Laminate flooring is very easy to install on your own. For DIYers, this can save the money spent on hiring contractors to do the job. However, once done installing your new laminate flooring, using it is another thing. Proper care should be followed to avoid destroying the laminate flooring.
How Soon to Walk on Laminate Flooring After Installation?
There are different ways of installing laminate flooring, which affects how soon you can use it. For floating laminate flooring, you can walk on it immediately. However, for glued-down laminate flooring, you will need about 24 hours or a day to make sure the floor has completely cured.
Apart from walking, you should also avoid placing heavy furniture on the laminate flooring. When putting back the furniture after a laminate flooring has cured, avoid dragging them across the floor.
How to Protect Laminate Flooring From Future Damage
Once installed and the laminate flooring is good for use, you need to care for it to avoid damage. You can do some things to help keep laminate flooring in good condition. Below are some factors to improve the longevity of your laminate flooring:
1. Add Protection Pads to the Bottom of Furniture
Laminate floorings are slippery. Because of this, furniture will tend to move slightly with daily use. Adding protector pads to the bottom of your furniture will prevent them from moving. The protector pads will also prevent furniture from scratching against your laminate flooring. Protector pads vary in different materials, but we recommend felt pads for laminate floorings.
If you’re looking for some great protection pads, these X-PROTECTOR Felt Furniture Pads are a great option.
These are cheap, easy to apply, and come in different shapes and sizes. You can use them for chairs, bed, and other furniture in your home easily.
After installing the felt protection pads, check them regularly to ensure they don’t become loose and fall off.
2. Use Carpets and Rugs or Laminate Flooring
Rugs and carpets are great for decorating your home. However, they can also make good protectors for different floors, including laminate floors.
Carpets and rugs can be placed in locations prone to heavy foot traffic to prevent scratches and scrapes from potentially destroying your laminate flooring. Carpets and rugs can also be placed under the feet of heavier furniture.
3. Place Entry Welcome Mats at Doorways
Other than furniture and other heavy appliances such as washing machines, scratches can also be from dirt, pebbles, and sand. These can be brought into your home from shoes. Putting mats at your doorways will allow people to wipe their shoes and feet before entering your home.
Apart from doorways, place mats in areas where your laminate flooring can easily be scratched.
4. Avoid Dragging Furniture
When moving furniture on your laminate flooring or most other floorings, avoid dragging them. Dragging furniture leaves behind scratches and scuff marks. Instead, gently lift the furniture and place it in the desired position to avoid damaging your laminate flooring.
If lifting furniture is not an option, you can use furniture sliders. Furniture sliders or moving discs are placed underneath your furniture. They allow furniture to slide across your laminate flooring without causing any damage. Soft and thick towels or heavy blankets can be used as furniture sliders.
You can check out these felt furniture sliders that are great for hard floorings like hardwood, laminate, and vinyl.
5. Avoid Wet Mopping
Excess water and moisture are one of the top enemies of laminate floorings. Water and moisture can seep through the laminate planks, which can cause them to warp or expand.
First, avoid wet mopping because extra water will seep into the floor. Instead, use a dry mop or a laminate spray cleaner to wipe the floors. Second, you should clean liquid spills as soon as they occur. You can also use a moisture barrier carpet padding to keep liquids from seeping into your laminate flooring.
