Laminate flooring is quite a bit different than solid hardwood or bamboo floors, but there’s a lot to be said about this flooring option. Not only does it come in many different colors and styles, but it has a level of durability that you just can’t find with anything else that you’re considering. Much more water resistant and stain resistant than solid hardwood, laminate flooring still needs to be maintained in order to look its best. If you learn the best way to clean laminate floors, you’ll be able to have gorgeous floors in your home for years to come. It’s necessary to clean laminate floors approximately once every couple of weeks. This helps care for your flooring, but this is also important in order to maintain a clean and healthy home. If you have kids or pets, your cleaning schedule may be a little bit more frequent.
Key Takeaways
- Vacuum or sweep laminate regularly to remove dirt and grit.
- Use a microfiber mop with only a small amount of moisture.
- Clean spills immediately and never allow water to sit on laminate.
- Avoid steam mops unless your flooring manufacturer specifically allows them.
- Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can damage the wear layer.
- Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Quick Laminate Floor Cleaning Guide
| Cleaning Need | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Dust and loose dirt | Vacuum or microfiber dust mop |
| Regular cleaning | Slightly damp microfiber mop |
| Spills | Wipe up immediately |
| Stubborn spots | Manufacturer-approved laminate cleaner |
| Excess water | Avoid |
| Steam mop | Generally avoid unless manufacturer allows it |
| Abrasive scrubbers | Avoid |
The Basics of Laminate Flooring
Whereas solid hardwood flooring is made only from wood, laminate flooring is made out of a wood composite. Basically, it is a composition for things like sawdust that have been tightly packed together. It looks almost exactly like hardwood, but the price point is much lower. In general, it will scratch and damage less as well. You have more options when it comes to cleaning your laminate flooring, because there is a protective layer on the top that is resistant to things like scuff marks.
Best Way to Clean Laminate Floors
Not sure what you should invest in for cleaning? We have some tips for items you should invest in ahead of your first cleaning. This includes:
-A canister vacuum. This vacuum will be used to pick up any large pieces of dirt or debris that may be stuck in between the crevices of the flooring or by the floorboards.
-A reusable mop. Try to find an affordable one that comes with a microfiber head. You’re not looking for one of those super cheap mops that you saturate in water. One of the ones with removable pads is preferred.
-A manufacturer-approved laminate floor cleaner is generally the safest choice. Some homeowners use diluted vinegar and water, but vinegar is acidic and may not be recommended for every laminate finish. Always check the flooring manufacturer’s care instructions before using it.
-Dish soap is also safe on laminate, and it can be used for any drips or messes that are hard to remove with the mop itself.
-Purchase a set of towels that you will use just for your flooring. The softer the rags are, the better. You’ll use these to wipe off very dirty areas of the floor that need a little bit more elbow grease.
There are plenty of commercial products on the market that are designed with laminate flooring in mind. Just make sure you read the labels ahead of time to determine if that product will be safe in your home.
How to Clean Laminate Floors Daily
On a daily basis, you’ll want to pick up large items that have fallen on the floor. If water has dripped onto the floor or there is food that has dried on the floor, you need to clean those things as soon as possible. While laminate flooring can be a lot more moisture resistant than other flooring materials, you don’t want to leave water standing there for any long amount of time. You can use your vacuum every other day to keep things neat.
How to Deep Clean Laminate Floors
The mop is going to be used when it’s time for a weekly or every other week cleaning. If you use a spray mop, make sure that it doesn’t spray out too much water. You should also mop that area right away after you spray. Microfiber pads for your mop will be gentle enough that they don’t scratch the surface. If you don’t want to put water into your spray mop, use a diluted spray of vinegar and water. Spray the area, and immediately wipe it up.
How to Remove Stains From Laminate Floors
There aren’t many substances that are going to permanently stain your laminate flooring if you clean them up quickly, but now and again something may land on the floor that needs some extra help being removed. If you’re removing dye, alcohol is going to be useful. Acetone works on oil-based materials. However, make sure you’re using proper safety precautions when dealing with these caustic chemicals.
Anything like paint or grease should be left alone until it dries. You may then be able to gently scrape the material off of the floor without having to use any kind of chemicals.
Scuff marks can be removed using a dry erase marker or a school eraser. Try to stay away from those special cleaning sponges/erasers that claim to clean just about anything. While they can be great at removing stains, they can also remove the finish on flooring and other materials.
Things coffee and wine should be cleaned up right away. If you still see some residual stain leftover, use a fifty / fifty mixture of water and vinegar. Keep repeating the process until the area is clean.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Laminate Floors
Now that you know the basics of caring for laminate flooring, you can come up with a cleaning schedule that will work in your own home. In addition to your cleaning process, we have some tips that can help you take care of your home and floors for years to come.
-Don’t wear shoes in the house. You bring in so much dirt and moisture this way. If you do wear shoes in the home, make sure you wipe your feet really well before entering the rest of the home.
-Stay away from heat when cleaning your flooring. For example, steam mops should be avoided.
-Don’t use anything abrasive to clean your flooring. You will end up with small scratches that you might not be able to see right away, but they can end up getting bigger and bigger over time.
If you’re currently shopping around for laminate flooring to install in your home, do some research to find out what the best flooring brands are in your area. Making sure you pick the right products along with the right installer will result in a perfect final result.
Can You Steam Mop Laminate Floors?
Steam mops are generally not recommended for laminate flooring unless the flooring manufacturer specifically states that steam cleaning is safe. Heat and moisture can work their way into plank joints and potentially cause swelling, warping or damage to the floor’s protective layers.
Even waterproof or water-resistant laminate should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure, use a slightly damp microfiber mop instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Thing to Use to Clean Laminate Floors?
A microfiber mop and a small amount of manufacturer-approved laminate floor cleaner are generally the safest choices. Avoid saturating the floor with water, and always check the flooring manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations.
Can You Mop Laminate Floors With Water?
Yes, but the mop should only be slightly damp. Excess water can seep between laminate planks and potentially cause swelling or other moisture damage. Never leave standing water on laminate flooring.
Can You Use Vinegar to Clean Laminate Floors?
Some laminate floors can be cleaned with a properly diluted vinegar solution, but vinegar is acidic and may not be recommended for every finish. Check the flooring manufacturer’s instructions before using vinegar.
Can You Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Flooring?
Generally, steam mops should be avoided unless the laminate manufacturer specifically approves steam cleaning. Heat and moisture can potentially damage laminate flooring and may affect warranty coverage.
How Often Should You Clean Laminate Floors?
Dust, dirt and debris can be removed as often as needed with a vacuum or microfiber dust mop. Damp cleaning can usually be done every one or two weeks, depending on foot traffic, pets and how quickly the floor becomes dirty.
