Tips to keep your laminate flooring looking good as new

Laminate flooring is one of the UK’s most popular floor coverings, and it is easy to see why. Versatile, functional and more affordable than solid wood, laminate is a practical choice for any home. It is generally a low-maintenance flooring option and these tips will help ensure it looks as good as new for as long as possible.

Protect your floor

While today’s laminates are pretty hard-wearing, following a few simple steps to prevent scratches will extend the life of your floor. A heavy-duty doormat at each entrance to your home will catch sharp pieces of debris and dirt and prevent them being trodden over your floors. It is also important to protect your floor from furniture legs. Felt pads are widely available and are generally supplied with an adhesive coating on one side. Simply stick a pad on each chair or table leg and your floor will be protected from scratches when your furniture is in use or being moved across the room.

Go easy on the sweeping

Many people use a regular broom to sweep dirt up from laminate floors; however, this is not always the best option. If there are any sharp pieces of gravel, stones or grit, you run the risk of scratching your floor as you move the debris around the room with the brush. A vacuum cleaner is generally much more effective and will instantly pick up dust and debris without pushing it around the floor. Many popular vacuum cleaners are now supplied with an attachment for wooden or laminate flooring; therefore, if you are in the market for a new model, check which attachments are included before you buy.

Damp – not wet – mopping

Mopping is a great way to remove dirt and dust from your flooring, but make sure you don’t use too much water. Even if your laminate is designed to withstand high levels of moisture, you generally shouldn’t let water sit on the surface for long, as it can cause staining, warping or other damage. If your floor doesn’t dry off naturally within a few minutes of mopping, you are probably using too much water.

There are also special dust mops available, which are designed to be used dry. These attract dust and dirt without the need for water and are a particularly great option for homes with pets if you are forever noticing cat or dog hair gathering in corners.