Why Is My Laminate Floor Slippery?

Laminate floors provide your home with an expensive look similar to hardwood, and they offer this appearance without breaking the bank. It’s also one of the most durable types of flooring making it ideal for households and commercial spaces. But there is one problem that laminate floors usually have -- they tend to be slippery, causing accidents and injuries to happen.  

So what are some of the reasons for slippery laminate floors? Improper cleaning techniques, furniture damage, and too much sunlight are just a few factors that contribute to this problem. When you’ve identified the reason for this issue, then it’s best to act on it as soon as possible to prevent further problems. 

Reasons For Slippery Laminate Floors

Having slippery floors in your household can be problematic: no one wants to be slipping and sliding all the time. Here are some reasons why your laminate floors are slippery and how you can prevent them: 

1. Not Cleaning Properly

Dirt buildup and improper cleaning techniques can cause your floor to be more slippery as well as cause more problems in the long run. This makes it important that you clean properly and regularly to eliminate slippery floors and maintain the fresh look of your laminate tiles. Here are some incorrect cleaning methods that you might be doing and what you should do instead: 

• Using Too Much Water: Be careful when using too much water when you clean your laminate floor. Excess water can seep into cracks between the planks and cause swelling. When cleaning, make sure that you use just the right amount of water to prevent the floor from damage.  
• Mopping Incorrectly: Always use clean water when mopping and do not oversaturate your floor. After mopping, you can place fans in different room entrances around your house to let it air dry more quickly. Microfiber mops also help you clean your floor more thoroughly and efficiently.
  
• Using the Wrong Cleaner: Make sure that you are using a cleaner that is meant for laminate floors and doesn't contain oil. It’s not recommended to wax or polish your laminate floors, but if you’ve used this in the past then you can use a mix of vinegar and water to remove old wax residues.
  
• Sweeping and Vacuuming Improperly: One of the best ways to ensure that you clean your floors properly is to remove all furniture before sweeping and vacuuming the area. This lets you thoroughly clean all areas and eliminate dust and dirt from the floor.  

When it comes to cleaning your floors, remember to be proactive. Make sure to clean up after spills and dirt as soon as possible and make it a habit to clean your floors regularly. Place doormats on entrances so unnecessary dirt on shoes is wiped off before entering. Remember that it’s more difficult to clean dirt and grime that have piled up.

2. Wearing Incorrect Footwear

You can also try changing the shoes you wear around your home to prevent slick laminate floors. Of course, wearing socks won’t help you when you’re walking on slippery surfaces. 

Dirty shoes can also add to the problem with all the grime, dust, and hair that comes from them. As an alternative, you can wear grip socks or rubber-soled shoes to wear down the floors for a bit. You may also want to use designated footwear inside your house or in certain rooms.   

3. Furniture Damage

Heavy furniture and appliances tend to create scratches on laminate floors and make them slippery. Here are some tips to avoid furniture damage on your laminate floors:

• Try your best to avoid placing heavy furniture and appliances on top of the floor.
• Place protectors and sliders on your furniture legs to protect your floors. 
• Carry heavy furniture and appliances when you have to move them around the house.  
• Avoid any furniture or appliances with wheels because these tend to move too much and cause scratches.
  

4. Not Using Anti-Slip Spray

Sometimes a thin layer of anti-slip spray can be the answer to your problem. Before applying anti-slip spray on laminate floor, remember the following:  

• Some kinds of anti-slip spray can change the look of your floors. So before applying anti-slip spray on bigger areas test some of it on a small area.
• Clean your floors thoroughly before applying anti-slip spray so that it will work well. 
• Let the coat dry up for at least 10 hours before stepping on the floor. 
• Work in well-ventilated areas when using anti-slip spray; open any windows when working in small rooms. 
• No matter what kind of anti-slip spray you use, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Aside from anti-slip spray, you can also use some rugs or carpet runners to prevent people and pets from slipping. Make sure to choose rugs and carpets that have a rubber backing so they can adhere to your floors properly. 

5. Damage from Pets and Plants

Aside from furniture and appliances, having pets and plants around your house can also cause your floors to be slippery. Pets that have sharp nails can scratch your floors. When feeding your pets, place a protector under pet dishes to prevent scratches and dampness from happening. 

Plants with too much water in the pot can overflow and leak, damaging your floors and making them more slippery. Try moving plants to higher places and make sure that there are no leaks occurring around the house.   

6. Too Much Sunlight

Lastly, too much sunlight can wear down your floors quickly and can also cause them to fade. To prevent this from happening, you can install blinds or curtains in areas that usually get hit by direct sunlight. 

Flooring Services at Zothex Flooring

While there are many ways to make sure that your laminate floor isn’t slippery, the best way to guarantee that you don’t encounter any accidents is to call professional services. Zothex Flooring is a family business that provides flooring services in Sacramento and is here to answer any inquiries that you may have. 

We have a team of artisans who will help you choose the right kind of flooring for you depending on your lifestyle. Zothex Flooring promises to partner up with you so we can provide you with excellent, personalized services. For more information about our flooring services, you may give us a call. 

Read more: Why Your Floors Are Sticky After Mopping