How to care for and maintain laminate kitchen flooring

Laminate flooring is hard wearing, but it's not indestructible. Rugs and runners placed over high traffic areas will prevent the flooring from daily wear and tear, which would otherwise cause the flooring to fade.

If you have any furniture in the kitchen, such as a dining table or chairs, consider placing floor protectors beneath the legs. These will spread out the pressure of the furniture, so if you decide to switch items around, marks and damages are less likely to be left behind.

Liquid and dirt that builds up through daily use of the kitchen can have a lasting effect on your laminate flooring. You should take time every day to clean it.

Use a sweeping brush or microfibre mop to remove grit, hairs, and crumbs, which can be particularly damaging to bevelled edge laminate flooring over time. For a more thorough clean on stains and spilt food, use a special laminate cleaning solution sprayed directly onto a cloth or flat mop head and gently wipe the area.

It's important to avoid applying large volumes of water to the floor, as this can cause the laminate flooring to warp over time. Avoid using a string or sponge mop, and if you spill any liquid, be sure to wipe it up as soon as you can.

Unlike wooden floors, you can't sand or wax laminate flooring, so sustained daily care is the most important part of maintaining your floor. Avoid polishing it, as this can damage the protective top coat of the laminate and cause long-term issues with the finish and quality of the material.

If a panel becomes damaged, you will probably be able to replace it without needing to replace the whole floor. When you install the flooring, consider applying a water proof glue between the panels, as this will provide a greater level of resistance to any spills.

Finally, always ensure you're using a specialist cleaning fluid on the floor, rather than using bleach or wood cleaner. This will gently cleanse the floor, while other cleaning solutions can risk damaging the material.

Cleaning and maintaining your laminate flooring is all about gentle daily care and avoiding large volumes of water, which can cause damage. To learn more about kitchen flooring, take a look at our flooring guides, providing advice and inspiration for beautiful kitchen floors.