In today's homes you will often find more than one type of floor - Carpet, Tile, Wood, and Wood Laminate. All of these coverings need special attention if they are to last including Wood & Wood Laminate. Proper care of your floor prevents damage, extends its life and keeps it looking new for years. So, how do you properly care for your Wood & Wood Laminate Flooring?
If you enjoy going barefoot or even if you don't, kick your shoes off at the door. Why remove your shoes? A closer look at the bottom of your shoes and you'll find oil, dirt and heaven only knows how many tidbits of left over dog deposits. Small wonder why your floor stubbornly refuses to come clean. Do wear slippers or socks inside. On the bottom of each foot the average person has over 250,000 sweat glands that release oils and dirt into your floors.
1). Always vacuum or dust hard floors surfaces before mopping. You can use a "dry mop" with a sprits of water or a vacuum cleaner that does NOT have a breaker bar. If you already own a ShopVac this is a good place to use it.
2). Clean your wood floors with a 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar in a gallon of water. If you have been using vegetable oil on your floor double the amount of vinegar to (1) cup per gallon of water. Go over your floor several times to remove the residue with warm water and dry. Vegetable oil cleaners leave a residue on wood floors that can deteriorate the sealant over time.
3). Dampen a towel in the above mixture and wring out all the excess moisture. Use a towel as your mop. No need to rinse, but make sure to dry the floor with a clean "dry mop" or possible a fan. If you over wet the floor you could warp the wood - ruining the floor. LESS IS MORE!
4). AVOID USING AMMONIA (Windex) type cleaners. Ammonia is used to strip the wax off floors. It may do the same to the sealant on most laminate floors.
5). If these steps do not return the lustre of your once beautiful floors it may be time to bring in a professional and have the floor professionally cleaned, resurfaced, and protected. If you need this type of help give us a call at (916) 525-2456.
Until Next Time
Michael Hull
