The Benefits of Laminate Floor Cleaning

There are more than a few reasons why the use of laminate flooring has caught on so quickly, among them the easy installation, its durability and its ease in maintenance and cleaning. Most floors are warranted from between 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand, and by using a few simple tips on cleaning a laminate floor, it can turn out to look as good as new during the lifetime of the warranty and beyond. While laminate flooring may present the impression of being made of hardwood, it is important to remember the construction when using the tips on cleaning a laminate floor.

Laminate flooring is made simply by using three or more layers of fiberboard impregnated with resins and waterproofing chemicals f or strength and the resistance to water damage and staining. The outer layer is basically a thin applique, which is what gives the flooring its visual appeal. For tips on cleaning a laminate floor and to facilitate it retain its luster, understanding the surface qualities can reveal how easy it can be to maintain. 

The outer layer can be without difficulty scratched and keeping sand, gravel or other small, harsh particle off the floor is one of the main tips on cleaning a laminate floor. Using a vacuum cleaner or a soft padded broom can also keep the surface from becoming scratched, creating a dull finish. Using throw rugs at entryways can help capture most of these, but in the event some do get through the rug, they will need to be promptly cleaned.

While laminate flooring is intended to be waterproof, wet mopping can in fact cause damage to the floor. Further tips on cleaning a laminate floor include not using any type of abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads or sandpaper on the surface as it will scratch the surface. Even small particles of dirt will also create tine cuts and grooves that can quickly fill with dirt and make the floor dull and lifeless.

Many people also places furniture pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratching, but with today’s laminate materials it is not always required. On the other hand, placing a pad under furniture or not scraping it across the floor will add to the floor’s life. Among the tips on cleaning a laminate floor take account of regular dusting in addition to the vacuuming, but the vacuums with a brush should not be used. The dirt should be vacuumed up and not moved around by a beater bar.

An ancient proverb argues so as to “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Undeniably, this saying could apply to our clothing, our vehicle, or our home! Keeping our investments clean help prevents unwanted substances and bugs from appearing. If we sporadically maintain products from the moment we purchase or install them, they can maintain the same appearance for several years or even decades. Especially, floor cleaning, such as laminate floor cleaning, remains as one of the most difficult items to maintain in our homes. Nevertheless, caring for a floor properly will help maintain a new appearance, increase its life, and prevent damage.

The very first step in laminate floor cleaning actually requires no cleaning. As soon as you enter your home, make it a habit to remove your shoes. The undersides of your shoes contain some substances that you had treaded over outside, including dirt, oil, and bubble gum. In addition, the base of your feet contains oils, so it is sensible to wear socks or slippers inside your home.

Preventing unnecessary substances from being tracked on your floor will make laminate floor cleaning exceedingly more easy. Before mopping the floor, sweep the surface.

Subsequently, before you begin your laminate floor cleaning, get ready a mixture of 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar per each gallon of water. In the past, you may have used vegetable oil on your floor. If that is the case, then increase the ratio to one cup of vinegar for each gallon of water. Vegetable oil cleaners should be avoided as they leave deposits onto the wood flooring. This will ultimately destroy the sealant.

Why is vinegar strongly recommended? As we know that water has alkaline, this can create water spots on wood floors. The vinegar functions as a neutralizer of the alkaline, drastically reducing water spot damage. At the present you are prepared to start your laminate floor cleaning. Dip a towel in the mix and then wring out the extra liquid. You will not call for a mop and you will not need to rinse, when cleaning laminated floors. Plainly use the towel to clean the floor. If the flooring requires aeration, do that.

An interesting issue has just developed in the realm of laminate floor cleaning. Some producers of laminated wood floors now put forward that ammonia be used as a cleaner for their floors. Ammonia is utilized to get rid of wax from floors, and could actually have the same effect on the majority of laminated floors’ sealants. Laminated floors are some of the loveliest floors set up in homes. Doing periodic, proper laminate floor cleaning can put together your wood floor look as if it were just installed!

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Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring – Important Things You Need to Know

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is considered by many to be the perfect blend of style and functionality. Current styles by major manufacturers have never look better and more realistic. Luxury vinyl planks also offer in many cases a more durable and tougher floor than other options such as hardwood and laminate, especially when it comes to handling scratches and water issues. If you are one of the many consumers considering luxury vinyl wood looking planks, there are several things you will need to know when choosing your floor. 

Not all luxury vinyl flooring planks are created equal. There are quite a few differences between construction styles among the major manufacturers. Backing systems can vary between brands. Some luxury wood vinyl plank floors have residential warranties and others have a commercial warranty as well. Other differences include is the vinyl plank water proof or water resistant? Is the plank UV stabilized to prevent fading? Does the luxury wood vinyl plank you are looking at have a built in mold and mildew inhibitor? Also, some major manufacturers even certify their luxury vinyl to be hypo-allergenic. You can also compare thickness as a relative concept for durability. The basic, entry level products start at around 2 mil thickness progressing up to 6 mils. The key thing here is that not all luxury vinyl planks are built the same.

Price can vary extremely among styles and brands. Prices can range from $.99 per square foot to $5.00 a square foot. If your budget is limited and you need to go with a cheaper, entry level luxury vinyl that’s fine. Just make sure that the price point you are paying matches the thickness and wear layer of the product you are looking at. You will see 2 mil products discounted in the lower range and work up from there. The important note to remember here is to make sure that you are comparing apples to apples while shopping a specific price range.

Luxury vinyl planks have two basic installation methods. The predominate method is using a full spread adhesive. This is the most common type of application and is not recommended as a do it yourself project. The other installation type is a self adhering type. Do not confuse this with peel and stick. Peel and stick are a lower grade of vinyl and will almost always come up and usually have to be replaced within 3 years. The peel and stick types stick directly to the floor. The true luxury vinyl planks that are self adhering, stick to each other, not the floor. These luxury vinyl planks usually have a lip on two edges and a recessed lip on the other two edges that have a factory applied glue. You use the lips to glue the tiles together and not the floor. Currently Konnecto, Armstrong Luxe, and some styles by Amtico are the only valid offerings with this type of self adhering, do it yourself installation system.

There are several finishes available in luxury wood looking vinyl planks. A smooth finish is what most consumers are familiar with. However, you can get a more realistic floor by using a plank that has a ribbed, hand scraped (simulated) or finish with registered embossing. These finishes give the plank a more wood look and style by adding texture to go along with the color and wood species. If you haven’t seen a sample of a luxury flooring vinyl plank with registered embossing, make sure you check one out before you make a final purchase, it’s pretty impressive.

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7 Tips for Making Your Carpet Floors Last

Extending the life of your carpet floors not only keeps your home looking enticing, but it ultimately saves you money, as replacing carpeting is quite expensive. According to carpet suppliers, how well you maintain your flooring will aid in determining how often you will have to replace it.

Along with following any care recommendations from your local carpet company, here are some tips for maintaining its appearance: 

1. Don’t scrimp on padding. Padding not only makes carpet floors more comfortable to walk or sit on, but it also absorbs most of the abuse your carpet gets subjected to. Any time you replace your carpeting, you should also buy new padding; otherwise, you may void the warranty on your carpet floors. Ask for assistance from your carpet company when choosing the right type of pad for your carpet floors.

2. Get a quality vacuum cleaner. Make sure your vacuum has strong enough suction to collect the small grit and debris buried deep within your carpet floors. This will help prevent it from tearing due to a worn-down backing and pile.

3. Protect your flooring with carpet runners. A runner is perfect for protecting your carpeting in areas with heavy foot traffic. Runners not only add class to your home décor, but they also collect dirt as it gets tracked into your house. Your local carpet company is a great resource for finding runners to suit your home design.

4. Get regular professional cleanings. Regular visits from your local carpet cleaning professionals can also help maximize the life of your carpet floors. The pros have top-notch equipment that gets rid of all the dirt and grime missed by regular household vacuums. If you’re on a budget, contact your carpet suppliers or carpet company to see if they rent out their professional equipment.

5. Ban shoes. You can help protect your carpeting by banning shoes, which contain oil and particles that can damage your flooring.

6. Do not allow bare feet. Just like shoes, bare feet can damage your carpet floors over time. When in direct contact with carpeting, the natural oils on your skin actually attract dirt and cause the fabric to deteriorate more quickly. To minimize the impact on guests, keep a shoe rack and a basket of house slippers by your front door.

7. Clean stains immediately. If you leave a stain unattended over time, it will grow larger and harder to remove. Make sure to get a stain removal guide from your carpet suppliers for the type of flooring you are getting. You can also consider using items such as commercial cleaning solutions for carpets (just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions), household carpet shampoos for small spots, or a professional carpet cleaner for tougher stains.

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