How to Protect Laminate Flooring

Discover how to protect laminate flooring in an easy and effective way with Cabot's! Follow the step-by-step instructions on how to use our laminate floor restorer and cleaner to have your floors look like new again!

How To Protect Laminate Flooring From The 4 Things That Can Ruin It

Laminate flooring is popular in New Zealand, and it's easy to see why; it's hyper-realistic in its replication of real wood, has a cheaper price tag, and is durable with heightened waterproofing and maintenance benefits . But that doesn't mean it's damage-proof. Here are the four biggest threats you need to protect your laminate floors from:

Moisture: Laminate can handle between 35% and 65% moisture levels, but anything higher than that can cause it to swell and warp. Use a specially formulated protective sealant such as Cabot's Laminate Floor Restore. Act fast whenever there's a spill to prevent water from seeping into the laminate's seams.
Scratches: Moving heavy furniture, pet nails, and gritty dirt can scratch the delicate laminate surface and leave ugly scuff marks. Use protective pads under furniture, give your pets a manicure, regularly sweep off the dirt and implement a ‘shoes-off’ policy for indoors.
High-traffic: An area with hefty footfall, like a hallway or entryway, can lead to wear and tear over time. Add an area or runner rug to protect the laminate floors after applying an extra layer of protective sealant like Cabot's Laminate Floor Restore.
Sunlight: New Zealand's harsh sun can make your laminate floors fade and lose colour. Draw the blinds during peak sunlight hours to prevent excessive exposure and invest in a protective floor finish like Cabot's Laminate Floor Restore.

Following these simple tips can help protect your laminate flooring from damage and extend its lifespan. But if your floors did end up getting damaged, don't panic! Follow these next steps to bring it back to its original lustre and shine with Cabot's laminate floor restorer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Laminate Flooring

Cabot's Laminate Floor Restore is a product specifically designed to protect and restore the shine of laminate flooring.

Here's everything you need:

Step 1: Prep - How to clean laminate flooring with a cleaner made for NZ conditions

Your floors deserve the best. Our all-purpose laminate floor cleaner is specially formulated for NZ conditions and is fast-acting, cutting through grease and grime quickly and efficiently.

Apply with: A floor mop or Cabot’s Deck Coat Lambswool Applicator

How to apply laminate floor cleaner:
1. Add about 50mls of Cabot's Floor Clean concentrate to four litres of water.

2. Apply the laminate floor cleaner with a mop to loosen grime and dirt. Go easy and don't flood the floor with the cleaner. Return the excess solution to the bucket and allow the floor to dry. Be careful, as the floor may be slippery while wet.

Got extra dirty floors? Increase the amount of Cabot's Floor Clean concentrate to 100ml to 4L of water.

For those stubborn black heel marks, pour a bit of Floor Cleaner directly from the bottle onto a rag and rub gently - make sure to wear rubber gloves!

Please note that Cabot's Floor Clean will not remove coatings.

Step 2: Apply Cabot's Laminate Floor Restorer

Our Laminate Floor Restore is built to rejuvenate and protect your floors from daily wear and make them look brand new. Quick recoat and easy water wash-up are more perks of this outstanding product.

Apply as it is - do not shake the Floor Restore solution before using
Use a sponge mop or Cabot’s Deck Coat Lambswool Applicator to apply one coat, undiluted, to your laminate floor.
Don’t allow pools of liquid to form.
Recoat if needed. Wait one hour, then apply another coat. Every extra coat increases your floor’s shine and durability.

Step 3: Dry

Give your floor time to dry for four hours before walking on the newly-coated surface.

Step 4: Maintain

Your laminate floors are now restored! Maintain your laminate floors by cleaning regularly and recoating with the Floor Restorer as needed.

What Not to Use on Laminate Flooring: Products to Avoid

Maintain your laminate floors by giving them the proper care and quality products they need, and stay clear of products and tools that can seriously damage them. Here's what you need to avoid:

Excessive Water/ Solution

For the first pitfall, let's remember one of the cardinal sins in laminate floor care, which is excess water and solution. That's why we caution against flooding the floor with our cleaner and restorer. Collect the excess back into the bucket and make sure the floors dry completely.

Harsh Chemicals

Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaners that are not specifically made for laminate floors, especially those containing:

ammonia
wax
bleach

These ingredients can strip off the protective layer of laminate flooring or cause discolouration.

Abrasive Tools

In terms of physical care, avoid using abrasive tools or harsh scrubbing instruments like steel wool or hard-bristle brooms. They can scratch and dull the finish of the laminate. Cabot's soft Deck Coat Lambswool Applicator or your regular cloth mop are your laminate floor's best friends.

Steam Mops and Vacuum with Beater Bars

While they might be efficient for other types of flooring like hardwood tiles, steam mops are a big no-no on laminate floors because the intense heat and excess moisture may cause warping or swelling.

Also, avoid using a beater bar on your vacuum, as this can scuff up the laminate floor surface.

Do You Need To Protect Laminate Flooring? 3 Reasons Why It's A Big Yes!

Using a laminate floor restorer for protection is essential because:

Cabot's Laminate Floor Restore extends its lifespan and preserves its beauty by rejuvenating and protecting your floors from daily wear
It shields against stains, moisture, and scratches, which are three big threats to laminate floors.
Finally, it's cost-effective, as proper protection saves you from costly replacements

How Many Years Does Laminate Flooring Last?

On average, laminate floors can last 15 to 25 years if properly maintained, cleaned and coated with a protective finish. By following steps like:

Implementing a no-shoes inside policy
Keeping your pet's nails trimmed
Using protective pads under furniture
Maintaining ideal moisture levels in your home
Using a specialised laminate floor cleaner like Cabot's Floor Clean regularly
Coating with a protective finish like Cabot's Laminate Floor Restore

...can significantly extend the lifespan of your investment.

Recap On How to Protect Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is popular in New Zealand for its hyper-realistic look, affordable price tag and heightened waterproofing.
To maintain its condition and extend its lifespan, protect it from moisture levels higher than 35-65%, scratches from heavy furniture or pet nails, high-traffic areas, and excessive sun exposure.
For restoration and rejuvenation, use Cabot's Laminate Floor Restore to extend the lifespan of your floors.
Clean your floor regularly with Cabot’s all-purpose laminate floor cleaner and avoid products containing ammonia, wax, bleach and oil-based detergents
If properly maintained, cleaned and coated with a protective finish like Cabot’s Laminate Floor Restorer, the lifespan of your laminate floors can be greatly extended.

And that's all there is to knowing how to protect, clean, and restore your laminate flooring efficiently. Explore Cabot's range of interior and exterior products and find them at your nearest hardware or DIY store.