Laminate is a popular floor covering today. It has many advantages: with its help you can get a beautiful and well-maintained floor, high wear resistance, and does not fade in the sun. But in addition to its advantages, the coating also has weaknesses: it is afraid of excess moisture and requires proper care. To carry it out, you should acquire an appropriate device, such as a mop for laminate flooring, because washing the floor with a regular mop can quickly deteriorate the flooring. Excessive moisture will get into the seams of the material and be absorbed into the inner balls, which will deteriorate, and the laminate itself will lose its attractiveness.
Why do you need a special mop?
To choose the right device for cleaning flooring, you should follow the instructions that come with the laminate. An adapted mop allows you to clean the room effectively and correctly. After it there is no excess moisture, no scratches, no stains.
Manufacturers advise to care for laminate floors every day:
- Wiping liquid from the floor immediately after it appears on the laminate so that it does not get into the cracks of the material.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris.
- Do wet cleaning in the room where the laminated flooring is located no more than once every 7 days.
- This should be done with a special mop for laminate flooring, which has a microfiber attachment.This is a material adapted for cleaning that absorbs much more liquid than ordinary fabric, and it also penetrates into hard-to-reach places, such as cracks and grooves.
Taking into account the size of the room and the degree of contamination, it is necessary to select the appropriate device. With a huge laminate flooring area, it is advisable to acquire steam equipment. It will allow you to clean your floor quickly and efficiently. Used in hotels and shopping malls.
The main types of mops for cleaning laminate flooring
Mops for this floor covering must be special, since certain requirements are put forward for them.
There are several types of this device:
- Household;
- With bucket and wringer;
- Universal;
- Steam;
- Professional.
A mop for laminate floors should dry quickly and absorb liquid well. It should not be wetted too much. To give the device sufficient moisture, you can spray microfiber with a spray bottle or place it under the running tap for a short time.
You should know the differences between mops in order to make the right choice.
Household mop.
The device is equipped with a telescopic handle so that the length can be adjusted. It also has a movable platform, which makes it easier to access some places in the room. The set includes three attachments for different types of cleaning: wet, dry and universal. The material on the nozzles is made of cotton, wool or microfiber. The last option is the most suitable in the case of laminate flooring. On the attachments, the role of latches is played by Velcro or pockets. The attachments can be washed, but should be air dried.
This assistant is used to care for small areas; it is also the most budget option for this type of product.
Universal mop.
It is equipped with two different ends. On one edge there is an abrasive for cleaning surfaces from heavy dirt. On the opposite side there is a rubber scraper for removing liquid from glass and floor. Therefore, this mop can work with any surface. It comes complete with removable attachments with different properties. Among them there is also one that is adapted for caring for laminate flooring.
Professional mop.
This assistant is designed for caring for laminated flooring in office premises with a large area. This mop has a durable, adjustable handle, and the platform itself turns on all sides.
Mop with bucket and wringer.
This device has a rope mop and a bucket with a special basket. The ropes are made of cotton or polyester material. Such a mop is lowered into a bucket of water, and then placed in a basket, and when turned, it is wrung out. It is better when the process is automated - there are models of a bucket with a basket with a pedal, such as the Spin and Go spin system. A mop with such a device will be convenient and maneuverable; it can penetrate into difficult corners of the apartment, because it can be turned on all sides. The disadvantage of these helpers is that cotton ropes can get lost during use. In addition, the cotton will not twist enough and it will be too wet for the laminate. If the laminate flooring is inexpensive and of low class, then swelling may occur in the coating, and this will gradually render it unusable.
Steam Mop.
Many housewives are concerned with the question: “Are steam mops the best choice for laminate floor care?” Let's look at this now.
They have recently become in great demand. It’s not for nothing that they are considered a universal option, because this device is capable of cleaning various types of surfaces: laminate, marble, linoleum, tiles, glass, ceramic tiles, parquet, stone. This mop not only cleans the floor very well until it shines, but also disinfects all areas where it was used. The effectiveness of cleaning surfaces depends not least on the special attachments that come with the mop.
Unlike previous versions of laminate floor care devices, this is already a full-fledged household appliance. It is powered by electricity, has a 5 m cord, and weighs up to 2 kg. Manufacturers have equipped steam mops with various attachments for cleaning carpets, furniture, windows, and sinks. The device holds up to half a liter of water. It works effectively thanks to hot steam; it can melt and remove many types of stains.
A steam mop is a class above other types of mops, and its cost is rather high. This design has many advantages and is a very necessary assistant in homes where children live, as well as people suffering from allergic reactions. The disinfection it is capable of due to hot steam will protect residents from contact with harmful substances and germs.
Before starting operation, you should once again familiarize yourself with the rules for using the device and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Working with this technique is responsible, because if used incorrectly, it can affect the laminated coating.
Recommendations for choosing a mop and attachments for cleaning laminate floors
When you need to decide on the choice of mop, pay attention to the handle. The service life and work comfort largely depend on it. The most common holders are made of metal and plastic. It is clear that a metal handle is more durable than a plastic one, but such a device will have a slightly higher cost. The holder should also be telescopic, because you can adjust it to suit you.
And of course, microfiber should be chosen from materials for nozzles. After all, it was created to care for furniture, floors, and many things that are in the house. As already noted, microfiber perfectly removes dust and dirt, collects moisture and disinfects. If you do not boil it or iron it, then for about 2 years it will serve faithfully.
