Today, laminate is the current flooring. Nice smooth floor that has an aesthetic and modern look. However, the seemingly simple surface requires a lot of maintenance.
The fact is that laminate flooring is very sensitive to water. Therefore, cleaning, in particular washing, must be gentle and correct. There are specific types that have a high threshold of moisture resistance, however, basically all types of laminate require careful handling in terms of washing.
If we take into account the prevalence of this floor in residential and non-residential premises, then the question is brewing: how should it be washed? Fortunately, there is a certain technique for this - vacuum cleaners for gentle but effective cleaning. Let's take a closer look at the question of how to choose a washing vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring.
Why you can't wash your laminate
We noted earlier that this type of coating is afraid of water. This is directly related to its composition. It is made of wood with a special coating. When washing, water gets between the cracks (joints) and, in fact, remains there. This leads to the swelling of the boards and their destruction in general.
Different types of laminate flooring have varying degrees of moisture sensitivity. But even the most resistant material is not recommended to be washed in the usual way.
- DPL laminate - it is forbidden to wash like a normal floor, this will lead to its deformation.
- HPL laminate - considered a little more stable than the previous type, however, wet cleaning is allowed no more than once a week.
- CPL laminate is considered to be the most durable moisture resistant material. It is characterized as waterproof.
- DPR laminate is quite moisture resistant, however, wet cleaning is also recommended only once a week.
- The laminate is made using caching technology - absolutely not washable, only dry cleaning is allowed, or foam cleaning with an appropriate detergent.
A safety and preventive measure against the destruction of the laminate due to excessive moisture is the application of special protection. In particular, a special mastic is applied to a clean, grease-free floor, covering the cracks with it. Allow time for it to dry completely (15 minutes). Mastic, prevents moisture from entering the crevices, and also prevents microbes from leaving the crevices.
Be that as it may, it still needs to be cleaned in some way. If we talk about vacuuming, then all types of conventional units (dry cleaning) are suitable for this.
Wet cleaning is allowed no more than twice every few days. For this, you can use washing units. However, not all are suitable for this cleaning. In particular, the possibility of using this vacuum cleaner for a laminate floor is noted in the instructions for it.
What to look for when choosing
As it became known, not every washing vacuum cleaner is suitable for wet cleaning of laminate flooring. If you decide to buy a vacuum cleaner with the ability to wash the laminate, you should pay attention to its characteristics. In particular, the technical description indicates its main functions:
- Dry cleaning.
- Wet cleaning.
- Cleaning the ceramic coating.
- Wet and dry cleaning of laminated flooring.
- Washing linoleum.
- Special vacuum cleaner for tiles and laminates.
- Like that.
That is, to begin with, one should decide, in principle, whether the instruction allows washing laminated surfaces or not.
Sometimes information about the possibility of its application to the laminate is not indicated, but the technical characteristics allow the use of the device in this area. Thus, an appliance that can be used to clean laminate flooring must meet the following criteria.
- High suction power. For proper cleaning of the laminate, you should select a unit with a suction power of at least 300 W, optimally 450 W. This is important, because all moisture must be removed, its remainder can have a negative effect on the surface. It should be understood that the suction power is twenty percent of the total power.
- Minimum consumption of detergent when cleaning. Recommended minimum spray of detergent. To wash the laminate, lightly sprinkling it on the surface is sufficient.
- Dimensions and weight. For comfortable cleaning.
- The presence of a special nozzle for convenient and effective cleaning of the laminate.
- Drying function after wet cleaning.
- What is the volume of the container, aquafilter, and the presence of a charcoal cleaner?
- To keep the laminate intact, it is good if the device is equipped with rubber wheels, they do not scratch its surface.
The water should be sprayed lightly, so that it does not have time to leak into the cracks. And also, see that there is no accidental leakage from the vacuum cleaner itself. And if a puddle forms on the floor, immediately wipe it dry with a dry cloth.
Cleaning contraindications:
- Excessive moisture, especially without subsequent drying. If the vacuum cleaner does not have a drying function, then it is necessary to wipe the surface dry with a cloth after washing.
- Application to cleaning steam mops. Wet cleaning using high temperatures will lead to nothing more than surface destruction.
Rating of the best models
There is a wide range of devices in stores for cleaning the laminate. They all meet the criteria for safe wet cleaning. However, the question of which one to choose a washing vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring remains always open. This is due to the fact that approximately the same units are represented by a number of models from different manufacturers. Therefore, the problem arises, which one is better to choose.
Consumer reviews and expert conclusions highlight the top-best models of washing vacuum cleaners that meet the requirements for use for this purpose.
THOMAS
The device of this company, the Parkett Style XT model, is equipped with a set of attachments for soft cleaning of hard surfaces (tiles, laminate, parquet, linoleum). At the same time, it is suitable for cleaning soft surfaces (carpets and upholstered furniture).
Allows both wet and dry cleaning. Equipped with a 6 l dust collector, high quality HEPA filters.
The weight of such a unit is 8 kg, with a power of 1700 W, and a suction power of 280 W.
Karcher
The SE 5.100 model of this brand of vacuum cleaner is suitable for cleaning laminated floors. Easy to operate, rolls gently. It can be used to effectively clean carpets and soft corners.
Weighing 7 kg. Equipped with attachments and a set of detergents. The power of the unit is 1700 W, with a suction power of 255 W.
ROWENTA
Versatile model Turbo Bully RB 839, provides dry and wet cleaning. With a low power of 1600 W, it has a good suction power of 390 W. Has a complete set of five nozzles, including a turbo brush, a nozzle for washing windows and others. The weight of such a French-brand unit is 7 kg.
ZELMER
Washing device model 919.0 ST AQUAWELT, equipped with a fine aqua filter, recommended for people prone to allergies.
A special feature is an energy-saving motor. Equipped with various attachments suitable for cleaning various surfaces. In general, this model is in high demand.
LIBERTON
a fairly light vacuum cleaner model LVCW 4216 Silver Aqua, weighing 6 kg. Suitable for any type of cleaning (dry and wet). With a power of 1600 W, and a suction power of 240 W. HEPA filtration, with 8 stages of purification.It cleans the air very well, therefore it is effective for allergy sufferers.
Conclusion
Other firms that produce good models of this type of equipment include Lavor, Samsung, Phillips, Nilfisk, Soteco, Cleanfix, Delvir, Electrolux.
Having considered the characteristics and properties of washing vacuum cleaners for laminate flooring, you can emphasize the main points:
- Wet cleaning is possible, provided the type of cleaning is acceptable for your laminate flooring. Indeed, some types of coating generally exclude wet cleaning.
- If, nevertheless, the laminate allows wet cleaning, then, in principle, the choice of vacuum cleaners is considerable. And here, for the right choice, it is important to evaluate all its functions, equipment and company that are able to satisfy all your wishes for effective cleaning.
