--- title: "Why Laminate Quickly Loses Its Look: Key Cleaning and Care Mistakes" description: "Styler has gathered the main mistakes that ruin laminate: excess water, steam cleaning, abrasive products, outdoor sand, and dragged furniture. We discuss how to properly care for the coating and what to do in case of damage." date: 2026-10-29T11:49:07.318Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/mistakes-that-ruin-laminate tags: [laminate-flooring, home-care, cleaning-tips, interior, floor-maintenance] author: "Marina Slivenko, Inna Kinsheva" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Why Laminate Quickly Loses Its Look: Key Cleaning and Care Mistakes ![Woman on her knees wiping a wet cloth over a swollen laminate joint in a bright living room](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/29/oshibki-kotorye-portyat-laminat/oshibki-kotorye-portyat-laminat-1.webp) ## Key Points - Excess water and steam cleaning can cause laminate to swell and deform; EGGER advises a wrung-out microfiber mop. - Abrasive powders, hard sponges, and unsuitable products scratch the coating and leave a film (Mannington). - Outdoor sand and dragged furniture scratch the protective layer; Quick-Step and Floor & Decor recommend mats and pads. - Indoor humidity is best kept between 35–65% (Shaw Floors), and curtains should be used to protect against direct sunlight. - Minor defects are masked with a repair kit; severely deformed boards sometimes have to be replaced. Laminate has long been one of the most popular flooring options due to its practicality and affordable price. However, as noted by the Styler project from RBC-Ukraine, even everyday household habits can gradually worsen its condition: scratches appear, joints swell, and the color changes. Most often, the problem lies not in the material itself, but in improper care, and it is these mistakes that destroy the coating the fastest. ### Moisture: The Main Enemy of Standard Laminate Excess water is especially dangerous for standard laminate. Moisture penetrates through the joints into the inner core of the boards, causing them to swell and deform. The manufacturer EGGER recommends using a well-wringed microfiber mop for cleaning, and wiping the surface dry after washing if necessary. Areas near the kitchen sink and entrance door require special attention: spilled water should be cleaned up immediately, even if the coating is claimed to be water-resistant. ### Steam and Abrasive Products High-pressure hot steam can get into the joints between planks, and frequent moisture can lead to swelling, discoloration, or deformation. Pergo's recommendations emphasize that the risk depends on temperature, steam intensity, and the characteristics of the specific floor. At the same time, some manufacturers allow steam cleaning for certain collections, but the "water-resistant" label alone does not guarantee that laminate can be steam-cleaned — check the manual before using the device. Abrasive powders and hard sponges scratch the surface, and unsuitable cleaning agents leave a dull film: Mannington warns against their use and advises choosing products recommended by the manufacturer of the specific coating. ### Outdoor Sand and Dragged Furniture Sand particles brought into the apartment from the street act as an abrasive: when walking, they scratch the protective layer. According to Quick-Step, even scratch-resistant coatings are damaged by sand and hard particles on shoe soles. To reduce the risk, a dirt-trap mat is placed at the entrance, and the floor is regularly cleaned with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a hard-floor attachment. Furniture that is regularly dragged also leaves scratches, especially with hard legs under which sand accumulates; Floor & Decor recommends using protective pads and not dragging heavy items without floor protection. ### Microclimate and Sunlight The condition of laminate is affected not only by water during washing, but also by the indoor climate. Significant humidity fluctuations can lead to changes in board dimensions, gaps, and deformations. The Shaw Floors instructions advise maintaining relative indoor humidity within 35–65%, although acceptable figures may vary among different manufacturers. Experts also warn against the harmful effects of prolonged direct sunlight, which fades the coating over time; curtains or blinds are used to protect the floor. ### What to Do If Laminate Is Already Damaged The restoration method depends on the nature of the damage. Minor defects can be masked with a special laminate repair kit. If the boards are severely deformed, swollen from moisture, or damaged at the joints, cosmetic repairs may not be enough: first, the source of moisture must be eliminated, and if water gets under the coating, a specialist should be contacted to assess the condition. Severely damaged boards sometimes have to be replaced. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Почему ламинат быстро теряет вид: распространенные ошибки при уборке](https://styler.rbc.ua/ukr/useful/chomu-laminat-shvidko-vtrachae-viglyad-poshireni-1793201021.html) - Original source: laminate care recommendations attributed to manufacturers (EGGER, Pergo, Mannington, Quick-Step, Floor & Decor, Shaw Floors), including a humidity range of 35–65% and coating restoration methods. ## FAQ ### Can laminate be cleaned with steam? Not always. The risk depends on temperature, steam intensity, and floor characteristics (Pergo); the "water-resistant" label does not guarantee the safety of steam cleaning — you must check the instructions. ### What indoor humidity should be maintained in a room with laminate? According to Shaw Floors instructions, relative humidity is best maintained within 35–65%, although acceptable levels may vary by manufacturer. ### What to do if laminate swells or deforms? First, the source of moisture is eliminated; if water gets under the coating, a specialist is consulted. Minor defects are masked with a repair kit, and severely damaged boards are sometimes replaced.