To date, the actual flooring is laminate. Nice smooth floor, which has an aesthetic and modern look. However, a seemingly simple surface requires difficult maintenance.
The fact is that the laminate is very sensitive to water. Therefore, cleaning, in particular washing, should be a delicate and proper way. There are specific types that have a high threshold of resistance to moisture, however, basically all types of laminate require careful handling.
Given the prevalence of this floor in residential and non-residential premises, the question is ripening of how to wash it? Fortunately for this there is a certain technique - vacuum cleaners for a gentle but effective cleaning. We will examine in detail the question of how to choose a washing vacuum cleaner for a laminate.
Why you can not wash the laminate
We previously noted 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 actually remains there. This leads to swelling of the boards and their destruction as a whole.
Different types of laminate 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 regular floor, this will lead to its deformation.
- HPL laminate - is considered a little more stable than the previous type, however, wet cleaning is allowed no more than once a week.
- CPL laminate - considered the most resistant material resistant to moisture. It is characterized as waterproof.
- DPR laminate is quite resistant to moisture, however, wet cleaning is also recommended only once a week.
- The laminate is made using caching technology - it is completely impossible to wash, only dry cleaning, or cleaning with foam of the corresponding detergent, is allowed.
Safety and prevention measures 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, non-greasy floor, covering the cracks with it. Give time to dry completely (15 minutes). Mastic, prevents moisture from entering the cracks, and also prevents microbes from leaving the cracks.
Be that as it may, it still needs to be cleaned somehow. If we talk about vacuuming, then all types of conventional units are suitable for this (dry cleaning).
Wet cleaning is allowed no more than two times every few days. For this, washing units can be used. 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 a laminate.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 suitable for cleaning a laminate must meet the following criteria.
- High suction power. For proper washing of the laminate, a unit with a suction force of at least 300 W, optimally 450 W should be selected. This is important, because all moisture must be removed, its residue 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, a slight spray of it on the surface is sufficient.
- Dimensions and weight. For comfortable cleaning.
- The presence of a special nozzle for convenient and efficient washing of the laminate.
- The presence of the function of drying after wet cleaning.
- What is the volume of the container, aquafilter, as well as the presence of a charcoal cleaner.
- To keep the laminate in integrity, 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, watch that inadvertently there is no 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 for cleaning steam mops. Wet cleaning using high temperatures will lead to nothing more than surface destruction.
Rating of the best models
The stores have a large assortment of appliances for cleaning the laminate itself. All of them meet the criteria for safe wet cleaning. However, the question of how to choose a washing vacuum cleaner for a laminate 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.
Customer reviews and expert conclusions highlight the top-best models of washing vacuum cleaners that satisfy 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 for effective cleaning of carpets and soft corners.
Weighing 7 kg. Equipped with attachments and a set of detergents. The power of the unit is 1700 watts, with a suction force of 255 watts.
ROWENTA
Universal model Turbo Bully RB 839, provides for 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 cleaning windows and others. The weight of such a French-brand unit is 7 kg.
ZELMER
The washing device model 919.0 ST AQUAWELT, equipped with a fine filter, is recommended for people prone to allergies.
A special feature is an energy-saving motor. Equipped with various nozzles suitable for cleaning various surfaces. In general, this model is in high demand.
Liberton
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 watts, and a suction force of 240 watts. 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 that the type of cleaning is acceptable for your laminate flooring. Indeed, some types of coating generally exclude wet cleaning.
- If, however, 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, which are able to satisfy all your wishes for efficient cleaning.
