How to Clean Laminate Floors?

The laminate floor is a popular type of flooring for many homeowners. It is well known for its durability and being tough to stain. However, it gets dirty and messy, like any other surface.

Laminate floors need regular cleaning and proper care to prevent warping or scratches. So, how to clean laminate floors? There are many cleaning techniques you can use to maintain the shiny appearance of the laminate.

 

Best Way to Clean Laminate Floors to Prevent Dust

The laminate floor is durable and easy to maintain. You should clean your floor frequently to prevent scratching and distorting it. For routine cleaning, a dry wipe is the best option. However, in a more severe cleaning, you can use mellow cleaners or warm water.

There are many opinions on the best way to clean your floor, but it’s good to take note of the manufacturer’s recommendations. Here are the best ways to clean laminate flooring.

A weekly cleaning routine is an excellent way of keeping your laminate floor in tip-top shape. For weekly cleaning, you need to regularly sweep the dirt, dust, or debris on the surface.

Use either a vacuum cleaner or a soft-bristle broom. The vacuum cleaner should have a delicate brush connection. You should not utilize a standard floor mop because it has hardened straw that can harm the surface. Sweep in the inside-out direction.

Always tidy up spills instantly. Letting the spill sit on the floor for an extended period can cause damages. Fluids cause stains and can damage the defensive layer of the laminate floor. Use a soft dry cloth to wipe the spill.

Every house needs intensive cleaning once in a while. For a deep clean, you can use a microfiber mop, hot water, or vinegar.

Cleaning with a microfiber mop is one of the best ways of achieving intensive cleaning. The brooms have absorbent materials designed to clean the floor using very little water. After mopping, use a dry microfiber material to wipe it dry.

Vinegar solution

• You can also deep clean your laminate floor using a vinegar solution—mix vinegar and water to make a solution and fill it in a spray bottle.
• Then spray the solution directly to your deck a little at a time as you wipe with a damp cloth.
• Wipe off the mixture immediately to prevent it from wearing the protective coating of the floor.

Warm water

• Warm Water with gentle detergent is another effective way of cleaning laminate floors without causing any harm.
• Soak a soft cloth on the blended warm water and squeeze out water until it is mildly damp.
• Wipe your floor repeating the same process until you complete it.
• Leave the surface to air-dry or wipe it dry with a microfiber material.
• When cleaning, it is advisable to start at the center cleaning toward the outer of your room to prevent walking over the areas you have cleaned.

If you identify stains on your laminate floor, there are several methods of removing them to attain a shiny and flawless appearance. Different dyes are removable in different manner.

For instance, to remove blood stains, apply window cleaner, and wipe out with a damp cloth soaked in warm water.

Chewing gum is removable using a plastic knife, and the residue can clean up with a wet towel soaked in mineral spirits.

Scrape and heel marks can be rubbed with a pencil eraser while grease stain is frozen with ice cubes, scrapped with a plastic knife, and the residue is cleaned by placing window cleaner and wiping out using a damp cloth.

 

How to Make Laminate Floors Shine?

Laminate floors are naturally flawless and shiny. This floor can maintain its look with proper maintenance. Unsuitable cleaning items on laminate floors make dirt and residue build and reduce its quality.

The secret of restoring a shiny look on the laminate floor is by using a proper cleaner type. Also, you should avoid using unfriendly products to clean the floor. The following are some of the steps that can make laminate floors shine.

1. Remove the dirt

First, you should remove the dirt on the laminate floor. You can either use a microfiber mop or a vacuum cleaner.

A vacuum cleaner makes the work easier and removes even fine dirt particles, but it can easily damage your floor.

To prevent scratching of the laminated floor, you should use hard floor attachment. Also, you should avoid a vacuum with a beater bar.

2. Use the right cleaner

Always use the right cleaner to clean your laminate floor. You can consider using a homemade solution of vinegar and water. The solution works sufficiently, and it is inexpensive.

You put the combination in a spray bottle. Also, there are cleaners that you can buy for correctly cleaning this floor, i.e., Bona. This product is safe for polyurethane because it has a neutral PH level.

3. Spray the solution directly onto the laminate floor

Spray the solution in bits to avoid soaking the laminate floor. Spraying large amounts can soak the surface and make it warp.

4. Wipe the cleaner up with a damp cloth or microfiber mop

Wipe out the solution immediately after you spray. You can use a soft microfiber cloth or duster. Avoid abrasive mops or rags. Also, to avoid soaking the floor, wring out the mop before use.

5. Dry the laminate floor

Once your laminate floor is sparkling clean and spotless, you should dry it off. You can use a dry microfiber to dry it off, or you can also leave it to air dry. You shouldn’t walk on the floor until it is scorched. Doing so will protect the shine.

Finally, observe the bare level of the light and check if there are other remaining dull spots. In case of any, rub them with a dry cloth to restore the shine to the floor.

 

How to Remove Stubborn Stains on Laminate Floors?

Stains on your laminate floor make your room look untidy and ugly. Several tough stains need a unique cleaning method to make your laminate flooring shiny and clean. The following are the tips for removing these stains.

Grease stains

Grease stains are very stubborn on the laminate floor but easy to remove when you know the trick. To remove the stain, place some ice on the stain and leave it there for at least five minutes. The ice hardens the stain making it easy to remove the grease stain using a plastic knife or a spoon. After that, you should wipe off the remaining residue using a window cleaner.

Ink stains

These stains are prevalent and stubborn to remove. For you to remove these stains on the laminate floor, apply detergent and damp cloth. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm water to dampen it.

Chewing gum stain

Removing the Chewing gum stain is gruesome. For you to remove it, you should scrap the glue using a plastic knife or spoon. For leftover dye, you should use a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to rub it off.

A bloodstain

This stain is easily removable using window cleaner wiped with a damp cloth dipped on the warm water.

Scuffs and heel marks 

Heel marks and scrapes are removable by rubbing them off with a pencil eraser.

Crayon marks

Rub crayon marks with a soft cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to dampen it. You can also apply toothpaste on these stains and leave for at least ten minutes before wiping it off.

 

How to Clean Laminate Floors Without Streaking?

The following are the methods that you can use to achieve a streak-free floor.

1. Dry mopping and sweeping

Dry mopping and sweeping are enough to clean your laminate floor without leaving any streaks, especially if your home experiences less foot traffic—regular sweeping of this flooring helps in maintaining its shiny and appearance.

When debris, dust, and dirt are on the floor, it increases the risk of imperfections such as scratches or dents. You can either use a bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner to remove the loose debris or dust particles.

After sweeping, you should use a dry mob to remove any remaining dust on the laminate floor.

2. Wet mopping

Wet mopping is a must when your home has heavy foot traffic. Using plain water in damp mopping leaves streak marks because water is alkaline. For a streak-free cleaning, you should neutralize the water by adding white vinegar. One-fourth cup of vinegar should be mixed with 2 gallons of Luke warm water to get an effective solution.

Use microfiber mop because it is the best mop for wet mopping. Dip the broom on the solution, wring out excess water, and then clean the laminate floor with it.

3. Clean inside out – Clean your house from the middle of the house, moving outward. It is advisable because dirt particles mix with water and will spread, leaving streaks on the surface. It also allows you to exit without walking over.

4. Drying the floor – Proper drying of the floor is an essential step in ensuring no streaks are left. After cleaning the entire flooring, leave it to air dry, or in case of excess water left on the floor, wipe it out using a dry cloth to prevent damaging the surface.

 

Best Types of Mop for Cleaning Laminate Floors

There are many mops in the market for floor cleaning, but not every mop can clean the laminate floor. An ideal mop for cleaning a laminate floor should use the least water possible to prevent damaging the surface.

There are four types of mops ideal for cleaning the laminate floor. They are steam mop, spin mop, wet/dry mop, and spray mop. They all perform different cleaning functions and have their merits and demerits. You should choose the type that will suit your needs and meet your expectations.

1. Spin Mop

The spin mop cleans the floor through spinning. Most of these mops are dry, but recently there are models that spin and spray. They are ideal for use in dirt and dust removal and when removing the moderate stain. These mops are not suitable for removing the toughest stain.

2. Dry/Wet Mops

These mops are best for cleaning dust and debris on laminate floors. They are the most basic and readily available in the market. They are less expensive and lightweight but not suitable for removing tough stains.

3. Steam Mop

Steam mops clean laminate floors by producing steam hence uses water for operation. The steam production requires high-temperature levels making the mop effective in killing germs and bacteria.

These mops are ideal in removing tough stains and do not need the use of chemical detergents. It ensures the laminate floor retains its condition and eliminates odors.

However, the maintenance cost of these mops is high. Also, it’s good to note that the lowest heat setting is preferable for use on laminate floors.

 

What Not to Do When Cleaning Laminate Floors?

Laminate floors need special cleaning and care to avoid causing damages on the surface. In case of destruction damage or stains, laminate floors cannot be refinished but only replaced, which is pricey. Therefore it is essential to protect and treat these floors with care. The following is what you shouldn’t do when cleaning laminate floors

1. Do not let a stain sit on the floor – Wipe out the spill immediately; they happen. A liquid spill can severely damage the laminate floor, so you should minimize exposure of these floors to them.
2. Do not use abrasive tools – Laminate floors are prone to scratching; therefore, avoid using anything abrasive like steel wool. Use a dust mop or a soft bristle broom to remove dust or debris on the floor. If you are using a vacuum cleaner, use an attachment with a hard beater bar or a rotating brush to prevent scratching the surface.
3. Do not use too much water – Using much water on the laminate floor causes damage on it because the water seeps into the seam. Also, a lot of water can cause fading or staining.
4. Do not wax or polish – A laminate floor comes with a ready finish; thus, you should not polish or wax it because it can cause damages.

 

FAQs About Cleaning Laminate Floors

1. Can I use Swiffer wet on laminate floors?

A Swiffer wet mop is effective in cleaning many flooring types, including laminates floor. It gives your surfaces a good scouring. It sprays the right amount of cleaning solution and does not let the solution sit on the floor.

Additionally, the Swiffer wet mop moistens the laminating floor without creating a pool of water that can damage the surface.

However, regular usage of this mop will weaken the bond on the laminate resulting in warping and swelling of the floor.

2. Can I use a steam mop on laminate floors?

It is not advisable to use a steam mop on laminate floors. This mop releases streams that the flooring can seep and cause damage to the protective coating. A steam mop can damage the floor, making it to swell, warp or peel. It makes the laminate floor lose its shine and weakens the laminate sealant.

Also, steam cleaning will void the warranty on your floor. However, if you must use it, look for a steam mop that emits the lowest temperature and the one that leaves behind a minimal amount of water.

3. Can I wax laminate floors?

Although laminate floors are from wood, its maintenance is entirely different from that of hardwood flooring. Using wax on hardwood flooring makes it shine, but it causes damages when used on laminate floors.

Usage of wax on laminate flooring results in a buildup of dirt on the surface, making it look dull and cloudy. You should also note that the laminate floor comes with a ready finish and does not need polishing.

4. Can I use vinegar on laminate floors?

A vinegar solution is natural and very useful in many aspects. Vinegar is safe on the laminate floor and a cheap alternative. You create a cleaning solution by mixing it with a certain quantity of water.

First, mix a quarter cup of vinegar with 1000ml of water in a spray bottle.

Then shake the mixture vigorously to have a uniform solution.

When cleaning, spray the solution directly on the floor a little at a time as you wipe with a damp cloth. Leaving the solution to sit on the surface can damage the surface.

5. What is the best mop for laminate floors?

There are a variety of mops in the market for floor cleaning. However, not every mop can clean a laminate floor. An ideal mop for cleaning the laminate floor should have the ability to wring out excess water and should be soft. T

he best mop for the laminate floor is the microfiber mop. Microfiber mops are valid on all types of flooring. They are incredibly versatile and are usable for both dry and wet cleaning.

 

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of the laminate floor is crucial to help it retain its shine and serve you for long. Regular sweeping/ vacuuming of the flooring is vital to prevent ambient grit that causes scratching of the surface. You should not soak the laminate floor with water or use abrasive tools while cleaning.

For thorough cleaning, warm soapy water can be a great choice. The detergent you use should be very gentle on the floor to prevent staining. Also, vinegar is a natural solution that is very effective in cleaning laminate flooring. It is inexpensive and does not damage the surface. Therefore, the type of mob and detergent you choose to clean laminate matters.