Keeping your Shaw laminate flooring in top condition doesn’t just protect your investment—it enhances the beauty, performance, and longevity of your floors for years to come. This guide outlines every aspect of Shaw-approved care and maintenance for glueless laminate flooring, using original, easy-to-follow instructions designed to help homeowners and professionals maintain a clean, resilient, and warranty-compliant surface.
Climate Control: The Foundation of Floor Health
Before we talk cleaning, it’s important to recognize that temperature and humidity play a huge role in how your laminate floor behaves over time:
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Maintain an ambient temperature of 65ºF to 85ºF
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Keep relative humidity between 35% and 65% year-round
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Use a humidifier during dry winters and a dehumidifier or air conditioning during humid summers
This reduces the risk of floorboard expansion, contraction, joint separation, and creaking.
Daily & Weekly Routine Maintenance
Routine care is simple and prevents long-term issues:
1. Dry Cleaning
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Sweep, dust, or vacuum daily with a hard floor attachment (no beater bar) to prevent debris buildup
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In sandy areas (e.g., beach homes), increase frequency to avoid surface scratching
2. Damp Cleaning
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Use a slightly damp microfiber mop
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Never use standing water or wet mops
3. Spill Response
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Blot spills immediately using a clean, soft cloth
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Liquids left standing can seep into joints and cause warping or delamination
Deep Cleaning: What To Use & Avoid
For deeper cleaning, follow Shaw’s recommended methods:
Use:
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Shaw TOTALCARE® or R2x® Hard Surface Cleaner
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Clean white cloths for spot treatment
Avoid:
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Soap, oil-soap, or multi-purpose household cleaners
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Ammonia or bleach-based cleaners
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Steam mops
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Wax, polish, or steel wool
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Buffing or polishing machines
Using improper cleaning products may void your warranty and cause permanent damage.
Spot Cleaning Tough Stains
Laminate is stain-resistant, but accidents happen. Here’s how to tackle them safely:
|
Stain Type |
Cleaning Method |
|
Oil, Paint, Ink |
Dab gently with acetone or nail polish remover on a white cloth, then rinse area |
|
Gum, Wax |
Harden with ice; gently scrape using a plastic card or scraper |
|
Lipstick, Tar |
Use isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth; avoid excessive rubbing |
|
Marker, Crayon |
Try Shaw R2x or TOTALCARE®, then wipe clean with a damp cloth |
Note: Always test cleaners on a hidden area first.
What NOT To Do
To keep your floor safe:
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Never let water or cleaning fluids pool on the surface
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Don’t use abrasive pads, sandpaper, or hard scrubbers
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Avoid adhesive tapes or stickers directly on the surface
Environmental Protection Tips
Preventative measures go a long way:
Entryways:
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Use absorbent entry mats to trap sand, grit, and oil
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Choose mats without rubber or latex backing (they can stain)
Rugs & Runners:
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Use vinyl-approved rug underlayment's to prevent slippage and staining
Furniture & Heavy Items:
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Use felt pads or gliders under furniture legs
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Use wide, load-bearing rollers under appliances
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Never drag furniture—always lift and carry
Pet Protection:
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Keep pet nails trimmed to avoid scratches
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Place feeding mats under water bowls
Seasonal Humidity & Expansion Control
Shaw laminate is designed to expand and contract with changes in humidity. To minimize visual or structural impact:
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In winter (dry): Use a humidifier to avoid floor shrinkage
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In summer (humid): Use AC or dehumidifiers to prevent buckling
Maintaining proper indoor climate helps the floor maintain its shape and integrity.
Minor Scratch & Dent Repair
Even the toughest floors may suffer minor damage. Here’s what to do:
Flooring Touch-Up Kits
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Use a Shaw-approved Colour-fill or Flooring Touch-Up Kit
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Select the colour-matched filler for your plank
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Apply with a putty knife and allow to dry
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Gently buff with a cloth
When done properly, repaired spots are nearly invisible and maintain durability.
Glueless Laminate Board Replacement
If a board becomes damaged beyond surface repair:
Step-by-Step Process:
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Acclimate a replacement plank in the room for 72 hours
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Remove baseboards or quarter-round moldings near the damaged area
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Disassemble the floor plank-by-plank back to the affected board
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Replace with the new, matching plank
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Reassemble in reverse order and reinstall trim
Tips:
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Use a board from the original install edge for best color consistency
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Carefully stack removed boards to retain order
Shaw’s patented locking system allows for multiple assemblies without loss of integrity.
During Construction or Remodelling
Protect your floor from dust, debris, or tools:
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Use ram board or flooring-safe protective sheets
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Never tape directly to the laminate
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Avoid dragging ladders, furniture, or tools across the floor
Warranty Reminders
Failing to follow proper maintenance guidelines may void your Shaw warranty.
Covered:
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Wear-through of surface layer under normal conditions
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Fading from indoor lighting
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Manufacturing defects
Not Covered:
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Water damage due to standing liquids or wet mopping
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Scratches from neglect or improper furniture pads
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Damage from harsh chemicals or unapproved cleaners
Always refer to Shaw’s official warranty documentation or call 1-800-441-7429 for questions.
Summary Maintenance Checklist
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Keep climate between 65ºF–85ºF and 35–65% RH
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Sweep or vacuum regularly (no beater bar)
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Spot clean with Shaw-approved cleaners
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Blot spills immediately
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️Use mats, pads, and glides under heavy objects
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️Avoid excess water, harsh chemicals, and steam
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️Repair minor damage with a touch-up kit
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️Replace damaged boards following disassembly protocol
Your Floor, Your Peace of Mind
With proper care and a few mindful habits, your Shaw laminate flooring will continue to look stunning and perform like new for years. Designed to handle everyday messes—from spilled juice to muddy paws—these floors are engineered for modern living.
For more cleaning products, maintenance accessories, or to explore new colours, visit our Shaw Laminate Flooring Collection.
This care guide is 100% original and based on official Shaw maintenance documentation, tailored for Floor City customers seeking expert advice and long-term flooring satisfaction.
