Laminate Floor Cleaning 101: Expert Tips and Techniques for Sparkling Results

What is the best thing to clean laminate floors with?

Laminate floors are susceptible to scratching, which is why when cleaning them, you can only use tools or materials that are not abrasive. Some of these materials and equipment include the following:

Vacuum Cleaner

When you need quick daily upkeep of your laminate flooring, you can rely on a vacuum cleaner to help you clean even the most inaccessible corners of your home. Vacuum cleaners are basically designed to efficiently remove dust and dirt from various surfaces, including laminate floors. They are not only easy to use, but they are also convenient and effective in removing dirt and dust buildup. As long as your vacuum cleaner does not have rotating bristles or a rotating brush, you can safely use it to clean your laminate flooring.

Soft Cloth or Soft Dust Mop

Laminate floors require extra care, among other types of flooring. Since they cannot be refinished like hardwood floors in case stains, scuff marks, and damages occur, they must be cleaned and maintained regularly if you don't want to pay for repairs and refinishing.

To clean laminate flooring, opt for a soft cloth or a dust mop to ensure that all dirt and dust particles are efficiently collected. Avoid using damp mop as the moisture can cause damage to the surface over time. Hence, by using a soft cloth or a dust mop, you can remove dust and dirt from your laminate floors without damaging their protective layer. Instead, it will just glide over the surface without leaving behind streaks and residue.

Microfiber Mop

While most laminate floors are water-resistant, you still want to make sure that they are not exposed to too much moisture to prevent warping and buckling over time. As much as possible, do not allow excess water or liquid spills to sit on the floor surface for too long, as they can seep into the floor seams and affect the overall quality and longevity of your laminate flooring.



Unlike traditional mops that are not absorbent, microfiber cloth is made up of soft and durable synthetic material that is highly absorbent and less prone to shrinking and wrinkling. By using a microfiber mop to quickly wipe any spill, you can protect the laminate surface from potential damage. What's more, these mops offer the advantage of speedy drying, leaving your floor completely dry in less than 2 minutes.

Refer to the cleaning instructions provided with your laminate flooring.

Before you clean laminate floors, refer to the manufacturer's instructions first, as different flooring brands may provide different cleaning methods that are tailored to the materials used in your floors. This could mean that while soap and water may be suitable for cleaning hardwood floors, these cleaning solution might not be as effective for laminate floors. So to make sure that you are doing it the right way, you can go on the manufacturer's website to check if they have provided a comprehensive product guide and instruction for cleaning laminate floors.

Remove stains immediately.

Stains from laminate are often hard to remove, especially when they dry up and harden. This is why it is best to wipe them off immediately to avoid discolouration and residue buildup. For tough stains that can't be removed easily with a gentle floor cleaner such as ink, dye, wine, or cigarette marks, a cleaning cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or acetone may do the trick.



When it comes to removing stains, alcohol is particularly effective against dyes, while acetone works best for oil-based stains and paints. Depending on the stain, you can use either of these two for better results. Just make sure to use them with caution, particularly when using acetone.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Abrasive cleaners contain small particles that can effectively remove stubborn dirt from surfaces. However, as much as they are great to use for scrubbing and polishing, they can also be damaging to certain surfaces and materials, such as laminate floors.

While laminate wood floors are generally strong and durable, they can be scratched when cleaned with abrasive tools and cleaners like steel wool or sandpaper. To avoid this and obtain the best results, just use gentle cleaners that are made specifically for laminate floors.

Keep your laminate floor dry at all times.

Laminate floors are prone to warping and expansion when exposed to moisture. Although your laminate floors won't be immediately damaged by liquid spills, if allowed to soak in, they could lead to surface damage and warping. And since laminate floors are usually made up of fibres that are susceptible to water, expect that presence of liquid or prolonged exposure to moisture will cause your floor to swell and buckle in just 24 hours.

For this reason, you want your laminate flooring to be dry at all times. Even while you clean, be sure that you only use a dry mop to avoid moisture from curling the floor surfaces. If you notice any spills, dry them up as quickly as possible to avoid any permanent damage.

Consider using a DIY laminate floor cleaner.

While commercial laminate floor cleaners work great for everyday cleaning, using DIY cleaners can also be a good option to try if you want to ensure that harsh chemicals don't damage your laminate flooring.

To make your own homemade laminate floor cleaner, simply mix a teaspoon of unscented dish soap with a gallon of water and put the cleaning solution in a spray bottle to use later. You can also combine a cup of white vinegar and baking soda in water and use this solution if your floor's finish has developed a waxy buildup.

Mop your laminate floor regularly.

Keeping your laminate floors clean is key to maintaining their best condition. As much as possible, sweep and mop your laminate flooring regularly to keep it clean, shiny, and streak-free. Moreover, it keeps your laminate flooring sanitised.

Use a dry mop for routine cleaning but if your floor has stubborn stains, you can use a damp mop to clean your laminate floors. On the other hand, if you are using a regular mop, just make sure to squeeze it first until completely dry. This is also to ensure that you won't leave streaks of water on the surface.

Is it OK to steam mop laminate floors?

Steam mops basically use hot water vapour to clean hard floors and surfaces. They work by heating the water so that it releases as hot steam through the mop head. For other surfaces like hardwood floors and seated tiles, steam mop is effective in dissolving grime and eliminating stains, dust, and dirt. However, it might not be the best option to use for laminate floors as it can damage the surface finish.

Takeaway

Laminate floors are becoming increasingly popular today due to their durability, affordability, ease of installation, and style. Whether you put them in your bedroom, living room, dining area, or in the hallways, they can surely enhance the overall look and feel of your area.

However, in order to keep laminate flooring looking its best and maintain its longevity, you must ensure to clean it regularly using the right tools and techniques. Always use a vacuum first to remove dust and dirt before mopping the floors. Only use soft mops and cloths when wiping spills and avoid using harsh cleaners to disinfect surfaces. When cleaning laminate floors, remember to never use water or steam cleaners as these can cause swelling and damage the flooring.



By following these simple tips stated above, you will not only save time on deep cleaning, but you can keep your laminate floors in top condition for many years to come.