Laminate is an attractive and affordable floor option that is easy to install. But, you may have questions about laminate flooring's durability and performance over time. We researched various sources to uncover more information about laminate.
Laminate is a durable and attractive flooring option that can last for 10-25 years, depending on the type of lamination and the type of use. It offers homeowners the following qualities:
- Scratch-resistance
- Stain-resistance
- Built to withstand wear-and-tear
- Low-maintenance
Do you wonder if laminate flooring stands up to heavy foot traffic or worry about heavy-duty cleaning? Continue reading and learn the benefits of laminate flooring.
The Benefits of Laminate Flooring
Are you searching for flooring similar to wood, durable, easy to clean, and lasts for decades? Laminate flooring is a synthetic type of flooring composed of fiberboard and melamine resin. Unlike wood planks with a natural irregular pattern and are susceptible to staining and dents, laminate easily handles heavy traffic. The beauty of laminate flooring is its resistance to moisture, scratches, staining, and its surface is often hardier than natural wood.
Pet owners or people with mobility challenges may want to eschew laminate flooring with a high gloss and choose floors with an embossed or textured finish. Adding area rugs helps complement laminate flooring and makes getting around the house safer.
Scratch Resistance
Laminate is nearly impervious to chips, dents, or scratches and is a good choice of flooring for high traffic households. Typically, laminate is nearing the end of its warranty life of 10 to 25 years before scratches, dings, or dents appear. Although laminate is tough, it is a good idea to add a bit of felt to the bottoms of furniture to prevent scratches.
Stain Resistance
Life happens, so having flooring that is stain resistant is essential in a home with children, pets, or frequent guests. Laminate flooring resists stains from wine, soda, juice, and coffee because its topmost layer is aluminum oxide. Pet urine can easily stain and damage wood floors and carpets. But laminate flooring can be easily cleaned without showing damage.
Wear-and-Tear
The way laminate flooring is constructed and chemically treated enables it to maintain its beauty, performance, and handles foot traffic for years. Unlike hardwood flooring or vinyl tile, laminate doesn't need to be waxed or buffed, and the surface is water-resistant. Lengthen the life of your floor by throwing a rug or two in your home instead of displaying bare laminate.
Longevity
If laminate flooring is maintained correctly, it should last an average of 15 to 25 years. Laminate exposed to heavy foot traffic may need replacing within 10 years. In an area where foot traffic is minimal, laminate flooring can last over 25 years.
Caring for Laminate Flooring
Maintaining and cleaning laminate flooring requires a bit of extra care to ensure its longevity and performance. For starters, you want to sweep your floors daily and vacuum it weekly on the hard floor setting. When cleaning laminate, you want to use a microfiber cloth to blot spills as soon as they happen. Oil and grease should be flash-frozen with an ice pack and gently scraped off.
Avoid using too much water on the floor when cleaning and opt for a designated cleaner for laminate. Standing water can lead to bubbling, discoloration, and damage laminate flooring. Stay away from oil-based cleansers, acidic or abrasive cleaning agents, and tools. When in doubt, remember to keep contact with water at a minimum and use soft, absorbent material like microfiber.
Check out this microfiber mop system on Amazon.
If you have any heavy furniture, preserve the life of your floors by placing protective rugs, mats, or felt underneath. Reduce the amount of dirt from foot traffic with area rugs and frequent cleaning. Also, avoid dragging anything that can scratch the floor and to trim pet's nails. There is no need to buff or polish your laminate as its protective coating naturally shines.
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What is the Best Cleaner for Laminate Flooring?
Many popular cleaners, like Murphy's Oil, can leave behind a soapy residue on laminate flooring. Keep your laminate floors looking clean and like new with an approved laminate cleaner. Ideally, it helps purchase a soft, microfiber spray mop that comes with refills of your choice cleaning agent. Remember, too much water on laminate is a big no-no and can damage your floors. Black Diamond is a quality cleaner for both laminate and hardwood floors that doesn't leave streaks behind, and it is safe for pets and children.
Check out this top cleaner for laminate on Amazon.
Can Rejuvenate be Used on Laminate Flooring?
Rejuvenate is a brand of floor cleaner formulated for use on laminate, tile, and other forms of flooring. When using Rejuvenate on the laminate, you should follow the directions and wipe the surface of the floor with a soft, absorbent mop. You do not want to use a traditional wet mop with water. Rejuvenate claims that its formula successfully removes grime, dirt, and debris from floors without leaving streaks.
Check out this Rejuvenate floor cleaner on Amazon.
Check out this Rejuvenate spray mop system on Amazon.
Why Does My Laminate Floor Look Dull?
There are more than a few reasons why your laminate floor has lost its luster. It is critical to use cleaners designed for laminate and don't leave behind residue or oily buildup. Routinely sweeping, cleaning up spills as soon as they happen, and placing area rugs and mats help reduce dirt and prevent dull floors. When a laminate floor is poorly maintained, or you use cleaning agents that strip the protective coat, you get a dull floor. Treat your laminate well so it can look beautiful and last 15 years or longer.
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Can You Polish Laminate Floors (How to Restore Shine)?
The protective coat on laminate naturally shines for years if it is properly cleaned and doesn't get too much contact with water. However, if your laminate floors look dull, you can use a cleaner approved on laminate floors to restore its shine. Remember, traditional floor wax and oil-based soaps will further dull your laminate.
You can revive a laminate floor by wiping it down with a solution of one cup of distilled vinegar in a gallon of warm water. Use a microfiber cloth in circular motions to help break up and remove any unwanted residue or buildup. Following this treatment, you can apply a laminate floor polish with a microfiber mop. Make sure to dry your floor thoroughly after using the vinegar and water solution before using an approved polish. Wait 24 hours before walking on your floors after treating it.
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How Do You Fix a Dent in a Laminate Floor?
Luckily, laminate flooring isn't likely to dent. But, if the unthinkable happens, there is a solution. You can repair a minor dent or scratch with a colored marker to hide the imperfection. If a mark is a bit more noticeable, you can fill in the affected area with a compound that matches the floor color. If a plank is damaged beyond repair, it should be replaced.
Check out this wood floor repair kit on Amazon.
Check out this touch-up marker set on Amazon.
How Do You Fix Laminate Floor Water Damage?
Water is the bane of laminate flooring. So, what do you do in the event of a flood, a leaky pipe, or an unnoticed spill? Fortunately, you can identify water damage via buckling planks, mold, discoloration, and warping. You can inspect the floor for damage, mopping up any water on the surface, and look underneath for problems. Use a wet vacuum to remove water around the edges or seams. If needed, remove any damaged planks and use a wet vacuum to suck up the water underneath. Replace any laminate planks that are damaged beyond repair.
Conclusion
Laminate floors make an excellent addition to any home. They look similar to hardwood floors, are inexpensive, easy to clean, and last 15 to 25 years. One should be careful about water contacting laminate to prevent buckling, discoloration, or damaged planks. However, this synthetic form of modern flooring is sustainable, resistant to stains, scratches, and is easy to install. Consider installing laminate flooring in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen for elegant results!