Laminate flooring requires special care to clean

DEAR DESIGNER: I just read your article about cleaning flooring and notice you did not say a thing about laminates. We installed laminate throughout our house about two years ago. After talking to several different flooring professionals, we got many ideas on how to get the film off of the floor, from white vinegar, plain water, diluted Windex, Bona cleaner and Armstrong cleaner. Nothing works to get the film off of the floor. What can we do to get it clean that will not include tearing up the floor and replacing it? - Marcia

DEAR MARCIA: Laminate flooring is a little trickier to address than the tile and stone floors I wrote about. The term "laminate flooring" describes two types of flooring, both very different.

Wood laminate is when a thin layer of wood is laminated over a more stable type of wood, giving the floor an actual wood grain on top with stability beneath. The other type of laminate flooring is synthetic laminate flooring. It is made using a computer generated photo image of wood (and sometimes stone) with a clear laminate on top. One of the first brands of synthetic laminate flooring was manufactured by Pergo 30 years ago. Similar to how the brand name Band-aid is used to describe any adhesive bandage, the name Pergo is often used to describe most man-made laminate flooring, whether it is made by Pergo or a competitor.

Although I'm not an expert on the cleaning process, I did some research and this is what I found:

For wood laminate, try mixing water, vinegar, dish soap and lemon juice. Apply damply on the floor so it will dry quickly.

For a Pergo-type laminate floor, contact the manufacturer. They offer several products that will take the film off of their particular product.

Professionally steam cleaning either type of laminate floor is not recommended, as it can leave too much moisture on the floor that can seep through the edges of the planks and cause the laminate to separate and curl. There are mixed reviews on using a residential steam mop. If you try it, be sure to try it in a corner or closet first. Be sure you don't leave any damp areas or puddles.

DEAR DESIGNER: I have read your article in a recent issue of Home. I have an epoxy garage floor and it is great. Now I need your advice. Would an epoxy floor also be advisable for the driveway leading up and into the garage?

Thank you. - Ruth

DEAR RUTH: The epoxy garage floor I wrote about is only suitable for indoor use. You need a product that can withstand the weather.

Assuming your driveway is concrete, a popular choice in Las Vegas is concrete staining. The stain is water based and turns a badly stained driveway into a piece of art.

There are companies around town that will evaluate your driveway and recommend options that best fit your situation. One company incorporates the small cracks in your driveway to look like veins in leather. Larger cracks or chips may need more extreme measures.

Be sure to consider the color and style of your home when choosing driveway colors. Don't get too fussy with it though. This is one of those applications where less is more.

Cindy Payne is a certified interior designer with more than 25 years of experience, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, as well as a licensed contractor. Email questions to her at deardesigner@ projectdesigninteriors.com or send them to her at Project Design Interiors, 2620 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 189, Las Vegas, NV 89109. She can be reached online at www.projectdesigninteriors.com.