laminate flooring warranties

laminate flooring has some of the best warranties in the industry

When buying anything in life, an important consideration should be its warranty. Laminate flooring warranties are no different, and because of its durability, laminate flooring has some of the best warranties available in the flooring industry. Warranty periods can cover 10, 15, 25, 30 years and above. The majority of laminate flooring brands come with a minimum of 15 years replacement warranty for residential use, and some of the premium brands come with a lifetime laminate flooring warranty. Once you have purchased your laminate flooring, you must comply with the manufacturer’s installation, care and maintenance instructions for

the warranty to be valid. The installation instructions typically include using their own range of installation products and adhesives, leaving the correct expansion gaps where required, and use of a vapor barrier as necessary. Ignoring these instructions would invalidate the laminate flooring warranty and any claim would be void, thus making the point of choosing the particular brand of flooring because of its warranty, pointless. Most laminate flooring warranties will not cover scratches to the laminate surface, but do typically cover stains, fading, premature wearing, and possibly accidental moisture damage. The warranties provided only apply if the laminate flooring is installed into the area’s intended for that particular type. This means a laminate flooring warranty on flooring rated for light residential traffic, would not be valid if the laminate flooring was installed into a room classed as being a heavy traffic area. If you need to make a claim within the warranty period, most manufacturer’s will, at their option, either provide material to repair the defective area or replace the floor. Some manufacturer’s will also pay reasonable labour costs to repair the defective area if it was professionally installed. It is also worth noting that the majority of laminate flooring warranties are issued to the original retail consumer, and are not transferable. Most laminate flooring warranties only apply when the defective area is visible and covers an area greater than one square inch, or one square cm with some manufacturer’s. When requesting warranty service, you will need to show proof of purchase. This can be in the form of a sales receipt or possibly a contractors invoice, etc. It must also be possible to provide proof that only the recommended laminate flooring accessories were used to install the laminate floor (identifiable from the product labels). Typical Exclusions from laminate flooring warranties Many laminate flooring warranties do not cover wear or damage due to improper installation, cleaning, care or maintenance. This can include : Accidents, abuse or misuse, Extremes of hot or cold, Scratches, impacts, or cutting, Installations not carried out as per the manufacturer’s installation instructions, Improper workmanship, Improper maintenance, Improper fabrication, Damages through acts of god, Material damaged in transit. This is the responsibility of the shipping company, Seams of glueless planks moving apart because they have been engaged/disengaged more than three times,

Water damaged due to excessive moisture within a concrete slab, hydrostatic pressure, flooding caused by ice makers, refrigerators, sinks, dishwashers, leaking pipes, flooding, standing water, household mechanical failures, damage caused by water underneath the laminate flooring, including damage from sub-floor hydrostatic pressure or other conditions that result in water being below the laminate flooring or natural disasters, Installation of laminate flooring that contains any manufacturing defect is not covered by a laminate flooring warranty. Manufacturing defects should be reported to the manufacturer before installation, soon after the date of purchase, and the defective items will be replaced ready for installation. the source

Cleaning Laminate Flooring

how to clean laminate flooring and keep it looking its best

The after care that laminate flooring requires is very little and extremely simple. Cleaning laminate flooring, if carried out regularly, can keep your floor looking like new for many years to come. A simply brush over with a soft headed brush or a very slightly damp mop, is all that is needed when cleaning laminate flooring. Follow this with the use of a vacuum cleaner around the edges of the room, and that is all that is generally required. Special cleaning pads are available which look very much like a mop, and have replaceable wipes that wrap around the pad which attracts the dust, etc. and these make cleaning laminate flooring even easier.

Make sure that if you use a mop you do not soak the floor, as this could cause the edges of the laminate boards to start to expand and the whole floor may start to buckle. For stain removal, do not use a strong detergent. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. For large cleaning of stains, etc. on laminate flooring, use a mop with ammonia or a mixture of water and vinegar. Where ever possible try to use citrus-based cleaners, and not the conventional soap-based cleaners. Always test a new cleaning product on an area of laminate flooring that is out of sight, such as under the cooker or fridge for example. When cleaning laminate flooring do not use steel wool, sand paper, or scouring powder on the laminate surface, and also never try to sand, wax, or apply lacquer to the laminate flooring.

To avoid any marks that could potentionally be left by furniture, use felt pads under the furniture legs, etc. Try to always use a door mat at every exterior doorway. This helps trap any dirt etc., but also traps small stones and grit which may scratch the surface of your laminate flooring. Always read the "care" instructions concerning cleaning laminate flooring, that come with your purchase, and adhere to them. The manufacturers care instructions would overide any care instructions shown on this page. By following the manufacturers instructions and these supplementary tips on cleaning laminate flooring, your floor should look as good as the day it was installed, for many years to come. source

Maintenance your Laminate Flooring

Maintenance your Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors, like other furnishings in your home, require proper care to keep them looking their best.
When you follow some easy cleaning and maintenance instructions, you'll find taking care of your laminate
floor a snap!
Regular Maintenance
The surface layer of laminate flooring is hard and compact, so dirt and dust do not stick to it easily. The
following simple steps are usually all it takes to keep your floor clean.
·  For general cleaning, use a dust mop, vacuum with the hard-floor attachment of your vacuum cleaner or
wipe occasionally with a damp cotton or cloth mop.
·  For heavier cleaning, use a laminate floor cleaner (available a hardware and household supply stores) or a
mixture of household vinegar and water (1-cup vinegar to 1-gallon warm water) or household ammonia and
water (1/2 cup ammonia to 1-gallon warm water). If an accident occurs and a stain remains, you can
remove the worst stains with acetone or denatured alcohol on a soft cloth without bleaching or damaging
the floor. In a pinch, nail polish remover containing acetone is a handy substitute. Do not use soap or
detergent-based cleaners, wax-based products or any type of polish on laminate floors, as they leave a dull,
filmy residue.
·  There is never a need to wax or refinish your laminate floor.
Protect the Floor
While laminate is remarkably durable, there is no such thing as an indestructible flooring material. There are a
few simple protective measures that are important to keep your floor looking new.
·  To protect your laminate floor from surface scratches, place walk-off area rugs or mats inside any exterior
doorway to collect small bits of gravel they may track in on shoes.
·  Use felt floor protectors (available at laminate retailers) on the legs of chairs, sofas, TV stands, tables and
other easily movable furniture.
·  Replace plastic casters on chairs with rubber wheels and lift rather than slide heavy objects across the floor.
·  Minor damage to a laminate plank or tile can be easily repaired with laminate finishing putty. If the
damaged area is larger than 1/4 of an inch, replacing the plank may be recommended. Please call our CHF

BC’s flooring contractor to assess the damage.
Spot Removal
Laminate stain resistance means peace of mind for you and easy clean up. So, when the inevitable happens, use
the following guide for stain and spot removal:
·  For chocolate, grease, juice, cordials and wine - use lukewarm water and a non-abrasive cleaner (such as,
ammonia and water) or a laminate cleaning product available where laminate flooring is sold.
·  For tar, markers, crayon, lipstick, oil, shoe polish, ink, nail polish and cigarette burns - use acetone/nail
polish remover or denatured alcohol. Note : Do not use acetone on laminate wall base or quarter round.
·  For candle wax and chewing gum - let harden and scrape carefully with a blunt plastic scraper.
It is easiest to remove glue haze as soon as possible using a warm damp cloth. After the floor sets for at least
12 hours, any residual haze or traces of glue missed by the initial cleaning can be removed by using a laminate
cleaner (available at laminate retail stores) or an ammonia and water mixture with a damp cloth or mop (1/2
cup ammonia to 1 gallon of water).

cheap laminate floors cheap laminate floors

cheap laminate floors

In this article:

• The basics of cheap laminate floors
• Laminate floor ratings and more

Laminate floors snap together fast

Finding beautiful flooring at an affordable price can be a problem for lots of people, even if you're a Cheap Floor Diva or not. That why millions of other folks – including me – are flocking to cheap laminate floors . It's like having the best of both world -- floors that look as good as any hardwood, tile or stone but on our pinto bean budgets. If you're wondering what exactly laminate flooring is and how you can jump on that cheap floor bandwagon, then keep reading.

There’s Layers and Layers to Know About Cheap Laminate Floors

You know that old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words?" Well, laminate flooring is just a picture that says so much. First, you need to understand the structure of cheap laminate floors. It starts with a foundation, which in this case is the backing material. Many times this backing material is waterproof and can be used in high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms (a definite must have for cheap laminate flooring in my book). The next layer gives the floor its strength and is usually made up of high-density fiberboard and a synthetic material like melamine resin. The image layer is applied next and can simulate an incredible variety of surface types. Pick a wood type, no matter how exotic, and you can even find it in cheap laminate, not just the high end Pergo and Shaw brands. The same variety and style goes for tile or stone looks, too. (and I just saw a new Mohawk flooring that simulates stained concrete... how cool is that!). The final layer is a top coating that makes the surface so durable. These layers are then are laminated together to create a tough, hard-wearing floor. 

Laminate Floor Ratings | Does Cheap Laminate Make the Grade?

Although laminate flooring is one of the most durable and easy-care floors you can find, they are not created equal and that's way there is a rating system (yeah, even cheap laminate floors have to meet the grade). Floors are scored for durability on something called an abrasion coefficient wear rating or AC for short. It’s a measurement that determines the thickness of the top coating and how strong it is. The higher the rating, the harder the coating and that means not even the kidlets and Fido can destroy it (at east under normal wear and tear). You’ll find ratings on the packagages from AC1 to AC5. The mid-range rating of AC3 should withstand most areas of a home that gets a lot of traffic, like the kitchen or hallways. AC4 and above would be terrific, but they’re usually for commercial-grade laminate flooring.

The Lowdown on Laying Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring generally snaps together and floats over a underlayment. If you have to glue it down, then it's probably a resilient flooring and that's an animal of a whole different breed (and we'll talk about those, too, at another time). The lay and click of cheap laminate floors is a do-it-yourselfer's dream. The laminate planks have tongue and groove edges that snap together and go down quickly. You need to leave a small gap around the edges for expansion, but the baseboard easily covers those. Depending on the type of floor you're laying the planks over, you may need a vapor barrier to hold back the moisture, like over a concrete floor. A foam layer is also usually laid between the floor and the planks, although it's sometimes incorporated onto the flooring (I just picked up some cheap laminate flooring for my bedroom). 

Laminate flooring is a great alternative to expensive hardwood carpet and although it can be a much cheaper option (as in economical), it shouldn’t be treated as a cheap alternative (as in I-know-I’m-going-to-regret-this). Cheap laminate is more stylish than ever and always durable. And best yet, it can mimic the look of many high-end materials at a fraction of the cost.

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cleaning laminate floors with steam

cleaning laminate floors with steam

Steam provides chemical-free cleaning power that effectively cuts through dirt and grime that builds up on many floors. It has become increasingly popular as we all begin trying to be more “green” with our cleaning methods. Before using this method on your own flooring though, it’s important to understand the difference between a steam cleaner and a steam mop. Though some may interchange the terms, they mean two different products and two very different results to laminate flooring.

 

Steam cleaners designed for cleaning carpets. These machines spray the floor with water and suction it back up as brushes spin to “scrub” the floor. Technically, these machines can be used on both hard and carpeted flooring. Though the water is removed quickly, these machines present too much moisture for laminates and should NOT be used. The typical drying time with a steam cleaner is 2-6 hours. The second type of steam cleaner is a steam mop. These mops consist of a plastic head that is covered with a terry cloth pad. Steam is produced and applied to the floor through the pad, usually by a trigger on the handle. It leaves a minimal amount of moisture to the flooring, most of which is quickly absorbed by the pads. The dirt is picked up by the pad as well as it moves across the surface. Due to the small amount of water presented on the floor, they are dry within minutes.

When choosing a cleaner for your laminate flooring, pay careful attention to the amount of moisture that is being introduced to the surface. If water gets under the edges of the laminate, it can cause the surface to come loose. It can curl, crackle and ultimately, lose its smooth, wood-like finish. Though most steam mops are safe to use on laminate floors, it is best to always test a small area first to ensure there are no unwanted effects. When floors are sealed and installed properly, these mops can be valuable cleaning tools for quick and quality cleanings.

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Tips For Cleaning Laminate Floors

We recently had gorgeous laminate flooring installed in our living room and I just had to ask the installer what he recommended for cleaning it. Although it’s much easier to care for than real wood flooring and I’ve had it for years in other parts of the house, I want to maintain the high gloss that this one has (it would be a shame for it to dull over time or be plagued with streaks from washing). Here are his tips for cleaning it:

Directions

• Regularly use a soft brush attachment on the vacuum or use a swiffer style tool for picking up dirt and hair. Sweep or vacuum in the direction that the floor is laid so that you pick up all the crud between the grooves instead of trapping it in the flooring (especially if your flooring is mock-hardwood style that has the grooves between each “plank”).
• For washing, mix a couple quick squirts of gentle liquid dish detergent in a pail of warm water. Wring out the mop well so there won’t be any water dripping then wash the floor with the damp mop. No special cleaning fluid required!

My sister-in-law has a tried and true recipe for cleaning high gloss laminate that will leave the flooring streak-free:

• 1/2 cup of vinegar
• 1 to 2 squirts of liquid dish detergent
• Bucketful of warm water (about a gallon)

Using this homemade cleaner for about 7 years hasn’t affected her floor’s gloss/shine at all and she would notice it–she’s got very particular eye for that sort of thing. If there are streaks, increase the vinegar amount gradually until you find the fix.

Did You Know: Many manufacturers require you to only use their brand of cleaners or your warranty is voided. On one hand I understand it (if you washed it with bleach for example–should you really be eligible for all new flooring under the warranty?), but on the other hand–total ripoff considering there are suitable solutions that are cheap and effective (you’re locked into buying their brand of cleaner for the lifetime of the warranty–which can be up to 30 or 50 years for some brands). Check your warranty guide before washing with any homemade or commercial brand cleaning product.

More Tips

• Put felt pads on everything, underneath furniture legs, tv stands, coffee tables–you name it. This will help keep the floors scratch free.
• Place an area rug in the common seating area (by the couch in front of the tv for example). Helps prevent scratches in this high-traffic area as well as a layer of protection for accidental spills from beverages.
• Lift furniture when moving it rather than sliding pieces, will prevent scratches.
• Remove tough stains like shoe polish, spilled nail polish, tar, etc., with an acetone based nail polish remover.

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Guide to Laminate Flooring

In spite of their critics, laminate floors are quickly becoming one of the most popular flooring choices in the consumer market. They're are often less expensive than hardwood, stone or tile, but the popularly of laminates isn't all about cost. Laminate floors can replicate types of wood that would normally be too fragile for everyday use.

  Guide to Laminate Flooring

These floors have a wood-grain appearance and planks that are the same size and shape as wood floor planks, so they're a convincing substitute for hardwood. On top of that, they can last much longer than even sturdier woods can. Because laminate floors get their designs from photographic images rather than a physical layer of wood, people can choose the look of any wood they wa­nt without worrying about durability or price.

­Laminate flooring was developed in Sweden in the 1980s, and it­'s come a long way since then. High-end laminates offer a textured appearance, so the finish looks realistic from up close as well as from afar. Original laminates don't have these finishes and tend to look more realistic from a distance. Laminate floors can replicate many types of wood, including all colors of oak, Brazilian cherry, mahogany, walnut, chestnut, hickory, maple, ash and pine, just to name a few. For people who want the look of more than one surface in their home, laminates can also mimic stone.

All of these traits make laminate flooring an attractive choice for people who want exotic and authentic looks in their homes. In this article, we'll explore what goes into making laminate floors and why their designs are so realistic. We'll also give you some tips for cleaning and maintaining laminates.

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How to install laminate flooring

How to install laminate flooring easy

When you decide to install laminate flooring, has the appearance of a wood floor without the worry and maintenance. You can install your own laminate flooring if you take a little time to do some research.

The first thing you need to realize is all laminate flooring manufacturers have their own procedures for installation. It is recommended that you read and follow the installation procedures specific to buy laminate flooring. It may seem that all are equal, but there are small differences in certain aspects of the installation and sizing. If you do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the purchase, any mistake you make may void the warranty on products. Although each manufacturer may have different procedures that there are some things we all have in common.

The first thing you need is a sub floor to lay the tables at most. The soil should be stable and flat with no gaps of more than 3 inches. You should land outside the highs and lows to fill the flat floor. We must take into account a difference of inches along the entire edge of the installation. If the floor is very close to a wall or touching the ground will most likely fail.

Laminate flooring should be allowed to fit around final. This will take two or three days. You can not bring home a floor and install it. You need to allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to new environmental conditions before starting the installation process.

When you begin, do not use any material that appears to have been damaged. If you do, the guarantee will not apply. Be sure to inspect the laminate large format of any defect or defects.

If you need to match the laminate flooring around any pipe, measure, and drill holes at least larger than the area of the pipe. This will allow any movement. Cut at a 45 degree angle to the holes in the tile.

Always protect your laminate floor using felt protectors for chairs and heavy furniture that you may have that can damage the soil. When moving furniture, be sure to lift and move before putting it back on the floor.

If you install your own laminate flooring, you will save a ton of money. He does not have to be a difficult process, if you are familiar with the instructions and have all the tools you need on hand. Additional information can be found on the web or you can ask a friend for help. You are proud to be back and see the beauty of his work.

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Mending Scratches by Laminate floors

While i relocated directly into my house, the floor inside the family area acquired been refinished together with lovely sweetie well toned laminate flooring. It had been lovely and it fit my design completely. The only issue has been the fact one of my own chair got popped a cap, unbeknownst for you to all relevant parties, also it has not been until finally 2-3 weeks afterwards, while i attended change a couple of furniture pieces, i discovered that. Much in order to our horror, the particular shining ground under the easy chair became a new scratched wreck and I shuddered at the thought of needing to fix these.

Today, I’m sure that I am not the only person that has had to deal with scraped Laminate Flooring . Actually, I’m practically good how the concern is widely shared. The fact remains, if you are intending to possess laminate flooring, at one time you are going to very own scratched laminate floor. Many people might simply sigh and change the furniture all around to pay the data, a thing that I actually did for a couple a few months, however laminate floors may be preset without having to split out there parts and substitute these people.
Nearly all fixes within laminate floor are fairly minimal. A cup could possibly have fallen as well as gouged a smaller gap or the kids could have scraped the toy car, less wheels, throughout a tiny segment. The particular scratches and divots are simply just surface area damage nevertheless they definitely detract in the after gleaming great thing about your own flooring surfaces.
With small damage, you’ll have to do minimal repairs for a laminate. Sadly, associated with pension transfer maintenance, you’ll find nothing regularly filled inside your racks that may fix your floors. You will have to create a run to the neighborhood home equipment as well as flooring shop to pick up any restore system. Several producers is likely to make restoration products for flooring hence the best place to begin will be the keep that you purchased your current floor.
Should you aren’t clear on the manufacturer or even the maker doesn’t need a repair product or service, merely purchase a simple fix kit. The repair kit usually includes a pipe associated with putty or feel. This is the true filler. Some restore packages get tinted putty while others have got coloring which you blend to generate the complementing ground color; this particular you combination with all the putty before you apply. Are correctly good to purchase and you may generally run on your own with regards to ten to twenty bucks.
A few restoration kits have putty blade and also any devices you will need in case it does not just grab the putty chef’s knife if you are at the store. Popsicle stays perform correctly regarding using the putty to the crack.
Prior to starting fixing your scrapes and dings and dents, guarantee the region will be thoroughly clean of the dirt and is dried up. There’s no impression restoring a place in case a repair regarding dog hair is likely to be riveted in the floor. Once the place is prepared, it is time to find mixing up.
If you selected the tinted putty that suits your own floorboards, whatever you will have to carry out can be desert spoon within the putty, but when you opted for a real mix, you will need to go with and create the specified shade. Once you’ve that, spoon inside putty as well as clean with the putty cutlery. Take away any of the surplus putty so you’ve an easy floor. Last but not least, clean the area across the the begining, the constant maintenance never to touch the actual fixed scuff using a clean up material to clean absent virtually any deposits.
When this dries, your own laminate floors should look like new.
At times, there is an unexpected scratch which is way too low for that putty to operate properly. If it is the case, the very best product on the market can be ScratchAway. This is the bottle of spray in strategy for any small scrapes upon wood flooring and other timber flooring. All you need to accomplish can be apply the region and then aficionado right up until it can be dried up.

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What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring mimics the look of traditional woods while offering easy installation and lasting durability.

At first glance, it can be difficult to spot the difference between hardwoods and laminate flooring. What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really a thin layer of decor paper (a photographic image) under a tough-as-nails protective film that is glued and pressed to a high-density backing board.

Laminate Flooring comes in an array of wood effects as well as stone and ceramic effects.

Laminate floorings main advantages are that it is easy to install, is very hardwearing and relatively inexpensive compared to real hardwood flooring.

Laminate flooring is a floating floor, which means it does not fasten directly to the sub-floor. Instead the planks are clicked together. This enables the floor to be fitted fast and with no real mess.

Laminate flooring has been around in Europe for around 15 years and has seen massive growth in the past few years. In 2004 over 750 million square meters of laminate flooring was sold worldwide. This was an increase of 13% on the previous year.

The biggest growth market is in the US with an impressive growth rate of 25%.

What is Laminate Flooring Made From?

Laminate flooring is made up of four layers. The bottom layer is the stabilizing layer; this is what gives the laminate floor its stability. It is made up of moisture resistant resins

Above this there is the core layer; this is made up of high density fibreboard (H.D.F.). This is saturated in resins to make it extremely hard. Most manufactures also add a moisture resistant resin to the core. This is important as it helps keep the flooring protected against moisture penetrating the boards.

On top of the core layer is added a high strength paper along with the decorative paper. It is this decorative paper which gives the laminate flooring its individual appearance, ranging from highly authentic wood reproduction, ceramic or stone designs.

The top wear layer is provided by the melamine resin, a highly wear resistant material that makes laminate flooring so hard wearing. This top layer is very similar to the top layer on counter or kitchen work tops but is usually around 40% stronger. This makes the laminate flooring highly resistant to scratches, burns, dent's, stains, etc.

There are a lot of laminate flooring manufactures who have products in the market place, each saying theirs is the best. Our advice is to stay with the leading ones these are QUICK-STEP, ALLOC, PERGO, BRUCE, and KRONOTEX. Theses manufactories have been around a long time and offer quality products that you can trust

How does Laminate Flooring Fit Together

Most laminate floors today fit together with a click system with the most common being the UNICLIC system as used by Quick-Step. This is extremely easy and fast to fit.

The ingenious UNICLIC-system has a special shape of tongue and groove. You simply place the tongue of one plank into the grove of another at an angle and press down. Their sophisticated and very accurate milled shape makes it possible to create a very tight connection during the installation. The floor can be walked on straight away.

If you are laying laminate flooring over a concrete sub-floor then you will fist need to lay down a damp proof membrane (DPM). This is basically a sheet of plastic usually around 5mm which helps protect the Laminate from moisture. On top of this goes the foam underlay this acts as sound absorption and also helps even out minor irregularities in the sub-floor.

Most manufactories now offer a combined DPM and underlay along with several underlay's that have better sound absorbing qualities.

 

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Clean Laminate Floors

Are you wondering how to clean laminate floors in your home? This popular flooring option requires less care than traditional hardwood floors, but it still needs a little TLC to maintain its appearance. 

Laminate Floor Basics

 

Laminate flooring is an engineered floor option that laminates layers of different materials together. It is typically made up of a top wear layer, a printed image of wood grain and a fiber board underneath. The specific make up of the laminate varies by brand, but the result is a durable and more affordable alternative to traditional hardwood floors. You'll find that the warranties on most laminate floors range from 10 to 25 years. You might also find some laminates that carry a lifetime warranty or special moisture warranties. Check the fine print when choosing your laminate flooring. Choosing a high quality product in the beginning increases the chances of keeping the floor looking new.

 Clean Laminate Floors

Things You'll Need

Having the right supplies on hand makes cleaning your laminate floors a breeze. There is some flexibility in the cleaning products you use, but in general, you'll need these supplies.

• Broom: A broom is an effective way to remove dirt without damaging the finish on the laminate flooring.
• Vacuum: A vacuum is also a possibility if you want to get the job done faster. Choose one without a beater bar to keep the floor in good condition.
• Vacuum cleaner attachments: The attachments help get the dirt along the edges or between the planks.
• Mop: You'll only want to use a damp mop on laminate floors. 

How to Clean Laminate Floors

These tips and hints will get you on your way to clean laminate floors that maintain their look.

• Read the manufacturer's care recommendations for your specific flooring. They might offer recommended products for that specific floor. Also check the warranty to make sure you don't do anything to the laminate that might void the warranty.
• Place a foot brush and door mat outside all entrances to help remove dirt, rocks and other bits of debris from shoes. This cuts down on the amount of dirt that ends up on the floor and helps reduce the risk of scratches on the surface of the laminate.
• Sweep or vacuum your laminate flooring on a regular basis. The dirt can dull the finish if it is left for long. Make sweeping a daily habit. If you notice a large amount of dirt, sweep it up right away instead of waiting until the next daily sweep.
• Damp mop the floor occasionally. Avoid too much moisture which can cause the laminate flooring to swell. A microfiber cloth on the mop provides a soft and effective cleaning surface for hardwood floors.
• A mixture of vinegar and warm water makes an inexpensive cleaning solution for the flooring. You can put it in a spray bottle and combine it with a mop for a quick cleaning option. Spray a small amount of the solution on the floor and mop it up immediately.
• Clean up spills immediately with a damp, soft cloth. Taking care of the spills right away prevents stains in the laminate that are more difficult to remove.
• Move large pieces of furniture carefully when cleaning the laminate under them. Enlist the help of someone else to lift and move the items. Another option is to place pads on the bottom of the legs so they slide easily while protecting the floor. 

Things to Avoid

• Never use abrasives on laminate flooring. This includes steel wool or abrasive cleaners.
• Avoid using wax or polish on laminate.
• Watch out for rocks, pebbles and large grains of sand. All of these items can scratch laminate flooring.
• Don't let liquids stay on the floor for any length of time. If you have a pet water dish in the room, consider placing a mat underneath it to catch any drips from Fido.

Final Laminate Cleaning Thoughts

Cleaning laminate flooring isn't difficult but takes commitment and attention. Now that you know how to clean laminate floors, yours will look as good as the day they were installed for many years to come..

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Cleaning Laminate Floors

When it comes to cleaning a laminate floor, your options are just about as endless as the different varieties of dirts and stains that can attack that floor. If you're looking for a cheap way to get your floor sparkling and clean, here are some great home remedies that will save you some time and money.
One reason laminate floors are so difficult to maintain, is because after you've cleaned them, you're left with ugly streaks. And sometimes even after you've invested in the fanciest products, nothing really works. In fact, you may find that the only way to get your floor into shape is to do it the hard way – by getting down on your hands and knees and scrubbing. If these problems sound familiar to you, maybe it's time to try something new?
First thing's first
Vacuum and sweep the laminate floor before you get to all that nitty-gritty grime.
When in doubt, use vinegar
Vinegar can successfully tackle almost every kind of muck that ends up on the floor. And with a mere fourth of a cup of it, mixed with some regular warm water, you will be equipped to get your laminate floor spotless. Mix the vinegar and water into a spray bottle or a bucket and then douse a mop with the powerful homemade solution. By mopping your floor with just vinegar and water, you can remove many stains and you won't even have to deal with pesky streaking afterward. Rubbing alcohol and liquid detergent can also come in handy and are easy-to-find combatants for tough-to-remove stains. Just as you would with vinegar, you can combine these ingredients with water and then apply it to the laminate floor. Many people find that the trio of vinegar, water, and rubbing alcohol work very well to clean your floor and also dry impressively fast, thus reducing track marks.
It's not just how you mop, it's what you mop with
Microfiber pads are a great addition to your mop if you're main goal is to clean a laminate floor, in particular. Microfiber is essentially an extremely lightweight polyester fiber. Microfiber combined with vinegar or other more sophisticated cleaning products just might do the trick. There are other fiber pads for your mop that you might want to look into.
A mop can make a really big difference. Thus it's probably be a good idea to put a little extra money toward a more expensive, well-made mop. But check out consumer reviews before you do this. Swiffer and Clorox mops have a pretty good reputation for getting the job done. (However, Swiffer mops are often better equipped for wood floors, rather than laminate.) The Swiffer WetJet mop, specifically, has been given heaps of praise by its users, who swear it does wonders for laminate floors! A bonus with a Swiffer WetJet mop is that the pads are recyclable. So if you're conscious of the environment, keep that in mind.
Windex?
Seems like we're always finding new and creative ways to use Windex, despite the fact that the product is designed to clean windows. But Windex can indeed help you clean your laminate floors too!
Some of these tips may work for you, others may not. No laminate floor is the exact same as the next one over. But likely the reason one piece of advice works for you and not for another person is because of how you clean your floor and how much there is to be cleaned, in the first place. Be careful to follow these steps precisely and don't give your floor a cursory glance. You might have to be a little aggressive.
Laminate floors have a lot of benefits, but they often cause their owners many a headache. But that's only if these owners are not informed about how to keep their floors clean. For example, they may use soap or wax – and that is a big no no and will cause more problems than they solve. All you really need to handle your laminate floor is a good mop and some atypical cleaning solutions that you probably have right under your nose – like vinegar.
There are some household cleaners that will work just as well, if not better, than vinegar, but you want to make sure you properly research them before you put them to work on your floors.
Laminate floors are typically installed in kitchens, which means they will be walked on a lot and littered with all kinds of crud! Fortunately, the answer to this problem is not as complicated and difficult as you probably once thought.
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Laminate Floor Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper laminate cleaning and maintenance will help ensure your floor always looks its best. Simply follow the easy care steps and quick fix tips outlined below. 

 

Laminate Care Instructions

How to Clean Laminate Floors

• Use recommended Armstrong laminate floor cleaners.
• Vacuum, use a dust mop or wipe with a damp cloth.
• For spills, just wipe up with a cloth or sponge.
• Allow time for floor to dry after washing.
• Immediately wipe up wet areas from spills, foreign substances, or wet feet.

How to Protect Laminate Floors

• Place a natural or colorfast mat at outside entrances to collect tracked-in dirt and absorb excess moisture.
• For added indentation resistance, use Armstrong or Bruce felt floor protectors on chairs and other furniture. As a general rule of thumb, the heavier the item, the wider the floor protector should be.

from : http://www.bruce.com/cleaning-laminate-flooring.html

Laminate Flooring Trends

I hope I don't run out of ideas to discuss while trying to stay on topic. Yea, I do need a real life, but for the time being this is fine and dandy as Andy Griffith would often tell Aunt Bee. I started installing laminate floors back in '96. Then it was just Pergo. A few short years passed and many thought laminate floors were just a fad. Ten years and more while going strong!

In earlier days laminate floors were downright boring! Same old look. Sure if you wanted a butcher block looking floor, laminates were the way to go. After a few years I began to lose interest in doing installations for two chief reasons; they were extremely sensitive to moisture, and a pain to install using glue. Often the edges would swell because of the glue after installation regardless of what was done. More than likely a case of too much glue but the manufacturers insisted on a liberal amount, that in effect would seal the edges.





Photos below are laminate floors! I hadn't looked at these floors for years and the changes are really noticeable! Not only has the construction improved, but they are less resistant to moisture while offering hardwood like appearances.




This actually looks like a hardwood floor with pillowed bevels. It's so deceiving but there are not any bevels at all. The boards are however, contoured and highlight the scraped look. Brand line name is the Quick Step Country Collection.
Quick Step laminate floors are by far the best in the industry in my opinion with Wilsonart Laminate coming in a close second. Chances are if you talk to any laminate installer that has handled numerous brands, these two names will be at the top of the list. Today all laminate floors are glue less with many trying to copy Quick Step's patented locking process.
Installation of this floor was not the easiest according to our installer, but it sure looked cool when completed. Add the Quick Step underlayment and it feels almost feels like a solid hardwood floor providing the sub floor is flat. I notice it but many of our showroom visitors don't. Four out of five are also surprised they are walking on a laminate floor and not hardwood.
"This is a laminate floor?"

Another snapshot I have(below) shows a Wilsonart Laminate with a micro bevel edge look, called Burnished Maple in the Red Label Hand Scraped Line. Laminate floors today offer random length strip 3 inches wide all the way up to seven inch wide, one face planks that really do look like hardwood floors. There are several types of bevels, exotic looking floors in more unusual species such as Wenge, Elm, Brazilian Chestnut, and Doussie to name a few. Bamboo laminate? Yup, it's available too.
Want the aged look...no problem. Wire brushed? That too. Designs are becoming a close runner to hardwood while quality is going up the scale for the leaders in the industry . Sure I see it all the time, 99 cent laminate floors everywhere. They do have their limitations so don't expect them to perform as well as a quality laminate floor. Retail prices are generally in the five to six dollar per square foot range for the ones shown above.
Would I put laminate floors in my home? Sorry, I'm a hardwood flooring bigot, but I'm sure costs would impress many that want to save a few dollars a square foot if they are seeking a hardwood lookalike.

cleaning laminate floors

from:http://hardwoodflooringnut.blogspot.com/2007/11/laminate-floors-big-suprises.html