Care and Maintenance

The Do’s and Don’ts

of Laminate Care

Mohawk laminates are specially designed to be easy-care, low maintenance floors. Following these general guidelines will help maintain their strength and prolong their beautiful appearance Here’s some helpful Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when treating your Mohawk Laminate Flooring:

Do’s

• Do dust-mop and vacuum your floor frequently, especially in high-traffic areas; only use a vacuum with a soft bristle brush.
• Do keep pets’ nails trimmed and their paws free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil, and stains.
• Do use protective window coverings to block fade-causing UV rays and excessive heat from direct sunlight, and rearrange rugs and furniture periodically to help your floor age evenly.
• Do remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on floor.
• Do avoid exposure to water as much as possible during inclement weather.

Don’ts

• Do not wet-mop or clean your floor with water or other liquid; for slightly damp maintenance, lightly spray laminate cleaner on a duster and wipe dry immediately.
• Do not use any type of cleaning machine such as spray mops, steam cleaners/mops, power cleaners or buffing machines.
• Do not use wax, polish, oils, soaps, detergents, shine enhancers, varnish, silicon or ammonia to clean floor.
• Do not use harsh cleaning aids such as steel wool pads, any scouring pads containing metal or scouring powders.
• Do not use 2-in-1 cleaners with polish that may contain acrylics or urethane polish to restore gloss.

A Clean Routine

Vacuum or sweep with a soft-bristle broom regularly, especially before using floor cleaners, to prevent gritty dirt and particle buildup that can scratch the floor’s surface. Don’t use vacuums with a beater bar or power rotary brush head. Wipe up spills and spots immediately with Mohawk FloorCare Essentials Hardwood & Laminate Flooring Cleaner applied directly to a clean white cloth. Carefully remove stubborn stains such as paint, oil, markers, lipstick and tar with an acetone-based fingernail polish remover. Use ice to harden tough substances such as candle wax or chewing gum and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe area clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.

Floor Mats Protect Your Floors

High-quality floor mats at entrances and exits are key to reducing laminate wear. They collect and trap all the corrosive substances that can be tracked in from outdoors, including dirt, sand, grit, oil, asphalt, or even driveway sealer. Also use mats in areas of constant pressure, such as in front of vanities, kitchen sinks and stoves.

Protective Pads On Furniture — A Good Idea

Attach felt or similar protective pads to all furniture legs, particularly heavy pieces. When you’re moving furniture, appliances or other heavy objects, use a dolly; never slide or roll anything across the floor. If furniture has hard plastic or metal casters/wheels, use protective mats underneath or replace them with soft rubber casters.