How to Protect Laminate Flooring in the Kitchen

Do you want to install laminate flooring in the kitchen? Some kitchen flooring choices are clear-cut. Ceramic tile and all types of vinyl flooring, for instance, work great in the kitchen. Other types of flooring, like solid hardwood (solid wood flooring), aren’t endorsed for kitchens.

How do you protect laminate flooring in the kitchen? The issue of installing laminate flooring is somewhat unclear. Unlike some stuff that are ideal for kitchens, laminate flooring walks a fine line. According to detractors, laminate isn’t ideal for kitchens because of the moisture. On the other hand, advocates argue that laminate is one of the better floor coverings for kitchens because moisture can be regulated.

Helpful Tips on How to Protect Laminate Flooring in Kitchen

1. Add felt pads under lightweight furniture

Lightweight furniture is likely to slide around your floors at the slightest impact. To save sharp corners causing marks on your flooring, felt pads would let your furniture slide harmlessly without leaving any harm behind.

2. Don't drag heavy furniture. Lift them.

This is a frequent complaint of laminate flooring owners in general. Your colleagues and children might be apt to drag their furniture or big stove around without a second thought. However, some experts say that there’s no such thing as a laminate flooring wear layer. So be sure to put your back into it and lift your furniture to avoid unsightly scratches on the floor.

3. Use carpets runners and rug pads

If you know that a specific part of your laminate flooring will encounter many steps, consider placing a rug pad over the area to avoid scrapes and extra wear.

4. Throw in welcome mats

A welcome mat and rug pad don’t only look good, but they’re also there to reduce the risk of rough rocks or dirt getting its mark on your laminate flooring.

5. Mop frequently

Scratches aren't the only type of damage that you need to be careful about when it comes to laminate wood flooring. Deal with the liquids by using a microfiber mop.

6. Trim your pets' nails

By ensuring that your pets have their nails trimmed done often, you can reduce the risk of unexpected marks on your flooring.

7. Observe humidity

Too much humidity isn’t ideal for laminate floors. Too much dryness would sink your floor, but too much humidity may cause the flooring to expand and warp. Most homes work at a happy medium, but if you're aware of an unusual humidity situation in your home, think about regulating it with a humidistat.

Laminate flooring consists mainly of wood, and wood responds to moisture by swelling or warping. So it stands to reason that constant exposure to moisture is also harmful to the laminate wood floor. A vapor barrier or moisture barrier is the best way to preserve it: stopping moisture from below from penetrating the flooring and damaging it. You'll typically need a vapor barrier if you're installing flooring over concrete and if you're using the floating floor method. Aside from laminate flooring, homeowners also use vapor barriers in solid hardwood flooring, engineered wood floor, and vinyl flooring.

For flooring that needs a floating installation process, laminate plank, vinyl plank flooring (and luxury vinyl plank), or engineered wood flooring, apply a six-mil plastic sheet as a moisture barrier. Also, be sure that you use an underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier for effective water vapor control. 

Remember that areas with high moisture levels are susceptible to floor damage because water can seep between the wall and laminate panel edges. Silicone caulk and laminate floor sealant applied on these edges will guarantee that your laminate panels won’t be warped over the years due to moisture.

The secret is to remember that laminate is exposed to scratch and warp if you don't take the necessary precautions. The higher the quality of the flooring, the better wear you'll get out of it, and buying your laminate flooring from Zothex Flooring guarantees both quality and durability.

How to Clean Laminate Floors in the Kitchen

Clean the floor with a soft dry dust mop to eliminate dust particles. A regular broom isn't fit for the job because it can damage and pit the surface of your laminate floor. A wet mop is also inappropriate for getting rid of dust particles as it can leave deposits and streaks behind on the floor surface. 

But, you can take advantage of your vacuum cleaner to clean dust from your laminate flooring in the kitchen. 

A microfiber pad absorbs dirt and grime and kills up to 99 percent of bacteria using water. It's also friendly for real wood, vinyl flooring (vinyl plank flooring,) bamboo floor, engineered hardwood (engineered hardwood floor)

Whether you use a vacuum or a dry mop, remember to sweep in the same area that the floor is laid. This will help you prevent dust buildup in the gaps within interlocking pieces while cleaning.

Use a slightly damp mop to get rid of grease and dirt. Be sure to use one bucket for clean water and one bucket for unclean water when cleaning. This will remind you not to reuse a dirty mop head, leading to unwanted streaking of the floor surface. Also, keep in mind not to use an overly wet mop to clean laminate flooring because it can cause water to leak within the baseboards and eventually damage the floor.

Laminate Floor Maintenance

1. Wipe off spills quickly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

2. If you feed a pet in the kitchen, put a rubber mat or rubber pad under its bowl to guard the floor surface against spills.

3. Install mats in spaces sensitive to water leakage, such as under the sink.

4. Avoid Murphy's oil on laminate flooring as it can leave notable streaks.

5. Avoid pine-scented cleaners as they usually leave soapy debris on the floor surface.

6. For thorough deep cleaning, use a commercial floor cleaner meant for laminate flooring or a steam mop. Be sure to understand your manufacturer's care directions before doing a deep clean.

7. Steam cleaners like a steam mop are commonly safe to use on any vinyl floor, linoleum, porcelain or ceramic tile, and some forms of hardwood floor. Nevertheless, it's not encouraged to use on waterproof laminate floors or waterproof flooring. While a steam cleaner is best for eliminating grime from hard flooring surfaces, the moisture and extreme heat can also wreck your laminate floors. When steam and moisture have broken down the adhesive that has been keeping the laminate flooring intact, it can begin to bubble up.

For Laminate Flooring That Lasts, Trust Only Zothex Flooring

Now that you know how to take care of your laminate flooring in the kitchen, follow these steps to keep your kitchen laminate flooring shining and squeaky like new. However, make sure that you install high-quality and waterproof laminate flooring in your kitchen to get extended longevity and better durability.

If you want your flooring done by the pros, reach out to Zothex Flooring. We take pride in providing a one-of-a-kind customer service experience.