Cleaning Your Laminate Flooring

It seems like any time you turn around anymore, you can find laminate flooring in our homes. In large part this is due to the fact that laminate flooring is often the less expensive option to go with. While it may be the least expensive option initially, if you don't go about cleaning laminate flooring correctly, you can soon find yourself wanting to pay the higher expense of replacing it since it no longer looks good. Here are a few options that you can use to ensure that you are cleaning your laminate flooring to the best of your abilities, while also making it look as good as possible.

• Fiber mops and specialized cleaners. At most home improvement stores, and flooring stores, you can purchase a specialized "fiber mop" that will work much better on cleaning your floor than a regular one. While the mop will set you back around $20, it will last for a good five years if you take proper care of it. Simply follow the direction that come with the mop to get the best effect, and to take proper care of it. There are also specialized spray cleaners available at the same stores. These cleaners, while they are fairly pricey, can last for up to six months if you use them properly.
• Regular mopping and vacuuming. Create and follow a regular cleaning schedule for your laminate flooring, whether you believe that it really needs it or not. When you do begin cleaning your laminate flooring, sweep up, then vacuum, followed by mopping. The sweeping will allow you to get the larger pieces of dirt and grime, while the vacuum will allow you to get those harder to reach areas (such as nooks and crannies) nice and clean. For light traffic areas, you should be able to get by with only mopping and cleaning like this once a week, though you should do this at least two times a week for higher traffic areas.
• Clean immediately. Do not allow any mess that may fall on the laminate flooring to sit there. The longer that you let messes stay on laminate flooring, then the more difficult it can be to get that particular area clean.
• If safe, use a steam mop. With most laminate flooring it is safe to use a steam mop, though you will want to check with the manufacturer before you use one on yours. These steam mops are really effective in doing some deep down cleaning that will not usually leave any soapy film.
• Use care. As with any type of flooring, the more care that you exhibit the easier it will be to clean and the longer it will last. Ideally, with laminate flooring you will use furniture pads to protect the floor from your furniture, will not wear shoes, and won't allow pets in those areas. However, if you are willing to live with some wear and tear, then you can get by with only the furniture padding.