Laminate flooring is susceptible to scratches, dings, marks and other types of damage, especially in areas where people often walk, or where furniture moves, such as chairs. In some cases, even humidity or animal nails can damage the laminate floor. To protect it, you can cover some areas with rugs, make small changes to the furniture to prevent scratches, maintain the humidity level in the house, and much more.
Steps
Step 1. Cover the base of light furniture with protective felt pads
In this way, the feet of some furniture, or other sharp corners will not scrape or scratch the floor.
- Purchase protective felt pads, or felt pads with adhesive on one side to attach to the base of the furniture.
- Periodically check the status of the protections. The bearings must be replaced when the felt compresses due to wear.
Step 2. Lift the furniture instead of dragging it
You will prevent them from scratching or denting the floor.
- Ask friends and family to help you lift furniture that is too heavy to move on your own.
- If you are still struggling to move heavy furniture, place plastic pads with the pad on one side (also known as furniture movers) under the cabinet. These discs slide heavy, bulky furniture onto the laminate floor without causing damage.
- As an alternative to diskettes, even thick, soft towels or heavy blankets can be placed under heavy furniture.
Step 3. Place rugs or rugs on the laminate floor
You can place them on the areas where you walk most, or under furniture to protect the floor.
Put rubber or non-slip pads under carpets to prevent them from shifting
Step 4. Put a welcome mat at the entrance to the house
This way, people who enter the house will be able to clean their shoes before entering, reducing the risk of introducing pebbles, dirt and other debris that can damage your floor.
You can also introduce the rule that no one is allowed to wear shoes in the house to prevent the entry of objects that can damage your floor
Step 5. Keep humidity levels between 35 and 65 percent
In this way, the floor will not bend as a result of the expansion or contraction of the material.
- Use a humidity detector to check the levels in your home. It is likely that the detector is already present in your thermostat or dehumidifier, or, you can buy it from stores specialized in home care.
- Use a humidifier when the air is dry to prevent the laminate floor from shrinking, and turn on the air conditioning or dehumidifier to prevent the floor from expanding.
Step 6. Clean or mop immediately if liquid has spilled on the floor
Doing so will prevent liquids from penetrating into cracks or joints in the floor, which, over time, will weaken or deform it.
- Do not use abrasive sponges or other materials that can scratch the floor to clean spilled liquids; use a soft cloth or rag instead.
- If you need to use a detergent in addition to water to clean the spilled liquid, use a glass cleaner that does not contain ammonia. Ammonia contains agents that could skin the sealing material of the floor.
Step 7. Keep pet's nails short
This will prevent your four-legged friends' nails from scratching or pitting the floor.
