From furniture to flooring, laminates are among the most widely used materials in interior decor. In these quick tips to clean laminate surfaces, we cover care and cleaning essentials so that you can keep them beautiful and make them last longer.
Today, laminated finishes are among the most preferred when it comes to furniture, flooring and wall panelling for your living room, bedroom, bathroom or kitchen. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, laminates are inexpensive, durable and also more resistant to heat, impact, and stains when compared to more expensive materials. However, like any other material, laminate surfaces are prone to wear and tear due to constant use. Here are some pointers to help you maintain them.
- While laminates can take a lot of wear and tear, they can get scratched by sharp objects. So take care not to use any sharp objects or abrasive materials such as steel scrubbers to clean them.
- Laminates generally, tend to fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Keep laminate furniture away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration. Moisture and dampness will damage laminate surfaces and cause warping. Protect floors and furniture from excess water, even while cleaning.
- Laminate floors look beautiful but need to be cleaned regularly as dirt from shoes settle on them and make them dull. However, with the right mop, cleaning them is a breeze.
- There are also specialized solutions available for cleaning such floors. A damp (not wet) microfiber mop will not only pick up all the dirt, but it will also need less water, which is good because too much exposure to water can warp the laminate flooring.
- Do not use string mops or sponge mops as they will leave streaky marks and also need more water, which might seep into cracks and ruin the floor eventually. It is also not advisable to polish or wax the flooring, as it is not real wood, after all.
- Avoid strong chemical cleaners, bleach, steel wool or scouring pads – the floor will get discolored or scratched.
- Regular dusting with a soft cloth is the best way to keep the laminate surface of your furniture clean. For the purpose, use a microfiber cloth or your vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle brush attached to it.
- Avoid wet wiping – it will leave marks, and the moisture will warp the laminate.
- Fingerprints on laminate can be removed with a soft dry cloth most of the times. For greasy fingerprints, try dampening the same cloth and dry the area soon after.
- For any marks that are visible after dusting, use a soft sponge, slightly dampened. Avoid varnish, wax or polish for laminate furniture.
- Even when you use a mild cleaning solution, avoid applying it to the surface directly- it may stain your furniture. Spray the solution on your cleaning mop or pad and clean with the damp pad.
- Detergent based cleaners can also leave a dull film on your furniture. Never allow water or any solution to sit for long as the laminate may begin to peel off.
- Use mats and coasters to protect furniture surfaces from stains, spills and excess heat.
