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Basics
Laminate and tile floors: cleaning and care
Floors take more wear than any other surface in the house. A few simple habits keep laminate and tile looking good and avoid expensive repairs.
1. Cleaning laminate
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit, which scratches the surface. Clean with a well-wrung mop or a spray mop and a cleaner made for laminate; standing water can swell the board edges. Avoid steam mops unless the manufacturer allows them, and never use wax or polish.
2. Protecting floors
Use doormats at entrances, felt pads under furniture legs and soft wheels on office chairs. Keep pet nails trimmed and wipe up spills straight away. Keep indoor humidity moderate, as very dry or humid air makes boards shrink or swell.
3. Cleaning tiles and grout
Clean tiles with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Acidic cleaners damage natural stone and can etch grout. Clean grout with a soft brush; seal cement-based grout every year or two to resist stains.
4. Small repairs
Fill small chips in laminate with a matching repair wax. A badly damaged board can be replaced by unclicking the row from the nearest wall or by cutting it out. A cracked tile can be removed by breaking it out carefully and setting a spare one; this is why it pays to keep leftovers. See How to install laminate flooring: a step-by-step guide and How to tile a floor: a step-by-step guide.
Common mistakes
- Mopping laminate with a very wet mop.
- Using acidic or abrasive cleaners on stone and grout.
- Dragging furniture without pads.
- Throwing away spare tiles and boards.
- Using wax or polish on laminate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a steam mop on laminate?
Only if the manufacturer allows it; steam can push moisture into the joints.
How often should grout be sealed?
Typically every one to two years for cement-based grout in busy areas.
How do I fix a scratch in laminate?
Use a repair pen or wax in a matching color for small scratches.
What cleaner is best for tiles?
A pH-neutral cleaner; avoid acids on natural stone.
How do I replace one damaged laminate board?
Unclick the rows from the nearest wall, or cut out the board and glue in a new one.