Can You Use a Moist/Dry Vac on Laminate Flooring? Discover Out Right here

Laminate flooring is a well-liked selection for house renovations as a result of it appears like hardwood with out the excessive value. It is also simpler to put in, making it a standard possibility for DIYers. Nonetheless, regardless of the advantages, there are a number of essential drawbacks to contemplate when working with this materials.

Laminate flooring has a number of layers, together with a put on, ornamental, and core layer. The wear and tear layer is designed to guard the flooring from scratches and stains, but when water seeps down via cracks, it may be absorbed into the laminate, inflicting it to swell, warp, or discolor. With this in thoughts, many individuals keep away from utilizing any kind of mop, steam cleaner, or moist/dry vac, however this additional precaution won’t be needed. Use this information to search out out if you should use a moist/dry vacuum on laminate flooring and the best way to keep away from damaging the laminate.

Is It Protected to Use a Moist/Dry Vac on Laminate Flooring?

A brush and vacuum can take away mud and pet hair from flooring with none liquid cleaners, however when somebody spills a drink or bits of meals fall onto the ground, laminate can get sticky and troublesome to wash. Regardless of some myths that say in any other case, it is okay to wash laminate flooring a few times a month with a moist/dry vac to deal with these extra cussed messes. Nonetheless, keep away from extreme water or liquid flooring cleaner to stop warping or swelling, and at all times use a specifically formulated laminate flooring cleansing resolution.

What Kind of Moist/Dry Vacs Are Appropriate for Laminate Flooring?

There are a number of several types of cleansing units that may fall into the class of a moist/dry vac, together with moist flooring cleaners and steam cleaners. Whereas a few of these units can be utilized on laminate flooring, this is not the case for all of them, so it is essential to pay attention to the kind of machine you’ve earlier than cleansing the ground.

• Moist/dry store vacuums: These vacuums are to not be confused with the time period “moist/dry vac,” which broadly describes the entire units on this class. A moist/dry store vac is usually utilized in warehouse settings however will also be used across the house. These can be utilized on each moist and dry surfaces, permitting them to wash up liquid spills simply as simple as they suck up piles of hair or filth. Since moist/dry store vacs do not use water or liquid cleaners, it is protected to make use of them on laminate flooring.
• Moist flooring cleaners: These units can be utilized on laminate flooring so long as you might be cautious with the quantity of moisture you apply. These cleaners sometimes have a built-in spray and suction system to each vacuum and “mop” concurrently. Usually, you need to solely use a small quantity of water or liquid cleaner to cut back the chance of damaging the laminate.
• Steam cleaners: This sort of machine ought to be prevented if you clear laminate flooring. When you may have the ability to get away with spot-cleaning particular areas of laminate with a steam cleaner, there’s a excessive danger that the moisture will seep into the cracks and crevices within the flooring, inflicting the laminate to swell ultimately.

Moist/Dry Vac Upkeep Issues

To maintain your laminate flooring protected whereas utilizing a moist/dry vac, it is necessary to make sure the machine is in good situation. This consists of maintaining with common upkeep and investing in specifically made laminate flooring cleansing options.

• Change the microfiber rollers often to keep away from scratching the flooring. Sometimes, you need to change these rollers as soon as each six months, although it will depend on how steadily you utilize the machine.
• Clear the water tanks and rollers with an antibacterial detergent as soon as each two or three months to maintain the machine working correctly.
• Empty the water tanks after each use and clear the soiled water tank earlier than storing the moist/dry vac.
• Empty any dry particles from the gathering compartment as an alternative of permitting it to sit down contained in the machine till it is full.

Is It Okay to Let Laminate Flooring Air-Dry?

One of many largest issues about having laminate flooring is the chance of moisture seeping below the protecting layer, which could trigger the fabric to warp. To keep away from this concern, you need to depend on damp moist/dry vac rollers as an alternative of spraying the flooring immediately. If you happen to let the laminate flooring air-dry after cleansing, there’s a increased danger of any leftover moisture seeping into the cracks and gaps between the laminate flooring boards. Because of this, use a dry gentle fabric or towel to wipe away any extra moisture if you end cleansing the flooring.