Cleaning laminate floors in homes with dogs
Can dogs scratch laminate floors (Piso laminado in spanish)? By its very nature and construction, laminate floors are durable and capable of withstanding scratches from even the largest dogs. However, they do happen sometimes, so we recommend keeping a laminate flooring repair kit on hand.
How to erase dog tracks from your laminate floors
One of our customer service experts knows the answer to this problem very well! She has two dogs that, when she feels like it, they start running around the house and leave footprints everywhere. This is her advice:
“I usually clean with a microfiber mop sprayed with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. Plus, the vinegar acts as an odor remover, so I don’t have to worry about doggy odor, especially after they’ve gotten wet on their daily walks. I installed my laminate flooring in 2006 and it still looks great. “
If your laminate is very shiny, you will need to clean it frequently with a microfiber mop and a hot water spray. Fingerprints often get on high-gloss laminate floors, especially if you have a dog.
How to remove mud tracks (from dogs and people)
If the mud is wet, follow the process we have described above and clean it up as soon as possible. Consider placing doormats on the doors to clean up mud before entering.
If the mud is dry, vacuuming or sweeping should be sufficient. Just make sure your vacuum does not use a rotating brush. Forget steam floor cleaners and wet mops, as moisture gets into the mix and can damage your floor.
How to protect your floor from other dog accidents
Moisture is the enemy of any floating floor, especially if it is not cleaned quickly, as it could seep between the edges of the boards. Some solutions to avoid it:
Place a tray with an absorbent mat under your dog’s water bowl to absorb any drips or spills.
Try to get your sweaty dog to rest on a mat and not on the laminate (possibly easier said than done).
Add a bead of Type II PVA glue to the edges of boards that may be exposed to moisture. This will prevent fluids from penetrating between the boards.
If you have a dog and you are replacing carpet with laminate, consider some additional steps to help your dog get used to the new and improved flooring in your home:
1. Trim and save a piece of carpet that has an area where your dog used to rest. Check the carpet for stains or traces of moisture. Put this piece in a large plastic container and cut the sides so that it is the same height as the carpet. Animals react to smells, so this scented bait will create a comfort zone. Place it on a vinyl floor or near an exit door.
2. Prepare the subfloor where your dog has had an accident so this will not happen again on your new laminate floor.
Clean concrete subfloors with hot water mixed with some bleach. (Check packaging for recommended servings.)
Clean wooden subfloors with a product that contains neutralizing enzymes. If it is damaged, you may need to replace the wood subfloor.
3. Coat entire subfloor with a Kilz or Zinsser primer to treat stains and odors. Before installing the floating floor, allow the subfloor to dry completely.
How to remove a film from your laminate floor
Although not directly related to having a dog in the home, having a film on laminate flooring can be frustrating. To remove it you will need 100% pure acetone and a lot of patience. When applying, make sure the area is well ventilated.
