Laminate flooring is clearly one of the most popular flooring options, and for a good reason! It is known for being exceptional in its day to day usage, quite durable, and offers great value for money. The fact that it comes in many styles and options, is what makes it quite popular among homeowners and business owners. To add to it all, laminate flooring proves to be a great option, if you’re particularly looking for a quick and hassle-free floor renovation.
Of course, we will go deep into laminate floors and how to make laminate floors shine, but before that we do need to address a common misconception! There’s a common myth that laminate floors are made up of plastic, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Contrary to popular belief, laminate floors are made out of melamine resin and fiberboard materials. Back in the day, laminate floors looked tacky and had a plastic feel, thus the misconception, but technology and innovative manufacturing has made modern laminate floors look like hardwood or stone floors, minus the hefty price tag.
Some of the advantages of laminate flooring include the following.
- Durability and longevity: Laminate floors are designed to handle heavy foot traffic and withstand daily wear and tear. Being made out of high-density fiberboard at the core with a protective wear layer on top, laminate floors boast a long lifespan.
- Aesthetic appeal: One standout feature of laminate floors is the fact that they can be designed to look like other flooring options. Modern printing and embossing technologies make laminate floors with remarkably realistic textures a reality.
- Easy maintenance: Maintaining laminate floors is a breeze! Thanks to its non-porous surface, it is better at handling spills and messes than some of the other flooring options. It can be wiped with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning solution.
Can you laminate over laminate?
Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for almost all flooring purposes and goes well with almost any decor, but one question that we at Floors Blvd keep coming across is – Can you laminate over laminate? Well, what do you think? We can never recommend this due to two main reasons.
Installing a laminate flooring over an existing laminate floor will increase the floor height. And though it doesn’t sound much of a problem, in reality, it will cause you problems. Installing a laminate flooring over another will cause all baseboards, doors and door jambs to be raised. If the same is done in the kitchen, you may even find trouble fitting in kitchen appliances under fixed-height countertops.
Laminate flooring is a floating floor, so having two laminate floors one over the other means that you will have to deal with one or both floors expanding or sinking – a serious problem if and when it happens.
How to shine laminate floors?
We’ve already discussed what makes laminate floors the best flooring option these days, and now it’s time we told you how to keep it looking brand new even years later. But, to get into it, you should first understand how laminate floors lose their shine.
- A lot of floor problems arise due to improper cleaning methods. According to experts, around 70 percent of the time, the flooring surface loses its sheen because of strong cleaners. Such strong chemicals can rub off the protective top layer, thereby making the laminate look dull.
- Floors are busy areas and according to some estimates, floors that see more foot traffic end up losing its shine around 40 percent quicker. All the walking wears off the top, glossy layer.
- Around 1 in 3 cases, the laminate flooring gets damaged due to water. This typically happens in moist environments or when spills are not cleaned up swiftly. Water may seep into the inside layers causing them to swell up, thus losing the shine.
- Too much light and UV rays can also turn the laminate dull. In fact, according to some estimates, laminate floors getting lots of sun during day time, can get about 20 percent dull each year.
So, how to make laminate floors shine? Well, keeping the laminate floors in top condition is no rocket science!
- The best way to clean laminated water is to use distilled water, as it leaves no mineral marks.
- Vinegar is known to be a natural germ-killer. In fact, distilled white vinegar cuts through grease and oily dirt without leaving any residue. Moreover, it’s very gentle on the surface.
- You can even use rubbing alcohol with other natural cleaners for laminate floors. Rubbing alcohol dries faster and thus, there’s almost no chances of water damage.
- If you have none of the above things available and are still wondering how to shine laminate floors, you can use a small quantity of liquid dish soap. Just a bit of the dish soap can get rid of even the toughest stains on the laminate floor.
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Frequently asked questions
Can laminate flooring be installed in bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes, you can always go for a laminate flooring for spaces like bathroom and kitchen, but it’s necessary for you to choose the ones that are designed to withstand moisture. At Floors Blvd, we recommend using moisture-resistant laminate to lower the chances of warping and damage. Proper installation and sealing is also necessary to maintain the floor’s integrity in high-moisture areas.
What is the best way to keep the laminate flooring shiny through the years?
Wondering how to make laminate floors shine? Well, to keep it looking new, you must regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dirt. You can also use a damp mop with a gentle/ natural floor cleaner, and avoid using excess water at all times. Place mats at entryways to reduce dirt. At Floors Blvd, we recommed avoiding abrasive floor cleaners/ waxes, as they tend to do more harm than good.
Can you laminate over an existing laminate flooring?
For those wondering – ‘Can you laminate over laminate?’ yes, you can, but it’s not recommended. This is mainly because, for this to work, the underlying laminate floor must be in good condition, flat, and attached well. Any unevenness or damage could affect the stability of the new laminate flooring that you’re planning on installing. At Floors Blvd, we recommend connecting with our team of specialists to determine if an additional underlayment is needed.