Cleaning Laminate Floors – How Do I Prevent Smudges, Footprints, etc.

Q: Hi, I just ordered and installed about 800 sq feet for your Westhallow laminate Silencer Traditions. It was easy to install and looks good. Only, after a few days shows tons of smudges, bare footprints, and water spots. Is there something I can do to the finish on the floor so it does not show this wear so easily?
Thanks so much!
Matt
A: With newer laminate (and all laminate in general) you will tend to see a bit more of the smudging/foot print type marks because of the finish used. This can be somewhat resolved by a regular cleaning schedule using a hard surface specific cleaner (this should also eliminate water spots). I am a huge proponent of BonaKemi’s line of products for cleaning floors. This stuff truly works wonders in what it can clean and how it can extend the life of a floor. Also keep in mind that by using the right cleaner you can avoid having residue on your floor which promotes smudging or marks like you are experiencing. For a bit of help on maintenance check out our guide to maintaining your floor.
If you are still encountering foot prints or smudges, try your best to keep up a few habits to prevent these from occurring. In a passing conversation with Tad A., our Director of Install here at iFLOOR.com, he jokingly said “just find a way to hover over the floor!” After a bit of laughing it prompted me to think, a few small habits can help prevent smudging and foot prints from our normal daily traffic. Wearing socks of course is the big one, but its understandable in a house with pets or children that we can’t always ensure every member of the family is trying to keep the floor’s appearance at the forefront of their minds.
In the end, this can also be a matter of the floor’s color and light in the room. Certain floor colors (much like cars) show dirt and marking more than others and bright light can bring this out even more. In the end, the best bet is to get a good cleaning schedule and be prepared to see a few marks at times.