Article Surfing Archive

Laminate floors have the beauty of wood and ceramics without the worry, which is likely why they are becoming so popular in the US. Laminate flooring is easy on the budget as compared to the cost of wood and can usually be installed with minimal tools and know-how. With the durable finish, there are few steps to maintaining your floor, no need for polish or wax.

Laminate floorings' endless benefits often outshine the benefits of other flooring materials:

' It won't fade
' It is extremely easy to maintain
' It is easy to install
' It is more dent resistant than vinyl and wood floors.
' It is wear, stain and fade resistant
' It is available in a broad assortment of design

Laminate floors reflect the style of your home through an extensive range of great-looking styles with all the appeal of hardwood and tile.

Some brands offer accent blocks and border pieces that allow for a custom designed look. Coordinating moldings and transition pieces like baseboards, quarter rounds and reducer strips complete the finished look of a floor and are available in a wide range of profiles and patterns.

Cleaning

No other flooring is easy to care for than laminate floors. For everyday cleaning, simply vacuum the floor or sweep to remove loose dirt and debris. Do not use soap, wax, household cleaners or any other product not designed for use on laminate floors on them. These products can leave a film on your floor and cause it to attract more dirt and leave streaks and footprints.

First sweep or vacuum up loose dirt, then mist the floor with your cleaner and buff it up using a terry cloth towel. Recommended cleaning products and homemade remedies include:

' vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water (equal parts)
' 1/3 white vinegar, 1/3 rubbing alcohol, 1/3 water, and 3 drops dishwashing liquid (1 quart total)
' Window cleaner (Ammoniated Window Cleaner by FULLER)

Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads can scratch and damage the surface of laminate flooring. Never wax, sand or apply lacquer to laminate flooring.

Additional Cleaning Pointers

Occasionally, you might have more than day to day dirt and dust on your floor. You might have an oil spill, paint stain or drop a permanent marker on the floor. To get these spots up, apply a cleaner like alcohol or nail polish remover containing acetone onto a soft, light colored cloth. Gently rub the stain to remove.

If fruit juice or wine spills, pasta sauce splatters or blood drips onto your floor, try cleaning with warm water first. If that doesn't lift the discoloration, use a little window cleaner to clean it up. Make sure you dry the spot when you're finished, standing water can ruin the finish of your floor.

Laminate floors offer versatility in design, simplicity in installation and easy care. Though they are not indestructible, they are sturdy and can stand up to heavy use. They also offer a little cushion and give that tile floors cannot, since they are usually installed on a floating base. This can help reduce the pressure on your legs and back.