Laminates are extensively used for covering walls, floors, and furniture. Interior designers choose laminates to achieve the desired look of a space. Laminates are durable, pocket-friendly, and resistant to everyday wear and tear. Hence, these are perfect for use in spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. The below section gives some useful tips for cleaning laminate surfaces. Here, you will learn about cleaning essentials that will keep the laminates beautiful and make them last for an extended period.
Laminate finishes have become a common choice for furniture, walls, flooring, and panelling purposes. Available in various colors and finishes, laminates offer good resistance to stains and impact. Over time, laminated surfaces wear out because of constant usage. Following are tips that will surely help maintain durable laminate surfaces.
Laminates can withstand substantial wear and tear in comparison to other materials. These can even get scratched up by sharp objects or damaged by using abrasive materials. These typically lose their color and luster due to excess exposure to sunlight. Hence, it is best to use them indoors to avoid the chances of discoloration. Dampness and moisture are likely to damage durable laminate surfaces and result in warping. Floor and furniture surfaces should be kept away from excess water, even at the time of cleaning.
Maintenance of laminates in the kitchen
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Kitchen shelves are prone to get a lot of grease and grime. Therefore, regular cleaning is necessary to keep the space clean and hygienic at all times.
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Laminate surfaces are non-porous; hence, they offer a natural barrier to the growth of microbes. However, the fumes in the kitchen can cause bacteria and dirt to accumulate in some parts of the kitchen. These spaces require complete cleaning with a soapy solution and appropriate drying and rinsing.
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One must avoid using hard scrubbing materials, strong chemical cleaners, and dyes for the floors. These are likely to scratch the laminate surface and also leave stains.
Maintenance of laminate floors
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Laminate floors look stunning but may require regular cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dirt. Cleaning the floor is an easy task with the right kind of mop. There are also special liquid soaps that are available for cleaning laminated floors.
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Damp clothes do not always pick up all the dirt. Besides, excess water can damage the laminate over time.
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String mops are never an option for cleaning laminate floors as they leave streaky marks. Also, the water can sometimes seep into cracks and ruin the floor.
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Laminate floors are unsuitable for waxing or polishing as they are not real wood.
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Strong cleaners, bleach, scouring pads, and wool can also make the floor discoloured.
Maintenance of laminate furniture surfaces
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Periodic cleaning and dusting using a microfiber cloth is the most effective way to clean laminates. A soft bristle brush will give the best results for those using a vacuum cleaner. Never use wet wipes on laminates, as it leaves visible marks on the surface. Also, the moisture causes warping of the surface.
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For removing fingerprints, wiping down with a soft cloth is adequate.
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Suppose any marks are present on the laminate surface after dusting. Use a soft and slightly damp sponge to wipe down. Never use any kind of wax or varnish for treating laminate surfaces.
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Even when using a mild cleaning solution, it may stain the top layer of the laminate. Spraying small amounts of the solution on a pad or mop is best for cleaning laminated surfaces.
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Always use coasters and mats to protect furniture from spills, stains, and excess heat from utensils.
How to clean laminates without damaging the surface?
Every home interior reflects the personality and attention to detail. Hence, it is crucial to take care of every aspect of the home, including laminated surfaces. Laminates can effectively transform any space into a more appealing and functional corner. However, regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to keep laminates looking new. The following section gives more tips on cleaning HPL laminate sheets for longevity.
Avoiding staining and spills on laminate surfaces
Accidental spills take place often in every household with pets and children. Removing direct contact with liquids from the surface is crucial to keep laminates safe from damage. A protective covering is the best way to keep laminate surfaces like new ones. Similarly, high gloss laminate sheets with anti-fingerprint properties are suitable for use on cabinet surfaces and wall panels. Another important thing is to avoid placing hot utensils directly on laminate surfaces to prevent damage from heat.
Prevent the application of wax or polish.
Usually, waxing and polishing seem like excellent ideas for enhancing the look of decorative laminates. It can cause substantial damage to the surface.
It can result in the accumulation of residue, which is difficult to remove and may cause permanent damage. Laminates start collecting dirt and grime from used polishes. Hence, high gloss polish HPL laminate sheets designed for laminates are suitable for this purpose.
Using trivets or insulated pads
Although laminates are resistant to heat, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also cause damage. Therefore, using trivets to place hot objects is always a good idea. It is a barrier for absorbing heat and prevents it from reaching the surface.
Never scrub laminate surfaces.
Scrubbers of hard plastic or metal can scratch or damage laminate surfaces. Therefore, avoiding scrubbing pads to clean laminates is always a good idea. The best alternative here is a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth, as they do not leave any marks or scratches during cleaning.
Minimising the use of caustic chemicals
Avoid the use of hard chemical cleaners when cleaning laminate surfaces. These cleaners wear out the protective coating. As a result, the laminate loses its sheen and colour over time. Also, it makes the surface more prone to moisture, dirt, and grime damage.
Some of the commercial cleaning products result in fading of laminate surfaces. Therefore, it is best to use gentle cleaning methods such as mild cleaners and a damp cloth.
Regular dusting
Dust particles, when left to accumulate, cause significant damage to laminate surfaces. Over time, a gritty layer forms, resulting in abrasions and fine scratches over the laminate. Eventually, the antibacterial laminates lose their shiny appearance and aesthetic appeal. Regular dusting is beneficial to reduce the buildup of dust and keeps the surface scratch-free.
Conclusion
Regular care is vital for maintaining the durability and beauty of antibacterial laminate surfaces. Dusting at regular intervals is necessary for getting rid of dirt and debris as it can result in the wearing of the surface. Similarly, using mats at the doorway can cut down the amount of dust coming from outside. These simple practices can go a long way in preserving laminate surfaces.
When there is a stain or spill, acting immediately can prevent lasting issues. Gently blotting the stain using a paper towel or clean cloth is effective for absorbing the liquid. One can also seek guidance from the manufacturer to learn about appropriate cleaning products for the purpose. It will prevent damage and also retain warranties.
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