Laminate floors are a popular, cost-effective alternative to hardwood, offering impressive durability and a wood-like finish. But keeping them spotless and streak-free requires the right care. How do you clean laminate floors properly?
This guide covers everything you need to know — from what tools to use and how to clean laminate floors, to what to avoid. By following the best way to clean laminate floors, you’ll keep your floors looking beautiful and damage-free for years to come.
Tools Needed for Cleaning Laminate Floors
Before you start cleaning laminate flooring, you’ll need to gather a few essential tools and materials. Here’s a list of recommended supplies that will help you avoid damaging the laminate’s protective coating:
- Soft-bristle Broom
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Soft-Bristled Brush
- Microfiber Mop
- Bucket
- Laminate Floor Cleaner
- Microfiber Towels
- White Vinegar
- Mild dish soap
How to Clean Laminate FloorsStep-by-Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean laminate wood floors effectively, ensuring they remain beautiful and damage-free:
- Remove Dirt and Debris
Begin by removing any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the floor.
You can use a soft-bristled broom, a dry microfiber mop, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment designed for hard floors.
This initial step prevents scratching the floor during the wet cleaning process.
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Use a designated laminate floor cleaning solution.
Alternatively, for a DIY approach, mix a solution of 1 gallon of hot water, 1 cup of white vinegar, or a few drops of mild dish soap.
The hot water helps to dissolve grime, the vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and cleaner without leaving streaks, and the dish soap adds a little extra grease-cutting power.
- Mop the Floor
Dip your microfiber mop into the solution, wring it out well so it’s damp but not wet, and begin mopping the floor.
The key on how to mop laminate floors is to start at the back of the room and work your way toward an exit to avoid walking on the cleaned area.
Move the mop in smooth, even strokes following the direction of the wood grain, and avoid letting water pool on the surface as laminate is particularly sensitive to moisture.
- Rinse the Floor
Once you’ve cleaned the floor with the solution, empty the bucket and refill it with clean hot water.
Rinse your mop in the clean water, wring it thoroughly, and mop the floor again.
This step is crucial to remove any cleaning solution residue, which can attract more dirt if left on the surface.
- Dry the Floor
After the final mop, allow the floor to dry thoroughly.
You can speed up this process by using a clean, dry microfiber towel to wipe down the floor gently, ensuring there is no standing water left, which can damage laminate floors.
How to Deep Clean Stubborn Stains for Laminate Floors
For tough stains on laminate flooring, gentle and targeted cleaning is key. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove stubborn spots without scratching the surface. Here’s how to deal with common types of stains:
- Chewing Gum or Wax:Let it harden completely, then gently scrape it off with a plastic scraper. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
- Ink or Marker: Lightly dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol or a laminate-safe cleaner and gently blot the stain until it lifts.
- Grease or Oil-Based Stains: Apply a small amount of mild dish soap diluted in water, then wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid soaking the area.
- Scuff Marks: Buff gently with a dry microfiber cloth or a soft eraser pad designed for laminate surfaces.
- Nail Polish:Dab a small amount of nail polish remover (acetone-based) on a cloth and gently wipe the area, followed by a clean damp cloth.
- Red Wine or Shoe Polish:Clean immediately with a soft cloth dampened with a mild laminate cleaner or a vinegar-water solution (1:1).
What to Avoid When Cleaning Laminate Floors?
Laminate flooring cleaning requires careful handling to avoid damage. Here are some key tips on what to steer clear of during your cleaning routine:
- Steer Clear of Steam Cleaners:Steam might clean deep, but it’s not friendly to laminate. The heat and moisture can seep into the glued layers of the flooring, causing water damage and warping over time.
- Avoid Excessive Water:When mopping, keep it light. A mop that’s too wet can leave standing water on your floors, which can penetrate and damage the laminate.
- Skip Hard or Abrasive Tools:Avoid using hard-bristle brushes, scouring pads, or any rough cleaning tools, as they can scratch or dull the surface. Instead, use a soft microfiber mop or cloth that traps dust and dirt gently.
- Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Cleaners:Strong chemical agents, bleach, or abrasive powders can corrode the laminate surface and damage its finish. Stick to mild, laminate-safe cleaners.
- Avoid Wax or Shine Products: Products that claim to add shine can leave behind a sticky or waxy residue, which dulls the natural look of laminate and attracts more dirt.
- Skip Wood Cleaners: Wood-specific cleaners, such as Murphy Oil Soap, are not suitable for laminate. They often leave a filmy residue that causes streaking.
How to Maintain Laminate Floors
Keeping your laminate floors looking their best is all about simple, consistent care:
- Act Quickly on Spills:Wipe up any water or liquid immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into the laminate and causing warping or swelling.
- Protect Furniture: Use felt pads or glides under furniture legs to avoid scratches and ensure smooth movement.
- Lift, Don’t Drag: When moving heavy items, lift them or use a soft pad or rug to slide instead of dragging directly on the surface.
- Vacuum or Sweep Regularly:Dust and grit can dull the finish over time. A soft-brush vacuum or robot vacuum helps keep floors spotless with minimal effort.
- Trim Pet Nails: Keep your pets’ nails short to prevent accidental scratches on the laminate surface.
- Mind Your Footwear: Avoid high heels or cleats indoors, as sharp points can dent or scratch the flooring.
For an easier way to keep your laminate floors clean, consider the eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro. It features strong suction and a gentle roller-mop system that safely cleans sealed laminate floors without using too much water. The mop pads are automatically washed and dried, helping you maintain spotless floors with less effort.
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Conclusion
Maintaining the beauty and durability of your laminate floors is straightforward with the right approach. By following our guide on how to clean laminate floors, you can efficiently clean and preserve your flooring without risking damage. Remember to clean regularly, use the right materials, and avoid common cleaning pitfalls. With these practices, your laminate floors will continue to enhance your home’s appeal for years to come.
FAQs
How often should you clean laminate floors?
General guideline: sweep or vacuum at least once a week to remove dust & grit that can scratch the surface. Depending on traffic (pets, kids, shoes), you may need to clean more frequently—high traffic areas might require mopping or damp wiping weekly, while low-traffic rooms might need it every 2-3 weeks.
What is the best thing to clean laminate floors with?
Use a soft microfiber mop or cloth and a gentle, laminate-safe cleaning solution (or dilute mild dish soap/vinegar), applied with minimal moisture. Avoid heavy water, rough tools or abrasive cleaners that could damage the protective surface. A dry or very lightly damp microfiber mop is ideal.
Why can’t you mop laminate flooring?
It’s not that you can’t mop laminate floors—rather, you mustn’t use a mop that leaves lots of water or pools. Excess moisture can seep into seams or the core material and cause swelling, warping or damage. So mopping must be light and controlled, not with a soaking wet mop.
Is it okay to wash laminate floors with water?
Using a damp mop is acceptable, but washing (i.e., soaking or using excessive water) is risky. Laminate is water-resistant but not fully waterproof; standing water or heavy dampness can cause the planks to swell or separate. Always wring out the mop thoroughly so the floor remains only slightly damp.
Can you use a wet Swiffer on laminate floors?
You can use a wet Swiffer or its equivalent, but only with caution: choose a version safe for sealed laminate, use very light moisture, and avoid leaving excess solution or puddles. If the Swiffer uses too much fluid or leaves a residue or water behind, it may cause warping or damage.
