One of the benefits of laminate flooring is that it is easy to clean and care for. However, one of the drawbacks of laminate flooring is that it can be slippery, especially when wet. If you have young children or elderly family members living in your home, you may be concerned about the safety risks posed by a slippery floor.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make your laminate flooring non-slip. Let’s look at some tips on how to make your laminate flooring safe for everyone in your household.
What to put on a slippery laminate floor?
1. Add a Rug Pad
One of the easiest ways to make your laminate flooring non-slip is to add a rug pad underneath any area rug. Rug pads provide an extra layer of cushioning and grip, which will help to prevent slips and falls. Be sure to choose a rug pad that is specifically designed for use on laminate floors; not all rug pads are created equal. Some rug pads can actually damage laminate floors, so it’s important to choose wisely.
2. Use Anti-Slip Mats
Another way to make your laminate flooring non-slip is to place anti-slip mats in high-traffic areas. Anti-slip mats are inexpensive and can be cut to fit any space. They provide an extra layer of traction and can help prevent slips and falls, even on wet surfaces.
3. Apply a Slip-Resistant Coating
If you want a more permanent solution, you can apply a slip-resistant coating to your laminate floors. This type of coating creates an invisible barrier that helps to prevent slips and falls. These treatments can be applied directly to the floor and will create a durable, slip-resistant surface that will last for years. Just be sure to choose a high-quality coating from a reputable brand, as some products may not be safe or effective.
It’s important to note that not all slip-resistant coatings are compatible with all types of laminate floors, so be sure to do your research before purchasing a product.
Reasons For Slippery Laminate Floors
Slippery floors can be a big problem in any household. No one wants to constantly worry about slipping and falling, so it’s important to take measures to prevent this from happening.
If your laminate floors are slippery, it might be due to one of the following reasons. Fortunately, there are solutions to each issue.
1. Incorrect Cleaning
Not only does a build-up of dirt make your floors more slippery, but it also causes long-term damage. This is why you should clean regularly and correctly to get rid of slippery floors and preserve the like-new look of your laminate tile flooring.
There are some cleaning methods that you might be doing that are actually incorrect. Here’s what you should do instead:
- Too Much Water: When cleaning your laminate floor, take care not to use too much water. Too much moisture can seep into cracks between the planks and cause damage. Make sure you use just enough water to clean the floor without causing harm.
- Incorrect Mopping: Never use dirty water to mop and avoid making your floor too wet. After you finish mopping, set up some fans near open doors around your home so the floor can dry faster. Microfiber mops are also better at cleaning floors thoroughly and quickly.
- Wrong Cleaner: To keep your laminate floors clean and in pristine condition, use a floor cleaner that is oil-free and made specifically for laminate. Waxing or polishing the surface of your laminate floor isn’t necessary and can actually damage the adhesion; however, if you have used wax products on your floor in the past, mix vinegar with water to remove any leftover residue.
- Infrequent Sweeping: Removing all furniture before sweeping and vacuuming the area is one of the best ways to ensure that you clean your floors properly. It’s also important to sweep or vacuum on a regular basis, as this will help prevent dust and dirt buildup that leads to slippery floors.
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your floors clean. Wipe up any spills or dirt immediately, and get into the habit of cleaning your floors on a regular basis. Using the right cleaning methods and products is critical for preventing slippery laminate floors.
2. Incorrect Footwear
Another way to avoid slipping on laminate floors is by changing the shoes you wear around your home. High-heeled or slippery shoes can make it more likely for you to fall, so opt for something with more traction instead.
You can opt for shoes that have rubber soles and nonslip treads. You may also want to invest in grip socks or rubber-soled shoes to help keep you safe and prevent falls.
If your flooring is in a high-traffic area, you may want to consider placing rugs or mats down to provide more traction. This will help reduce the likelihood of slips and spills.
3. Poor Lighting
Lack of adequate lighting can also contribute to slippery floors. If your home doesn’t have enough light, it can be more difficult to see spills and areas where there may be debris.
To prevent this from happening, you can use floor lamps or other lighting solutions in the room to create additional illumination. It’s also a good idea to keep your lights clean and free of dust buildup, as this can interfere with their ability to illuminate the entire space.
4. Heavy Furniture
Laminate floors are susceptible to scratches from heavy objects and become slippery when appliances or furniture is moved on them.
One solution is to make sure you have a rug, carpet remnant, or another type of protective barrier underneath heavy furniture. This can help prevent scratches and damage to your floors, while also providing additional traction.
If you need to move any large appliances in the home, take precautions beforehand by placing cardboard or another barrier underneath them so they don’t damage your floors. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to help you move the items, which can make it easier and safer to do so.
4. Not Using Rugs and Runners
Placing rugs or carpet runners in high-traffic areas can help prevent people and pets from slipping. Choose products that have a rubber backing to ensure they stay put on your flooring.
You can also use non-slip rug pads underneath them to further prevent slips and falls.
Another option is to choose rugs made from materials such as bamboo, sisal, or jute that provide more traction on your laminate floors.
If you have pets, it’s a good idea to invest in pet mats or rugs that are designed specifically for use on laminate floors. This can help keep your floors clean and reduce the amount of debris your pets track into the home.
5. Pet Damage
If you have pets that like to scratch or dig, it’s important to provide them with appropriate scratching posts or toys. This can help avoid damage to your floors while also providing an outlet for their natural behaviors.
To avoid this issue, place a protector under pet dishes whenever you feed them. You should also trim their nails regularly to keep them from damaging your flooring.
You can also prevent your pet from slipping on laminate floors, consider investing in rubber floor mats or pet carpets. These products can provide additional traction while also protecting your floors from damage.
Conclusion
Making your laminate floors less slippery does not have to be difficult. There are a number of easy solutions that you can implement in order to make your home safer for everyone who lives there.
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to prevent this from happening. These include using the right cleaning methods and products, avoiding the use of high heels or other slippery footwear, improving the lighting in your home, placing protective barriers under heavy furniture, and taking steps to protect your floors from pet damage.
By following the tips outlined above, you can create a safe and slip-free environment for everyone in your household – regardless of their age or level of mobility.
