Laminate Wood Care



All our laminates are made from high density fibreboard (HDF) and have a good wear layer, many have a true to nature feel and ‘V’ grooves to make them as close to real wood as possible.

However, unlike real wood, laminate flooring requires a little more care as it cannot be sanded down and re-finished.

Maintaining and caring for your laminate floor on a regular basis will keep it looking as beautiful as the day it was laid.

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Cleaning

Laminate wood can be vacuumed with a suction of attachment, do not use a beater bar or brush as this may scratch the laminate. The ‘V’ grooves can be vacuumed by using the extension wand attachment. Laminate wood can also be sweep with a soft broom, or a dry micro fibre mop, which can also be used to remove dust and debris from the grooves. Do not use abrasive cloths or wire wool.

For a more intense clean, use a well wrung micro mop or floor cloth over the wood, with a recommended laminate wood floor cleaner. Although many laminates can be 100% water resistant, it does not mean its waterproof and it is important that the mop / cloth is only damp as over wetting can cause the liquid to seep between the boards which will soak into the HDF and cause the wood to warp and bow.



Take more precaution if the floor has ‘V’ grooves as damp mopping can cause a build-up of dirt in the grooves. It is also not advisable to use a steam cleaner on laminate wood.



Removing Stubborn Stains

From time to time accidents happen and the laminate can fall victim to food, drink, shoe scuffs etc.

Soak up liquid spills as soon as possible with kitchen roll or a dry clean cloth. For sticky spillages, like fruit juice and pop, once the majority of the spillage has been soaked up, wipe over with a well wrung cloth of diluted washing up liquid and water to remove and sticky residue and allow it to dry.

For stains caused by food, again remove the majority with kitchen roll or a clean dry cloth and wipe over with a well wrung cloth of diluted washing up liquid and water to remove and sticky residue and allow it to dry.

If the stain is stubborn mix 125ml of ammonia with 5L of warm water, put a small amount on the stain and leave for ten minutes.

Then gently scrub with a soft bristled brush, like a toothbrush, rinse well and dry. If the stain has not gone, repeat the process, increasing the ratio of ammonia in the water. It is advisable to do a patch test in an out of sight area to ensure the ammonia does not damage the laminate.

To remove candle wax or chewing gum, leave to harden, then gently scrape off with a plastic spatula. For shoe scuffs, wipe the mark with a damp cloth, use a rubber eraser and rub at the mark in the same direction as the wood grain.

Surface Damage

Scratches can be caused by various sources. Furniture being dragged across the laminate can cause deep scratches in the wear layer, avoid dragging furniture by lifting the furniture. It is also advisable to place soft felt pads on the legs/feet to help limit scratching.

Stones and gravel picked up on the soles of footwear can cause scratches, having a good quality doormat or removing shoes at the entrance can help. If stones or gravel are noticed on the flooring, clean it up accordingly.

Prevention is better than cure, but in the unfortunate event the laminate does get scratched, it is possible to purchase from some DIY shops, a laminate repair kit, which consists of a coloured wax that is used to ‘fill in’ the scratch.



Over time the wear layer of the laminate can deteriorate leaving dull patches, this cannot be restored.