How to protect laminate flooring

Protecting Laminate Flooring

The question of protecting new flooring is one that is on many customers’ minds when they purchase a new floor, whether it be real wood, vinyl, or laminate flooring. Despite laminate flooring being known as the budget-friendly alternative to real wood, it can still be a significant investment for your home, and of course the quality of different laminate flooring options can vary significantly, with some of the higher end laminates coming up to £30 per meter!

Common culprits of damage to laminate flooring include:

• Dust and debris

• Pets

• High footfall

• Children playing

• Furniture

So, how do you protect laminate flooring?

Preventing scratching on laminate flooring

The biggest cause of damage in laminate flooring is scratching. Dust, sand, or grit, particularly under shoes, can cause scratches on the floor if it is not cleaned up and there is a high amount of foot traffic over the floor on a day to day basis.

To protect laminate flooring against scratches like these, a daily sweep of the floor with a microfibre cloth, or a soft bristled brush, will clear any dust or debris and prevent scratching when it is being walked over. Additionally vacuuming or going over the laminate floor with a damp cloth on a weekly basis will keep it clear of dust and any more tougher stains. 

Furniture

If the laminate flooring is installed in a room with lots of furniture such as tables, chairs, of sofas, then it is these items, when they are moved around, that can be responsible for scratching the floor. This is due to the weight on the legs of the furniture. A good preventative measure to protect your flooring from furniture is using felt pads and placing them under the legs of chairs, sofas, or tables. That way if they are moved around or pushed, no scratches will appear on the flooring. Be sure to replace the pads regularly as they can be worn down over time. 

Using rugs in areas with high foot fall is another creative and efficient way to protect laminate flooring from scratches. Rugs can add a bit more flare to a room, while simultaneously trapping any dirt or debris dragged in by people entering the home.

Pets and animals

Pets are another cause for concern when it comes to scratching. If you have active dogs or cats, then keeping their nails trimmed will go a long way in preventing scratches on the laminate flooring. Laminate floors are ideal floors for pets because they are constructed to be more scratch resistant, but that does not make them scratch proof. So extra care should always be taken. 

Spillage

Water damage is a big reason flooring, including laminate, gets damaged. Water damage from spillages, if left unattended, can warp or buckle a floor. Any spillages over the flooring should be cleaned immediately.

• And a note on moisture, never use a steam mop to clean flooring. Regardless of what the manufacturer says it's safe to use on, it will ruin a floor.

For more information on maintaining laminate flooring, see our guide here.