Many modern homes use laminate flooring. It is an inexpensive material with excellent consumer properties. But the floor needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain its appearance. Wet cleaning is one of the most effective because it allows you to keep your home clean. Is it possible to wash a laminate with a washing vacuum cleaner?
Features
Manufacturers no longer produce laminate of the 21st, 22nd, 23rd classes, which are not allowed to be washed. The moisture resistance of the material for commercial facilities (31st-34th grade) is higher. Is it possible to wash the laminate with a washing vacuum cleaner or should it be processed manually?
To use this technique, a moisture-proof or water-resistant laminate is required. This material has protective layers, impregnation, and on top it is glued with a moisture-resistant special coating. It is advisable to choose material from brands such as Tarkett, Egger and Classen, Alloc, Pergo, Kaindl. Although there are other firms of quality goods.
Types of Coatings
Laminate has a multilayer structure. At the top is a special water-repellent film. Because of this coating - "lamination" - the name of the product was formed. This layer serves as protection against external factors, mechanical and chemical. It determines the quality of the surface and its price.
The top layer is followed by a decorative one imitating the surfaces of various materials. The basis of the laminate is made of chipboard or fiberboard. The plate for this material must be strong, keep its shape, be resistant to moisture.
The bottom layer is made of unrefined or resin-impregnated paper that protects the fiberboard or particleboard from moisture. It also serves to stabilize the entire plate.
If you take into account European standards, the laminate is divided into household and commercial. The second type withstands heavy loads. Class No. 31 refers to household coatings, at home it can be used for 10-12 years. Class No. 32 is used for offices with moderate workload, it is used for kitchens and private homes. Its service life is 12-15 years.
The 33rd class laminate is considered the most durable, it can be used up to 20 years. Its appearance is maintained throughout the entire life cycle. When choosing a laminate, one must take into account the class and the ability to perform wet cleaning. In addition to the quality of the laminate and the vacuum cleaner, the period of operation of the floor depends on the method of laying it.
Determination of moisture resistance
To find out whether it is possible to wash the laminate with a washing vacuum cleaner, you should determine the type of technology for obtaining the material. On the packaging should find the marking, including 3 letters. It may indicate:
- DPL In this case, you can not use water for care. The coating is cleaned with a standard vacuum cleaner or treated with special foam. A cached laminate is designed for this type of cleaning.
- DPR A hand wash can be used after 5-7 days, but after that it is imperative to wipe it with a dry cloth.
- HPL The coating can be washed once a week.
- CPL The material does not deteriorate from moisture, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner when cleaning.
Can a laminate be washed with a washing vacuum cleaner if it is already bedded? The water resistance of the coated coating can be determined experimentally. It is required to moisten a small area in an inconspicuous place. If the coating does not warp, you can use a washing vacuum cleaner.
Resistance to moisture is determined by the method of laying the coating: water should not penetrate under the panels, otherwise they will sag. With the adhesive method of attaching the boards and installing a "spike in the groove" during operation, gaps arise in which moisture will enter. Can I use a washing vacuum cleaner for this type of laminate? To protect the coating from destruction, grind the joints with water-repellent putty, silicone sealant.
The lock version of the Click type has a tight fixation of the board, so additional sealing may be present. Many manufacturers use a rubber strip to lock moisture-proof laminate, which protects against moisture penetration under the coating. Waxing may also be used. Additional moisture protection is provided by sealant.
Vacuum cleaner requirements
Is it possible to wash the laminate with a washing vacuum cleaner, depends not only on the material, but also on the technique. Is there equipment specifically for this coating and how does it differ from other devices?
Special equipment has the following parameters:
- The liquid is consumed minimally, due to which it will not be wet, but moisturize the surface.
- Increased suction power. Usually it is installed from 450 watts.
- The presence of the drying function after washing (may not be everywhere).
- The presence of a special nozzle designed for the laminate.
When determining which vacuum cleaner to choose, it is advisable to make sure that the passport says about its purpose - for laminate and parquet. A multifunctional device is a convenient device, especially if it is used for different coatings.
Can laminate be washed with a universal vacuum cleaner? A regular appliance is also suitable for cleaning, if you buy a special nozzle. But in this case it is necessary to control that there is no water on the floor after cleaning.
Popular brands of technology
According to the housewives, is it possible to wash the laminate with a washing vacuum cleaner? Reviews indicate that it is better to choose products of proven brands that are in demand among consumers. The choice of device is determined by its capabilities and reliability. Can a laminate be washed with a robot vacuum cleaner? It all depends on whether the device is designed for this or not. More detailed information about vacuum cleaners can be found at sales assistants, as well as on manufacturers' websites.
Before buying, it is advisable to visit the forums, ask friends who use similar devices about this. It is advisable to buy equipment from trusted manufacturers. Customers demand goods from German companies Karcher, Thomas. Great demand is observed for products of brands Electrolux, Samsung, Vax.
Thomas Parkett Style XT
This type of device is one of the most sought after, as evidenced by numerous reviews. Can laminate be washed with a Thomas washing vacuum cleaner? This versatile appliance is suitable for a variety of floor coverings and carpet cleaning. The device is equipped with:
- Closed aquafilter.
- Washable filter.
- Filter bag.
- Hose with remote control.
- Nozzle for cleaning parquet and laminate.
- Spray gun.
In Thomas Parkett Style XT there are nozzles for cleaning carpets and floors, dry processing of parquet, cleaning armchairs and sofas, removing dust from crevices. Can the laminate be washed with a Thomas washing vacuum cleaner? This device will be ideal for this surface.
Wet Cleaning Rules
Even if a suitable vacuum cleaner is selected, you do not need to wash this surface often.
Before performing regular wet cleaning, there are a few rules to consider:
- Even during installation, it is necessary to seal the joints between the boards. It is best to process the seams every year with grout or mastic on the laminate.
- Do not clean the surface in steam mode. Due to hot steam, even quality material deteriorates. You can wash it with a steam cleaner if a special thick cloth is used.
- If the appliance does not have a drying system after washing, wipe the surface with a dry cloth. This helps to increase the service life.
Is it possible to use the device from heavy pollution? Experts recommend that this work be done manually, and then perform normal washing. To eliminate greasy stains, the floor should be wiped with a cloth treated with liquid laundry soap.
Stains from sauce or juice should be removed with a neutral pH detergent, and then wipe the surface dry. If chewing gum or wax adheres to the floor, they must be cooled with ice or a special spray. Contaminants can then be scraped off with a plastic scraper.
Laminate Care
Before choosing a washing vacuum cleaner, you should learn how to properly care for the laminate. Water is the main enemy of this surface, because due to the layered structure with the penetration of moisture, it swells and delaminates. Dry cleaning will be suitable for these coatings, but it is not so high quality. For example, wet cleaning is required after completion.
You can wash the floor with a damp cloth, only it should be squeezed out and not very wet. If a lot of water gets on the laminate, it must be removed quickly. After this, wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
For washing, you can choose ordinary detergents without abrasive components. There are also special products designed for laminate floors. It is advisable to take rags or soft sponges that do not leave scratches for cleaning. Difficult stains must be removed with ethyl alcohol or acetone. The solution is applied for a minute. And then rinsing with water is necessary.
Using a dry nylon cloth, traces of colored pencils and felt-tip pens are removed. Stains from berries, coffee, tea, it is advisable to clean with special means and water. For greasy contaminants, it is better to take liquid laundry soap. In order for the surface to shine, it is necessary to use special tools that rub the coating.
Conclusion
Thus, for some types of laminate, a washing vacuum cleaner is suitable. With it you can regularly perform wet cleaning. A suitable cleaning method will help increase the life of the coating.