which is conditionally divided into:

wet;
dry;
removal of specific contaminants.

Improper use and neglect of cleaning laminate flooring are the main causes of premature abrasion of the decorative coating and its destruction.

The laminate has complex design, resembling in its structure a layer cake. The top layer is a film that provides decorative properties and coating strength. It is she who requires care, as she scratches and wears out over time.

In addition to ensuring constant cleanliness, deformation prevention is equally important. Every day, sand and a variety of solid particles enter the house on the soles of shoes, which have an abrasive effect on the coating.

Another enemy of laminate flooring is water. These days, waterproof brands of laminate are being produced, the cost of which is too high even for people with average incomes. Therefore, prolonged presence of moisture should be avoided.

Cleaning methods

There are several ways to clean laminate flooring.

Dry

Dry cleaning is performed using:

broom;
brushes with non-rigid bristles;
vacuum cleaner with long hair nozzle.

To care for the laminate at home, regular cleaning of the resulting dust and sand brought from the street is quite enough. Normal cleaning is recommended to be done daily, but taking into account the antistatic effect of the floor, 2-3 times a week is enough.

A washing vacuum cleaner may be used for cleaning only if the coating complies with class 33 and above.

Wet

If you do not forget about periodic dry cleaning, the floor stays clean for a long time, so wet cleaning should be done about 1-2 times a week. Daily wet maintenance of laminate flooring is allowed only for moisture resistant classes.

During the cleaning process, you must adhere to the following rules:

Only clean water of 35-45°C should be used, periodically replaced. Under such conditions, there are almost no streaks left on the floor.
For heavy soiling, the use of special products is recommended. Also, to refresh the shade and shine of the surface, lemon juice or a spoonful of 9% vinegar is added to the water.
The floor should be treated with a carefully wrung out cloth or sponge to avoid waterlogging the surface. It is recommended to use microfiber and a mechanical wringer mop.
It is necessary to wash the laminate in the direction of laying the boards, the movements should be light, without much pressure.
At the end of cleaning, the surface is carefully wiped with a clean, dry cloth and dried.

The chamfered coating must be washed in such a way that moisture does not accumulate in the depressions, leading to the expansion of the elements.

Cleaning with special products

Safe Substances

The stores have a huge selection of cleaning compounds for laminate flooring and caring for it. But they should not be used daily, but only in cases where severe pollution cannot be removed by wet cleaning with improvised means available in every home.

It is recommended to purchase a product for the care of the laminate and its cleaning only from trusted manufacturers, whose products have shown themselves only on the good side. The point here is not advertising and brand promotion, but the fact that little-known cleaners may contain substances that destroy the upper decorative layer. The floor after their application is unlikely to be able to shine as before.

Among the huge variety of products suitable for caring for laminate, brands such as Tyron, Mister Muskul, Glorix, Mister Proper stand apart.

Valuable advice can be given by a seller from a specialized section of a hypermarket.

home remedies

You can also take care of the coating with self-prepared compositions. They do not harm the coating and are able to effectively remove almost any contamination. For cleaning it is allowed to use:

Any baby shampoo that always has a neutral chemical composition. In a bucket filled warm water, added 5 tbsp. spoons of shampoo, the mixture is thoroughly mixed.
To clean light dirt, you can use a solution consisting of vinegar and water in a ratio of 1 to 4.
It is also allowed to use a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice, which helps to perfectly polish the glossy surface. To prepare the mixture, you will need 1.5 cups of vinegar, a glass of lemon juice and 2 cups of warm water. 2-3 drops of dishwashing detergent are added to the resulting mixture. The resulting solution foams, it wipes the surface. The product has a polishing effect.

Prohibited Substances

Before you begin to care for the laminate using various chemicals, you must study the manufacturer's recommendations, as well as adhere to the following rules:

You can not use bleach and products containing such a component, for example, "Whiteness". Chlorine contributes to the rapid discoloration of the surface, changes the shade of the coating.
It is forbidden to use concentrated acids and caustic alkalis. Such substances spoil the external decorative coating, penetrate and destroy the basis of the laminate - fibreboard.
It is not permissible to use disinfectants and solutions containing ammonia, which worsens the gloss when exposed to the laminated surface.
Do not use polishes designed to care for other types of coatings. Does not exist universal formulations equally suitable for all kinds of surfaces. A special polish for laminate is produced, and the use of a “foreign” product is fraught with the formation of streaks and hard-to-remove stains, turbidity.
To avoid scratches, do not use abrasive powders and pastes, or work with a hard brush on the laminate. They cause rapid wear and loss of aesthetic properties of the coating.
It is not recommended to wash the floor with a wet, wrung out cloth with large quantity water. Moisture penetrates into the cracks, which causes the wood fiber base to swell and damage the coating.
Detergents should be used in strict accordance with the dosage requirements of the manufacturers. The result of excessive use of detergent compositions can be stains on the surface and damage to the laminate.

How to remove tough stains from laminate flooring

To remove greasy stains or traces of juice, chocolate or wine from the surface of the laminate, the contaminated area is first treated with a conventional cleaning compound that has a neutral pH level. If the manipulations were ineffective, you can wipe the surface with ethyl alcohol.

On the floor in the hallway, there are often traces of lipstick and shoe polish. To remove them, use a cotton pad soaked in white spirit or acetone.

In the same way, you can get rid of ink, marker or chemical pencil stains.

If the traces of the felt-tip pen are not wiped off, the stain is smeared with toothpaste, and then wiped with a soft, dry cloth.

At the same time, the dirt is preliminarily collected with a linen or cotton rag, which absorbs the moisture present on the floor. After applying the paste, you need to wait a few minutes and wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth.

Stripes from shoe soles are easily removed with the hard side of a dishwashing sponge or a piece of nylon. But most often, shoe marks are erased with an ordinary school eraser, as well as moistened baking soda.

Nylon is also used when it is necessary to remove a dried drop of blood after careless handling of a sharp kitchen knife. The window cleaning spray has the same effect as nylon.

To eliminate traces of nail polish, do not pour on the stain a large number of washing powder and gently wipe with a damp sponge.

Chewing gum, wax from candles or resin is recommended to be removed only after they have completely hardened. To work, you need to use a plastic scraper that cannot be damaged. decorative surface. The stain can be quickly cooled with a bag of frozen meat removed from the freezer, and then the contamination is gently removed. When using a metal knife or scraper, scratches may remain on the surface.

Damage

To remove a small scratch, a wax pencil is used that matches the tone of the floor:

the place around the scratch is cleaned, the resulting dust is removed;
the place of the defect is processed with a pencil until it disappears completely;
the area is rubbed with a dry cloth until the color matches the rest of the surface.

For deep scratches, you should use a special mastic applied with a plastic glass that comes with the material. Excess paste is removed, the surface is polished with a soft cloth.

Pencil or mastic can be easily matched to any color of the laminate - dark, light, complex shades, for a matte surface.

How to extend the service life

Laminate is considered quite sensitive and "capricious" floor covering, the life of which any owner wants to extend. To do this, you must follow a few simple rules:

you can not move on the floor in studded shoes, shoes with heels, high heels, it is better to walk in soft slippers or barefoot;
in daily loaded places (by the sofa or bed, in the children's room, next to the front door), it is recommended to lay rugs or lay special silicone pads;
it is necessary to constantly monitor the cleanliness of the coating, do not move heavy furniture, quickly wipe off water that accidentally hits the surface;
to install vases with flowers, you should use special stands or linings, which can also lie under the legs of furniture;
repair scratches and chips in a timely manner to avoid further damage to the coating.

Like any other material used as a floor covering, laminate has its own characteristics. The specifics of the coating care are as follows:

the laminated surface is afraid of prolonged exposure to water, so you should always wipe the floor dry after wet cleaning or accidental ingress of any liquid;
acid-containing, alkaline, abrasive cleaners, as well as metal tools, are not suitable for working with laminate;
before any treatment of the coating, you should first test the cleaning agent on an inconspicuous area to ensure that there is no reaction to active substances;
stains of any origin cannot be soaked;
cleaning agents should not be left on the surface for a long time;
drying of the coating should be carried out only in a natural way, do not use a fan, heater or hair dryer.

The main rule, the observance of which will ensure the preservation of the appearance of the laminate for many years, is careful use, systematic cleaning and the implementation of the manufacturer's recommendations regarding operation and maintenance.

Since its inception, laminate flooring has been popular. And this is not surprising if the floor covering combines beauty, durability, ease of installation and relatively low cost even from the highest quality and well-known global manufacturers. The pricing policy is very flexible, and the consumer will always be able to choose the best cost option, taking into account the conditions and place of operation.

But in order to maintain a presentable appearance, lack of creaking and maintain the softening properties of the laminate for decades, it is not enough just to purchase it and lay it correctly. Throughout the life of the laminate, it is necessary to ensure proper care for the laminate. Indeed, as in other materials, this coating has its own nuances of use, which we will try to figure out.

Proper cleaning of laminate flooring

Keeping a laminate clean does not require much perseverance when cleaning. It is enough to walk with a broom or a vacuum cleaner, followed by a wet wiping of the floor. And just add a little vinegar to the water or saline solution, and stains will not appear after the floor has dried. But here you need to take into account one nuance when cleaning the laminate: he really does not like a lot of water.

Today, there are already moisture-resistant laminate models that are used even in the bathroom. Locks in such panels are coated with wax and repel water, but most laminate does not have such properties. And is it worth overpaying for moisture resistance just in order not to follow the elementary rule when caring for a laminate.

If water still spills onto the floor and gets between the seams, the locks of the panels will begin to swell and the laminate may swell. Even dismantling, drying and new laying will not always help to correct such defects. And the consequences will be catastrophic: the laminate begins to creak when walking, the locks of the panels become loose and cease to perform their functions properly. Due to the gaps formed, chips begin to appear along the edges of the panels, since the floor is no longer one piece and the upper corners of the panels are affected by a resistance force during any movement. The result will be the loss of the appearance and properties of the entire floor.

Therefore, wet cleaning should be carried out with a well wrung out sponge or cloth. It would be even better to use special laminate care products that are added to the water when wet cleaning.

Laminate cleaning with special products

In each room there are places with the greatest traffic, where the laminate gets dirty more and needs to be cleaned. best care. And if just washing the floor is no longer enough, due to established dirty spots and stains, you need to resort to more aggressive cleaning methods without damaging the floor surface.

Almost any pollution can be removed with the help of special products that have a direct purpose to combat such stains and are sold in bulk. But for all types of stains, one remedy is not suitable, since the structure of pollution is very diverse.

After choosing the right product, you need to apply it on the stain and wait until the stain dissolves. After the treated area is wiped with a damp cloth to complete cleaning surfaces. It is important that the cleaning agent contains no ammonia.

Other stain removal methods are also used. Let's look at the existing laminate care products at home.

Removing stains with improvised means

First and most simple option worth trying is diluting two tablespoons of baby shampoo in four liters of water. At the same time, dirt is rubbed off much easier, without abrasive effect on the surface, but only with slight contamination.

A nylon cloth is used to remove various oily stains. It is also able to get rid of a fresh stain of blood, beer or berries.

Common sole marks can be easily wiped off with a solution baking soda or an eraser that erases a pencil.

There is also the practice of freezing stains if they are resinous or greasy:

Freeze the stain with ice or frozen foods.
Scrape it off with a plastic knife.
In conclusion, the treated area can be wiped if the trace of the stain still remains.

Ink and paste can be washed with warm water and soap. When this method doesn't work, all that's left is to buy a special laminate care product to remove the ink.

Warm soapy water is also used to remove alcohol stains. But if the stain is persistent, then it should be wiped

To remove a marker or chewing gum from the surface, you need to use a solvent that is washed old paint. An alternative and more aggressive method is to use toothpaste. It is applied to the stain for a short time and wiped dry.

The paint is effectively removed with white spirit, automotive chemicals or a simple solvent. It is only advisable not to hold such funds on the laminate for a long time.

Mounting foam is easily erased with Dimexide 5 minutes after its application. At the end of the treatment of pollution, the place is wiped with a damp cloth.

Laundry detergent wipes off nail polish on the laminate. The powder dissolves in water and is applied with a rag to the place of contamination.

Scratch Removal

Scratches on the laminate inevitably appear when objects with a large weight move on the floor or the sole clings to the floor during a step. At first, the scratch remains barely noticeable, but after that it will definitely appear.

You can fight scratches with a special paste or grout of the desired color, which fills the damaged area. And you can use an ordinary eraser that erases the place of damage. Soda is also used in paste form. It corrodes the damaged area, which will only need to be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth.

Plaque removal

When cleaning the floor various methods a wax coating is often formed, which forms the basis of the laminate coating. Paul loses his appearance and requires action. It is not difficult to solve this problem if you dilute 1 glass of vinegar in 4 liters of water and rub it.

Over time, the coating of the laminate is erased and loses its former luster. This is especially important in an apartment - laminate care is directly reflected in family comfort. Shine coating can be given during wet cleaning different ways:

A glass of vinegar (can be apple) is diluted in five liters of water.
A glass of lemon juice or a tablespoon citric acid diluted in half a bucket of water to polish the floor.
Half a glass of lemon juice, half a glass of vinegar and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent are added to half a bucket of water.
Company funds.

Laminate creak

The creak is also related to the care of the laminate. It becomes the result of an uneven floor or a violation of the laying technology. There are also cases when expanded polystyrene was chosen as a substrate, which after 6-7 years loses its qualities and can sag. The result is surface level differences and, as a result, a creak. It is also possible that the unevenness of the base of the laminate may appear if it was laid on foamed polypropylene. This substrate consists of bubbles that can burst under heavy loads, creating drops in the base in these places.

The only solution to the problem will be to dismantle the place of the creak, identify and eliminate its source. Fortunately, the laminate is endowed with an obvious advantage over other coatings, in the form of dismantling without any harm to the panels. It is important that these works are carried out in compliance with the laying rules.

Laminate care instructions

Caring for a laminate is as follows:

You should not allow a large pollution of the floor from the laminate, so that you do not have to use aggressive chemicals. Regular weekly cleaning will not be burdensome, as such a floor is perfectly cleaned.
For cleaning from a variety of contaminants, only those products that are designed to remove them should be used.
When cleaning, it is strictly forbidden to use metal devices or products with high content acids. They can damage the top layer of the acrylic resin laminate that protects the floor from abrasion, dirt, moisture and mechanical influences. It is thanks to the protective layer that the care of the floor from the laminate occurs without difficulties and efforts.
You can't ignore scratches. They need to be quickly eliminated with a special paste. If animals live in the house, there is a child, or objects that can damage the floor surface are constantly used, such a paste must be acquired in advance.
To protect the laminate front door it is recommended to cover this area with a rug, a piece of linoleum, or other material that protects against dirt that can peel off its protective coating over time.

Features of the care of the laminate

When cleaning and cleaning the described floor, it is important to remember the following:

Laminate is very afraid of water, so it should not be used in large quantities during systematic cleaning or during cleaning. When you wipe down a laminate floor, it must stay dry.
Do not use abrasive, alkaline, acidic or metal products.
Any treatment of laminate should begin with a sample in an inconspicuous area of the room to determine the reaction of the coating to the substance. Any stains should not be soaked and cleaning products should not be left on for long.
Do not dry laminate flooring in an unnatural way.

But the main thing in maintaining the original appearance of the laminate for many years is the accuracy of use, consistency and correct care for it.

Laminate is a popular floor covering with a multilayer structure. It is distinguished by an attractive appearance, practicality, resistance to deformation. However, despite the good wear resistance of modern flooring, in order to extend the life of the laminate and preserve its aesthetics, it is necessary to follow the rules of care at home and use only products that are safe for such a floor.

The main enemies of laminate flooring are abrasive wear and water.

The top film formed by the acrylic resin with mineral inclusions provides the coating with good wear resistance. The surface after varnishing acquires a glossy sheen or a pleasant matte finish. The main way to preserve the integrity and aesthetics of this layer is to protect it from the main household abrasive - sand. This is easy to do - you need to put a rubber mat at the entrance to the room and periodically clean it.

Since a material with lower wear resistance is usually chosen for residential premises than for public facilities, it is recommended to walk on a laminated board only in slippers. To prevent scratches, it is recommended to place rubber or felt pads under the furniture legs. You can extend the life of the coating with the help of paths or carpets laid in places of the highest traffic. Transparent rugs are placed under frequently moved chairs.

The second reason that can lead to early failure of budget class laminate boards that are not intended for use in contact with water is the ingress of a large amount of water onto the surface of the coating. When penetrating into the seams between the panels, water leads to swelling of the main bearing layer of the coating - strips of wood chips pressed with an adhesive. To prevent water from entering the intermediate layer, the panels are never fixed to the substrate. adhesive compositions water based.

How to properly care for a laminate floor in an apartment or a private house?

Moisture resistance of a laminate does not depend on its class. All manufacturers produce laminate of the same moisture resistance in classes 32-33, however, class 31 laminate has a slightly lower moisture resistance than other classes, but still allows wet cleaning with a carefully wrung out rag.

For laminate grades 33 and above, dry cleaning is combined with wet cleaning, which is usually enough to do once a week.

For a floor made of panels of class 33, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner

Attention! Laminate flooring can be washed daily only if it belongs to the moisture resistant group.

Rules for wet cleaning laminate flooring:

Water should be clean, its temperature is 35-45°C. During cleaning, it is advisable to change the water frequently.
To combat severe pollution, it is recommended to use special tools.
You can refresh the appearance of the coating and maintain shine by adding 9% vinegar (at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of water) or lemon juice.
When wet cleaning, a rag or sponge is well wrung out to avoid waterlogging.

It is convenient to use a mop with a mechanical wringer

For manual cleaning, flannel or microfiber cloths are most practical.
The panels are wiped along the longitudinal axis of the board with a slight pressure, starting from the window and moving towards the door, which will allow you not to walk on already washed areas.
After cleaning, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

Advice! It is possible to cover the floor with a carpet only after complete drying surfaces.

Features of care for different types of laminate - glossy, matte, white

Material with a matte surface is more prone to collecting dirt than glossy, but it is easier to care for it, especially when using special sprays. If you care for a matte laminate with a damp cloth, then after such cleaning it is necessary to wipe the surface with a dry cloth. If there are chamfers, you need to check if there is any moisture left in them.

The glossy surface has little tendency to collect dirt, but any traces and scratches remain on it. It is recommended to clean such a floor often, since it is quite difficult to remove dirt on it. The cleaning process is also complicated by the fact that after all operations, the panels must be wiped with a dry cloth until a shine appears. The glossy floor does not like walking barefoot.

Careful care needs actual in many modern interiors white laminate, for which it is recommended to use special products and wash the cloth frequently.

Care products for laminate flooring in the apartment

Laminate floor products available on the market successfully cope with all types of pollution. However, even with full observance of the rules of the instructions attached to the composition, it is advisable to test it on an inconspicuous area of the floor during initial use.

Care products for laminated panels have a different consistency, differ in the method and conditions of use. Purchased products are often used to combat severe pollution, and improvised means are used for periodic routine cleaning. The most popular brands of flooring cleaning compounds: Tyron, Glorix, Mister Proper, Mister Muscle.

Attention! Proper care of an eco-friendly cork laminate includes the same measures as for a conventional coating. Cork panels, treated with water-repellent compounds, tolerate wet cleaning well.

With what means you can take care of the laminate at home - regularly or in emergency situations:

For regular cleaning, any baby shampoo is suitable, added to warm water at the rate of 1 tablespoon of shampoo per 2 liters of water.
Traces of lipstick and shoe polish are removed with a cotton swab dipped in white spirit.
If alcohol gets on the floor, it can be quickly and safely removed with a cloth soaked in warm water with soap and, of course, well wrung out.
Marks from the felt-tip pen can be smeared with toothpaste, and then wiped with a dry rag.
Stripes from the sole of the shoe are removed with a stationery eraser or the hard side of a dishwashing sponge.
Nail polish traces can be removed with a small amount of washing powder. The powder is applied to the stain and wiped with a damp sponge.
Gum, candle wax or resin. The removal of such contaminants can only be started after they have completely dried. The stain is rapidly cooled, for example, using a bag of meat removed from freezer. remove stains metal knife or scraper is prohibited.

Prohibited funds

Compounds that are prohibited for the care of laminate flooring include:

Chlorine-containing means of the "Whiteness" type. Chlorine changes the shade of the coating, leading to discoloration.
Concentrated acids and alkalis. Such substances can not only spoil the surface layer of the material, but also penetrate into the main carrier layer and destroy it.
Solutions with the presence of ammonia - negatively affect the gloss.
Polishes not intended for the care of laminate flooring. They can cause streaks and stains.
Abrasive powders and pastes - lead to rapid wear and deterioration of the aesthetics of the surface layer.

Restoration activities

Sometimes minor damage appears on laminated panels, which can be eliminated or at least masked with the help of simple operations:

Tips! It will not be possible to mask scratches with varnish - the damage will become even more noticeable. It is not recommended to use the mastic used for the care of parquet for continuous processing of the laminate and the elimination of local defects. This is due to the fact that parquet mastic is intended for such absorbent material as wood. On the surface of laminated panels, it forms ugly stains and stains.

When choosing a floor covering, many people think: what to choose among the variety presented in stores. If the choice fell on a laminate, then the question naturally arises about proper care behind him.

Laminate- wear-resistant, affordable and easy to maintain coating of any floor. It contains several layers, but the most significant is the top film, which protects the surface from various scratches, chips, marks from women's heels.

Caring for a laminate is not very complicated, it will not take much time and effort, but there are rules that are better to follow so that the laminate will serve you for a long time.

Like every material, laminate has its own characteristics. First distinguishing feature- it is made of several layers. Each layer is made from different materials, and performs different functions:

The bottom layer is made of kraft board and is designed to be moisture resistant.
The heart of a laminate is a densely compressed chip. The thicker and stronger the fiberboard, the higher the class of the laminate.
The third layer imitates stone, wood or parquet
The top layer is a protective film.

The level of wear resistance of the floor covering is determined by the material from which the flooring is made. Exist different classes of this coverage:

Class 31 (AC3) is used only in apartments because it has a low load
Class 32 (AC4) is also used in apartments or offices with little traffic.
Class 33 (AC5) is used in restaurants, offices with a large number of people. It is this class that is resistant to water and can withstand prolonged contact with it.
Grade 34 (AC6) is the most wear resistant. They are used at railway stations, airports, gyms. In apartments, such a laminate is not used, due to its high endurance and high cost.

Laminate care

The main thing in care is the immediate removal of dirt, various damages, various stains. Laminate care products are divided into home and professional. Let's take a look at home care.

The following solution will help clean the laminate from dust and dirt: you need to take one tablespoon of 9% vinegar and five liters of non-hot water
It is best to wash the surface with microfiber and a sponge
If a greasy greasy stain appears on the floor, then it can be cleaned with liquid soap.
Stains from coffee, juice and other colored stains can be cleaned with a neutral detergent diluted in water.
If there are stains from nail polish on the surface, the child painted with markers or felt-tip pens on the floor, then nail polish remover with acetone, as well as white alcohol, will come to the rescue
A plastic scraper is useful when removing wax from candles.
For quality cleaning chewing gum should be frozen using ice. Then chewing gum removed with a scraper and greasy spot must be removed with liquid soap.

In today's market is big number professional tools with which you can take care of the laminate. They are released in the form of a concentrate and have a neutral reaction. They can be used in the apartment every day, as well as for polishing.

It is not recommended to take care of the laminate with non-specialized means. This is specified in the terms of the contract with the coating manufacturer. Otherwise, the warranty obligations on the part of the manufacturers will not be fulfilled.

When caring for the coating at home, you can not use:

Cleansing agents with abrasive particles. They are very easy to damage the treated surface, and it is no longer possible to repair the damage, it is necessary to replace the damaged area
Detergents with acid and alkali, only neutral ones are used
Metal nets and brushes - they will scratch the laminate
It is not recommended to wax the flooring - the laminate is smooth in itself.

Care in the apartment is divided into two types of cleaning - dry cleaning and wet cleaning. . Which one to choose depends on the class of laminate flooring. Dry cleaning is applied to laminate 31 and 32 class. This material is very susceptible to water, so it is vacuumed or swept with a brush. Cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner is not recommended.

Coating class 32, 33 and 34 is subject to wet cleaning. 32 class is recommended to wash every 10-14 days. Laminate 33 and 34 classes are washed more often using special detergents to avoid divorce. After that, you need to wipe the floor dry. Waxing and polishing is usually not necessary.

Removal of minor damage

Coating care includes minor repairs. Although class 33 and 34 laminate is resistant to damage, scratches are possible. Moreover, this is common in apartments and rooms with a surface of class 32.

Footprints can be easily removed with a flannel cloth or eraser. Sunflower oil can be applied to the flannel
A wax pencil works well for small scratches.
In case of deep scratches, as well as chips, apply acrylic putty. The color of the putty must be chosen taking into account the fact that after drying it will darken in tone. After choosing a color, a scratch or chip is filled with a mass and wait a day for complete drying. Then the surface must be carefully sanded and varnished.

In order for the laminate to serve for more than a dozen years, it is necessary to protect it from various damages, this is especially true when rearranging furniture and in the kitchen, in particular in the area with a table. To prevent chips and damage to the floor surface, you can use foot pads or casters to
furniture movement.

Women's studs and men's shoes are especially dangerous for laminate flooring. Before choosing a floor covering, it is necessary to estimate how many people will walk on the floor in such shoes. If this is a large enough amount, then it would be better to refuse the laminate. In residential areas with laminate flooring, it is best to walk in soft slippers.

Laminate and pets

Every pet owner wonders if the claws will spoil the laminate floor? There is only one answer to this question - claws do not pose a threat to high-quality laminate. The thing is that the surface of the coating contains acrylic and melamine resins. This applies even to class 31. But the 32nd and 33rd grades are not afraid not only of the claws of animals, but also of heels and furniture legs. Another nuance concerns the fact that animals love to mark their territory. How will the laminate behave in this case? High-quality laminate is made from moisture-resistant materials and prolonged contact with moisture will not distort the floor. In addition, the locks create close contact, while there are no gaps that moisture can get into. Melamine also does not absorb odors. Laminate flooring is the best flooring choice for pets and is easy to care for.

be careful not to drop heavy, breaking or sharp objects on the floor.

Another advantage is the ability to replace several panels without changing the entire floor surface. Such a replacement will be cheaper than replacing the entire floor covering.

From everything we can conclude that caring for a laminate is not so difficult. You just need to adhere to certain rules and conditions, and then your coating will last for many years.