To maintain laminate flooring in high-traffic areas is not as easy as you think. When too many feet walk across your laminate floors daily—bringing in dirt and causing spills—it takes a toll. Flooring Surgeons is here to help you with life-saving hacks for maintaining your laminate floors. If you’re dealing with challenges cleaning areas in your home with constant foot movement and activity, stay with us and overcome the challenges.
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Challenges of High-Traffic Areas
If your place is a crowded one, you probably know better than anyone that your laminate flooring will not only get dirty but also become damaged over time. Here are some common challenges of high-traffic areas:
Increased dirt and wear
The first result of high-traffic areas is that your laminate flooring will become dirty and worn out. Dust, mud, food crumbs, and spills build up quickly when there’s constant movement. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can dull the surface, wear down the protective layer, and reduce the floor’s overall lifespan.
Potential for scratches and damage
High-traffic areas of laminate flooring typically include entryways, hallways, kitchens, and living rooms. These places usually develop more scratches and damage than other parts of the floor due to frequent movement, dragging items, and exposure to hard-soled shoes or pet claws.
Protective Measures
To avoid these challenges, you need to protect your laminate flooring. Here are some protective measures you should know:
Use of area rugs and mats
Rugs and mats are a great option to protect your laminate floors in high-traffic areas. Placing them at entryways, under dining tables, or in busy hallways helps reduce direct contact, trap dirt, and absorb spills before they reach the floor. Just make sure to use non-slip backings that won’t damage the laminate surface.
Furniture pads to prevent scratching
Before placing furniture on laminate floors, it’s a good idea to put pads under the legs. Using furniture pads helps distribute pressure evenly and prevents it from centralizing in one spot, which could cause dents or scratches. They’re especially helpful under chairs, tables, and heavy items that get moved around often.
Strategies for Cleaning Laminate Floors in High-Traffic Areas
To keep your laminate floors clean and safe in high-traffic areas, you need to follow these cleaning strategies:
Daily sweeping or vacuuming
To keep your high-traffic area laminate floors clean, daily sweeping or vacuuming will be helpful. Dirt, dust, and debris build up quickly in these areas, and if left unchecked, they can cause scratches or wear down the floor’s surface. A soft-bristle broom or a vacuum designed for hard floors can easily pick up this buildup and keep your floor looking fresh.
Weekly damp mopping with suitable cleaners
To clean laminate floors in high-traffic areas, using a damp mop with suitable cleaners is a very effective option. Make sure the mop is only slightly damp—never soaking wet—to avoid moisture damage. Use a cleaner that’s safe for laminate, or a homemade solution like diluted vinegar or a small amount of dish soap in water. Regular weekly mopping removes sticky spots, stains, and built-up grime that sweeping can’t handle.
Dealing with Pet-Related Messes
Anyone who has a pet knows that their laminate flooring gets dirty and damaged sooner than other flooring options. To keep your laminate flooring safe and clean, you’d better follow the instructions below:
Immediate cleanup of accidents
Whenever your pet soils the floor, you should clean it right after the incident. Quick cleanup helps prevent moisture from seeping into the laminate, which can lead to staining, swelling, or lasting damage. Removing the mess immediately eliminates the cause, and the effect on the floor will be minor or even unnoticeable.
Regular grooming to reduce shedding
Regular grooming helps reduce the amount of pet hair that ends up on your floors. Brushing your pet a few times a week keeps shedding under control and makes daily cleaning much easier. Less hair also means fewer allergens and less chance of buildup around baseboards or under furniture.
Recommended Cleaning Products
When it comes to laminate floors, not every cleaning product is suitable. Some may cause more harm than good. That’s why it’s important to know what types of products to use and what to avoid, so your flooring stays in good shape for years to come.
Mild, pH-neutral cleaners
For laminate flooring, always choose mild, pH-neutral cleaners. These are gentle on the surface and won’t strip away the protective layer of your floor. Harsh or highly acidic cleaners can cause the laminate to fade, dull, or even peel over time. Whether you’re using a store-bought product or a homemade mix like vinegar and water, make sure it’s safe for laminate surfaces.
Avoidance of abrasive tools
Avoid using abrasive tools such as steel wool, hard-bristle brushes, or rough scrubbers. These can scratch the laminate surface and leave permanent marks. Instead, use microfiber cloths, soft mops, or vacuums with a hard floor setting to clean effectively without causing damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean high-traffic laminate areas?
High-traffic laminate areas should be swept or vacuumed daily to remove dirt and debris that can lead to scratches. A damp mop can be used once a week, or more frequently if needed, depending on how busy the area is. Regular cleaning helps preserve the finish and keeps your floors looking great longer.
What’s the best way to prevent scratches in busy zones?
To prevent scratches in high-traffic areas, use rugs or mats in key spots like entryways and hallways. Add furniture pads to the legs of chairs, tables, and heavy furniture. Also, avoid dragging anything across the floor. These small steps go a long way in protecting your laminate surface from daily wear and tear.
Are you looking for high quality laminate flooring in the UK? We’re here to help! Email us at info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk or drop by our showrooms in Birmingham and Wolverhampton — we’d love to assist you in person.
Halesowen
214A Dudley Road. Halesowen, Birmingham, B63 3NJ
0121 274 8575
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends: 10 AM – 4 PM
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317 Penn Rd, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV4 5QF
01902 836666
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sun: Closed
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