Daily: dust and grit
Sweep with a soft-bristle broom or vacuum with the hard-floor head, beater bar switched off. Sand tracked in on shoes is what scratches the wear layer.
Care guide
How to clean and care for laminate and SPC floors in Medellín
At Pisos Pro Medellín we install and repair floors for families, residential buildings and businesses across the metro area, and many of the repairs we handle start with the wrong cleaning routine. This guide collects the care instructions we hand every client in writing.
They are tips proven over 900+ jobs and 15 years in the trade, adapted to Medellín's rain and sun. They apply to both laminate and SPC, and we point out where the two differ.
- 2-step cleaning
- What not to use
- Rain and sun
Daily and weekly cleaning routine
SPC tolerates a slightly damper mop because its core does not swell. Even so, water that lingers in the seams can reach the subfloor and get trapped there.
Weekly: a barely damp mop
Use a microfiber mop wrung out until it stops dripping. On laminate, the surface should be dry in under a minute.
Product: a neutral cleaner
Dilute a pH-neutral laminate or vinyl floor cleaner, such as those from brands like Bona, following the label. More product does not mean cleaner; it leaves a film that attracts dust.
Mop direction and doormats
Mop along the length of the planks so you do not push water into the joints. A mat at every entrance catches much of the dirt from the street.
Products and methods to avoid
These do not always damage the floor on day one, but the harm builds up. In most cases they also void the manufacturer's warranty.
Avoid
- Steam mops: heat and moisture force the joints open
- Wax, silicone or floor polish: laminate does not absorb them and turns slippery
- Bleach, ammonia, mineral spirits (varsol) or paint thinner: they dull the wear layer
- Buckets of water or a soaking-wet mop
- Steel wool or abrasive powders
Use instead
- A well-wrung microfiber mop
- Diluted neutral cleaner made for laminate or vinyl
- A dry cloth to finish on rainy days
- Isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, only for spot stains like ink or nail polish
- The stain remover named in the manufacturer's data sheet for stubborn marks
Pets, chairs and furniture
Felt pads
Stick felt pads under chair, table and sofa legs, and check them every few months. Once the felt picks up grit, it scratches instead of protecting.
Rolling chairs
Hard casters on a desk chair carve grooves within a few months. Put down a polycarbonate chair mat or switch to soft polyurethane wheels.
Claws and water bowls
Keep dog and cat nails trimmed and set a waterproof mat under the water bowl. Clean up urine right away, especially on laminate.
Moving day and heavy furniture
Lift furniture rather than dragging it, and use felt sliders for anything too heavy to carry. A dragged refrigerator can slice the wear layer from one end to the other.
Spills and rain: what to do in the first few minutes
Medellín has two rainy seasons, roughly April to May and October to November, with heavy afternoon downpours. An open balcony door or a poorly sealed window is all it takes to soak the floor.
A swollen laminate edge will not return to shape, but that one plank can be replaced through a laminate or SPC floor repair. With SPC, the priority is making sure water does not stay trapped underneath.
- Blot with absorbent cloths immediately, starting at the joints
- Lift wet rugs so the floor can breathe
- Air the room or run a fan, never a hot hair dryer aimed at the floor
- The next day, run your hand over the seams; if you feel raised edges, take photos
- If the water came from a pipe or the unit upstairs, notify building management (administración)
Protecting floors from window sun
Fading
West-facing windows get direct afternoon sun, and within months the color lightens unevenly. Move a rug after a year and you will see its outline.
Heat expansion
Next to a large pane of glass, SPC heats up and expands more than in the rest of the room. That is why the gap in that area must stay free of silicone, heavy planters and anchored furniture.
Curtains and window film
Curtains, blinds or a solar control film cut both fading and heat. Rotate rugs now and then so the tone stays even.
Laminate floor cleaning FAQ
How often should you mop laminate flooring?
Once a week is enough in most homes, more often with pets or small children. Between moppings, a broom or vacuum does nearly all the work.
Can you clean laminate floors with vinegar?
We do not recommend it as a routine: its acidity can dull the finish over time and many manufacturers do not approve it. For stains, a neutral cleaner works better.
Can a scratch in laminate be sanded out?
No, because the decorative layer is a very thin print that cannot be sanded. Light scratches can be hidden with color-matched fill wax, and deep ones are fixed by replacing the plank.
How do you remove chewing gum or candle wax?
Harden it with ice in a bag and lift it off with a plastic scraper. Never use blades or solvents on the surface.
The care your warranty requires
Our 1-year workmanship warranty covers installation failures such as open seams, loose planks or lifting caused by the work. It does not cover water damage, impacts, misuse or unsuitable cleaning products.
When we hand over the floor, we sign a completion record with these care instructions. Keep it with the material invoice, since the manufacturer may also ask for it if you claim a factory defect.
The full terms, including how to file a claim, are on our installation warranty page.
Is your floor already showing wear or damage?
We inspect seams, swollen planks and scratches, then tell you whether swapping pieces is enough or a new floor makes more sense. If your laminate can no longer keep up with the household, an SPC floor handles damp cleaning better, and we also offer higher-grade laminate installation.
Pisos Pro Medellín
Tv. 6 #45-115, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Monday to Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.