Here’s everything you should probably know to keep laminate wood floors shiny and new.

While some laminate flooring can look like ahardwood floorat first glance, its quite different.

Laminate is much less expensive than hardwood, easier to install, more durable, and requires less maintenance.

Contemporary minimalist style interior design of light studio apartment with wooden table and chairs in dining zone between open kitchen and living room with white walls and parquet floor

ProCreators/Getty Images

The downside is that liquids and laminate flooring dont mix.

Ifexposed to too much moisture, the high-density composite wood begins to swell and warp.

Melissa Maker is the founder of the cleaning companyClean My Space.

Clean up spills and muddy tracks immediately, and remove grit, crumbs, and dust at least weekly.

This pop in of laminate requires less cleaner (and liquid) than othertypes of flooring.

Here’s how to clean it.

If vacuuming, choose avacuum that’s suitable for hard-surface floorswith the beater bar disengaged.

Dont forget to remove any throw rugs or mats and clean under them.

Laminate floors are prone to scuffing.

Alternatively, try a new art gum or pink school eraser.

Dampen the scuff and erase it away.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle and label it for easy use.

(If the floor doesnt dry within a minute or so, youre using too much).

According to Maker, you do not need to polish laminate wood floors.

In fact, polish or wax of any kind can damage laminate flooring and leave streaks that are unremovable.

Spot-treating stains with a microfiber cloth the minute they happen will also help to keep your floors cleaner.

For longer-lasting flooring, avoid aggressive beater bars on vacuums.

These are great for carpets but can dent or scratch laminate floors.