Warm weather is here and summer has officially reached Edmonton! Now that the days are long and the sun is calling us outdoors, our homes face increased risk for a build-up of dust and dirt if we’re not careful! From pets playing outside in the yard to the kids coming back from the park and everything in between, summer poses some unique challenges when it comes to keeping our floors looking their best. Fortunately, with a little prep work and a quick TLC plan in mind, you can avoid the pitfalls and premature damage caused by chips, mud build-up, scratches, sun-fading, and more. At Ashley Fine Floors, we’re passionate about helping you get the most out of your flooring; below, we’ve compiled a quick list of tips to keep your laminate looking pristine for years to come. Read on to learn more about how you can keep your laminate in tip-top shape, all summer long!
Alberta’s Flooring of Choice
Did you know that laminate flooring has become one of the most popular selections in residential and commercial properties? When you consider that laminate is both extremely affordable and comes with thousands of patterns and styles to choose from, it’s no wonder that these floors have seen increased demand over the past few years. Whether you’re a new homeowner looking to finish your space, or a long-term owner looking to make a change, laminate makes it easy to customize to your heart’s content, all without breaking the bank.
Your Laminate Care Book
In addition to being cost-effective, essentially if you’re looking to finish a larger space, laminate flooring has the added benefit of being extremely easy to maintain, making it the perfect fit for the family that’s always on the go. Laminate floors can be installed quickly, and if you spend just a few minutes a few times a week caring for them, you’ll be amazed at how long they’ll last! To extend the lifespan of your laminate planks, keep the following in mind:
Prevent to Protect
As with any kind of flooring, the best way to prevent premature wear and tear is to have a plan of action in place that ensures such damage never has the chance to occur. While it’s impossible to be perfect 100% of the time (trust us, we’re human, we get it!), taking preventative measures like placing mats at an entryway, taking off your shoes as soon as you enter the home, ensuring pets’ paws are cleaned when it’s muddy out, and staying on top of any other risk factors will go a long way towards preventing build-up and damage.
Sweep It Off!
Gently sweeping your floors a few times a week is a fantastic way to ensure that dirt and grime never have a chance to build up, as well as reduce the chance of finer particles like sand scuffing your planks. While it’s okay to skip the odd cleaning here or there, it’s important to stay diligent with your routine if you want to get the most out of your flooring.
Treat as Needed
It’s inevitable that spills, mud, and other “oops” moments will happen; fortunately, thanks to how durable laminate is, if you stay on top of these kinds of accidents and spot treat right away, you’ll likely be able to prevent further damage. Never let liquids or caustic materials sit on top of your laminate.
As a bonus tip, it’s important to remember that liquids and outside dirt/grime aren’t the only things that can pose a risk to your flooring. Be aware of any spots in your home that may get over-exposure to the sun and consider using a rug to avoid heat staining if necessary. While many modern laminate brands will be resistant to this, an extra layer of protection can go a long way.
A Note On Abrasive Cleaners
Finally, when cleaning your floors, it’s important to double-check all cleaning materials used. Laminate has a protective layer that keeps dirt and damaging factors out, but if the cleaner you use is too abrasive or chemically incompatible, you could find yourself looking at some serious damage in the aftermath. As a general rule of thumb, always read the packaging and if you’re not sure…don’t use it!
Want to learn more about laminate flooring? Contact our experts today!