Seasonal Care Tips for Your Laminate Flooring in Ontario

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners across Ontario, from the bustling streets of Toronto to the charming communities of Markham, thanks to its durability, aesthetic versatility, and affordability. It offers the look of real hardwood or tile without the demanding maintenance. However, Ontario’s climate presents unique challenges for any flooring, with its distinct seasonal shifts – from humid summers to dry winters, and everything in between. To ensure your laminate flooring retains its beauty and longevity, adapting your care routine to these seasonal changes is crucial. At Markville Flooring, we believe in providing not just quality products but also the knowledge to care for them. Here are our essential laminate flooring seasonal care Ontario tips.

Understanding Laminate and Ontario’s Climate

Laminate flooring products consists of a core layer (often HDF – high-density fiberboard, a wood-based product), a decorative layer, and a protective wear layer. Like real wood, the HDF core can react to significant changes in humidity, albeit to a lesser extent.

• High Humidity (Summer): Moisture in the air can cause the core to absorb tiny amounts of water, leading to slight expansion. If installed improperly without adequate expansion gaps, this can cause buckling or “peaking” at the seams.
• Low Humidity (Winter): Dry indoor air (often due to heating systems) can cause the core to lose moisture and contract, potentially leading to small gaps appearing between planks.

Our laminate care Ontario climate guide will help you mitigate these effects.

Summer Care for Laminate Flooring (High Humidity)

Ontario summers, especially in the GTA, can be warm and humid. Here’s how to care for your laminate during this season:

1. Maintain Consistent Indoor Humidity

• Use Air Conditioning: Your air conditioning system not only cools but also dehumidifies. Keep it running, especially during peak humidity, to maintain a consistent indoor humidity level (ideally between 35% and 55%). This is the single most effective laminate maintenance Ontario tip for summer.
• Dehumidifiers: In areas that tend to feel damp or in homes without central AC, consider using a portable dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in check.
• Ventilation: Ensure bathrooms and kitchens are well-ventilated, especially after showering or cooking, to prevent excess moisture from lingering.

2. Guard Against Tracked-In Moisture

• Doormats: Place high-quality absorbent doormats at all exterior entrances to trap moisture, dirt, and grit before they reach your laminate.
• Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Despite laminate’s water-resistant properties, standing water can eventually seep into seams and cause damage. Address spills promptly with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
• Protect from Rain/Splashes: Keep windows closed during rain, and be mindful of splashes from sinks or entryways.

3. Regular Cleaning

• Sweep/Vacuum Frequently: Increased outdoor activity in summer means more dirt, sand, and grit can be tracked inside. Regular sweeping or vacuuming (with a hard floor attachment) prevents these abrasive particles from scratching your laminate’s wear layer.
• Light Damp Mop: If needed, use a slightly damp (not wet!) mop with a laminate-specific cleaner. Avoid excessive water, as it’s the biggest enemy of laminate.

Fall Care for Laminate Flooring (Transition Season)

Autumn in Ontario is a beautiful transition, but it can bring fluctuating temperatures and varying moisture levels.

1. Prepare for Dryness

• Monitor Humidity: As temperatures drop and heating systems might begin to turn on, start monitoring your indoor humidity. While still potentially humid outside, indoor air can quickly dry out.
• Check Expansion Gaps: Ensure the laminate still has its necessary expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room. As humidity drops later in fall, the floor will want to contract.

2. Combat Mud and Debris

• Enhanced Entryway Protection: Fall often means wet leaves, mud, and slush. Increase the size or number of doormats at entrances. Consider a boot tray for wet footwear.
• Prompt Cleaning: Don’t let tracked-in mud dry on the floor. Clean it up quickly to prevent scratching or staining.

Winter Care for Laminate Flooring (Low Humidity)

Ontario winters are famously cold and dry, especially indoors with heating systems running constantly. This is when laminate is most prone to contracting and showing small gaps.

1. Introduce Humidity (Carefully)

• Humidifiers: If you notice gaps appearing between planks or experience static electricity, it’s a sign of low indoor humidity. Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. Aim for that 35-55% range. This is the critical winter laminate care step.
• Avoid Over-Humidifying: While adding moisture is good, don’t overdo it. Excessive humidity can lead to other issues like condensation and mold. A hygrometer can help you monitor levels.

2. Protect from Extreme Temperature Swings

• Consistent Heating: Try to keep your home’s temperature as consistent as possible, avoiding extreme fluctuations that can stress the flooring.
• Rugs in Sunny Spots: If your laminate receives direct sunlight through large windows, especially in winter, consider using area rugs to minimize potential sun fading or localized drying/heating.

3. Guard Against Salt and Ice Melt

• Clean Footwear: Be extra vigilant about removing shoes or wiping them thoroughly at the door to prevent salt, sand, and ice-melt chemicals from being tracked onto your laminate. These can be corrosive or abrasive.
• Regular Sweeping: Continue frequent sweeping or vacuuming to remove winter grit.

Spring Care for Laminate Flooring (Transition and Wetness)

Spring brings thawing, rain, and rising humidity.

1. Increase Moisture Protection

• Heavy-Duty Doormats: As snow melts and spring rains begin, your doormats will work overtime. Ensure they are effective at trapping melting snow and mud.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect around windows and doors for any water leaks that could affect your laminate as snow melts or heavy rains occur.

2. Transitioning Humidity Management

• Reduce Humidifier Use: As outdoor humidity rises, you can gradually reduce or turn off your indoor humidifiers.
• Start AC (Dehumidify): When temperatures climb and you begin using your air conditioning, remember its dehumidifying effect will help regulate indoor moisture.

General Laminate Maintenance Ontario Tips (Year-Round)

• Use Proper Cleaners: Only use cleaning products specifically designed for laminate flooring. Avoid abrasive cleaners, wax-based products, steam mops, or excessive water.
• Felt Pads: Place felt protectors under all furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents.
• No Spikes/Heels: Avoid walking on laminate with sports cleats or high heels, which can cause significant damage.
• Trim Pet Claws: Keep pet nails trimmed to prevent scratches.

Trust Markville Flooring for Lasting Laminate Beauty

Caring for your laminate flooring in Ontario means understanding and responding to our dynamic climate. By implementing these laminate flooring seasonal care Ontario tips, you can effectively manage humidity fluctuations, protect against seasonal debris, and ensure your investment remains beautiful and durable for years to come. From preventing winter gaps to tackling summer humidity, a proactive laminate care Ontario climate approach is key.

For over 38 years, since our establishment in 1980, Markville Carpet & Flooring Centre has been the trusted name for comprehensive flooring solutions across the entire GTA and City of Toronto. As a full-service provider, we excel in the supply and meticulous installation of residential and commercial carpet, hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl plank, laminate flooring, residential and commercial sheet vinyl, and a host of other options. Our signature “Five Star” guaranteed installations ensure your flooring investment not only looks stunning but maintains its performance season after season. To complement this, we invite you to connect with us or visit our Markham and Toronto, Ontario, showrooms locations today, where we’ll equip you with the premium laminate maintenance advice and products essential for keeping your floors in pristine condition throughout Ontario’s diverse climate!