Question about interior cleaning

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6 Common Issues with Laminate Flooring and How to Repair Them

Laminate flooring is the favorite choice of many people. And even though you take very good care of your laminate, it will still get damaged somehow. The King Live has summed up with some common issues that can occur with laminate flooring:

• Scratches and Scuffs: Laminate flooring is vulnerable to scratches and scuffs caused by hard-soled shoes, pet claws, and heavy furniture.
• Moisture Damage: Excessive moisture can cause laminate flooring to swell, warp, and buckle. This can occur from spills, leaks, or high humidity levels.
• Fading and Discoloration: Laminate flooring can fade and discolor over time due to exposure to sunlight, artificial light, or cleaning products.
• Peaking and Buckling: Laminate flooring can gradually separate from its subfloor, causing it to peak or buckle. This can be caused by improper installation or shifting of the subfloor.
• Gaps and Spaces: Laminate flooring can develop gaps and spaces between planks due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels.
• Subfloor Unevenness: Uneven subfloors can cause laminate flooring to buckle, squeak, or separate over time.

Awareness and prevention are key to avoiding these issues with laminate flooring. And then, learning how to repair laminate flooring is an important and necessary step you need to take to move on.

1. Scratches and scratches:

• Clean the scratch or scuff with a laminate floor cleaner and a soft cloth.
• Choose a wax repair stick that matches the color of the laminate flooring.
• Apply the wax to the scratch or scuff, making sure to fill the entire area.
• Use a plastic scraper to remove any excess wax.
• Use a soft cloth to buff the affected area until the scratch or scuff is no longer visible.

2. Moisture Damage:

• Identify the affected planks and remove them, making sure to wear protective gear like gloves and a mask.
• Inspect the subfloor and make any necessary repairs.
• Replace the damaged planks with new ones, making sure to properly fit the new planks to ensure a seamless look. Use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to secure the new planks into place.

3. Fading and discoloration:

• Identify the affected planks and remove them.
• Purchase new planks that match the color of the existing flooring.
• Install the new planks and ensure a perfect fit.

4. Peaking and Buckling

• Identify the affected planks and carefully remove them.
• Inspect the subfloor for unevenness or any damage that may be causing the problem.
• Repair any issues with the subfloor before installing new planks.
• Install new planks and make sure that expansion gaps are in place to allow for movement.

5. Gaps and Spaces:

• Clean the gap with a laminate floor cleaner and a soft cloth.
• Choose a colored putty or filler that matches the color of the laminate flooring.
• Apply the putty or filler to the gap, making sure to fill the entire space.
• Use a plastic scraper to remove any excess putty or filler.
• Use a soft cloth to buff the affected area until the gap is no longer visible.

6. Subfloor Unevenness:

• Identify the affected area and clean it thoroughly.
• Mix a self-leveling compound according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Pour the compound over the affected area and use a trowel to spread it evenly.
• Allow the compound to dry completely.
• Install new planks, ensuring a perfect fit for a seamless look.

Keep in mind that these repairs may require different tools and materials, and some repairs may be more difficult than others. It's important to follow instructions carefully and use protective gear when necessary. If you're unsure of how to repair laminate floor, it's always a good idea to seek professional assistance.