How to Clean Laminate Floors: Best Practices & Tips

Laminate floors are a widely favored synthetic option crafted to resemble wood floors at a fraction of the cost, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal. However, keeping it clean and maintaining its shine can be a bit tricky if you don’t follow the right cleaning methods. So, how do you clean laminate floors effectively?

This guide walks you through everything from the frequency of cleaning and the materials you’ll need to a comprehensive step-by-step approach on how to clean laminate floors. We’ll also discuss what to avoid when cleaning and share some maintenance tips to ensure your floors remain in top condition for years to come. Let’s dive in!

How Often to Clean Laminate Floors?

The frequency of cleaning laminate flooring largely depends on the level of foot traffic and daily activity in your home. As a general guideline, it’s advisable to sweep or vacuum laminate floors at least once a week to remove dust, dirt, and other debris that can accumulate and cause scratches over time. For homes with pets or small children, consider increasing this routine to a few times a week to handle the extra mess and potential spills.

For a deeper clean, mopping your laminate floors monthly with a damp mop or a laminate floor cleaner is recommended. This helps in removing any buildup that sweeping might miss and restores the shine to your floors without the use of harsh chemicals. In high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways, you might find it necessary to mop more frequently, perhaps every other week, to keep the floors looking their best.

Materials Needed for Cleaning Laminate Floors

Before we delve into the steps on how to clean laminate flooring, you’ll need to gather a few essential cleaning tools and materials. Using the right products is crucial to avoid damaging the laminate’s protective coating. Here’s a list of recommended supplies:

• Soft-bristle Broom: Regular sweeping with a soft-bristle broom is essential to remove dust, pet hair, and other debris.
• Vacuum Cleaner with Hard Floor Setting: For a more thorough cleanup of surface dust, a vacuum cleaner with a setting for hard floors is ideal. Ensure it has soft attachments and no beater bars that can damage the surface of the flooring.
• Soft-Bristled Brush: For tighter spaces where a vacuum might not reach, use a soft-bristled brush. This tool is gentle enough to avoid scratching the laminate while removing accumulated dirt from corners and edges.
• Microfiber Mop: A microfiber mop is perfect for laminate floors because it uses less water, which is ideal since laminate should not be exposed to excessive moisture. The microfiber material effectively traps dirt and grime without leaving streaks.
• Bucket: You’ll need a bucket to mix your cleaning solutions. Ensure it’s clean and free from any residues that might transfer to your floors.
• Laminate Floor Cleaner: Choose a cleaner specifically designed for laminate floors. Avoid using water-based or steam cleaners as excessive moisture can damage laminate flooring. If you prefer natural solutions, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, but sparingly.
• Microfiber Towels: After mopping, use microfiber towels to dry the floor gently. This step is crucial as it helps prevent water from sitting on the laminate, which could cause warping or damage over time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Laminate Floors

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean laminate wood floors effectively, ensuring they remain beautiful and damage-free:

1. 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.
2. 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, and 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.
3. 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 and avoid letting water pool on the surface as laminate is particularly sensitive to moisture.
4. Tackle Stubborn Dirt: For areas with stubborn dirt or high traffic that may require extra attention, use a soft-bristled brush gently to scrub these spots. Be careful not to use too much force to avoid scratching the surface.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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 it’s time to mop, keep it light. A mop that’s too wet can leave excess water on your floors, which penetrates and damages the laminate.
• Say No to Hard Bristles: While traditional bristle brooms might seem handy, they can leave behind small particles that scratch and wear down the surface. Opt for a soft microfiber dry mop instead, which traps dirt and dust without the harsh contact.
• Skip the Shine Products: Products that promise to add shine might seem appealing, but they often leave a waxy buildup that’s tough to remove later. This can also dull the natural look of your laminate.
• Avoid Wood Cleansers: Wood-specific products like Murphy Oil Soap might be great for hardwood, but they’re not suited for laminate. They can leave a filmy residue and cause streaking.
• No Abrasive Scrubbers: Scratchy sponges or steel wool can cause irreversible scratches if used aggressively. Stick to softer tools for wiping up spills and marks.

How to clean laminate floors without leaving a film

Tools for cleaning laminated wood floors

It is important to use the right cleaner to clean the laminate wood surface well without leaving a film and to get a shine without streaks.

• Vacuum Cleaner: Remove loose dirt and debris with a bare floor setting.
• Microfiber Mop: Ideal for applying and spreading cleaning solutions evenly.
• Spray Bottle: To apply cleaning solutions lightly onto the floor.
• Microfiber Cloth or Mop Pad: For drying the floor and preventing streaks.

Cleaning Solutions

Using the right cleaning products is important to keep laminate wood floors clean and shiny without leaving behind dust.

• Vinegar Solution: Mix white vinegar and distilled water (50/50). Optional: add essential oil for scent.
• Tea-Based Cleaner: Make some black tea, let it cool down, and then add it to a spray bottle.
• Baby Shampoo Solution: Combine distilled water with a tablespoon of baby shampoo.

Cleaning Steps

1. Test Cleaning Solution: Put a little on an area that won't be seen to make sure it doesn't damage anything.
2. Vacuum the Floor: Use a vacuum cleaner with the bare floor setting to clear away dirt and debris.
3. Apply Cleaning Solution: Do not overwet the floor when you spray or mop the solution on it.
4. Mop the Floor: Use a microfiber mop to clean with smooth, even strokes, keeping the floor damp but not soaked.
5. Dry the Floor: Immediately dry the floor with a clean microfiber cloth or pad to avoid streaks and footprints.

Tips for Effective Cleaning

• Use distilled water: Prevent mineral deposits that can dull the floor.
• Keep Solutions Fresh: Vinegar and baby shampoo solutions can be stored for up to a few weeks; tea-based cleaners should be used immediately.

Precautions to Avoid Damage

• Avoid Excess Moisture: Too much liquid can cause warping and streaking.
• Quick Stain Removal: Use baking soda paste or rubbing alcohol, but do not let the alcohol sit too long to avoid damaging the floor's protective coating.
• Apply Even Pressure: Uneven mopping can cause streaks and inconsistent cleaning.

How to Maintain Laminate Floors?

Maintaining the pristine condition of your laminate floors doesn’t require complex procedures; rather, it’s about daily care and using the right tools.

• Act Quickly on Spills: Water is not a friend to laminate floors. Wipe up any wet spills immediately to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage, which can be disastrous for laminate.
• Furniture Protection: Protect your floors by using felt glides or pads on the bottoms of furniture legs. This simple step can prevent scratches and allows furniture to move smoothly across the floor without causing damage.
• Careful Movement of Furniture: Whenever you need to move furniture, try to lift it rather than dragging it across the floor. If the furniture is too heavy, place a carpet or padding underneath to slide it across the laminate without scratching.
• Vacuum Regularly: Keeping floors free of grit and dust not only makes your home look and feel cleaner, but it also protects the floor’s surface. For a hassle-free cleaning experience, consider using a robot vacuum like the eufy Clean X10 Pro with Self-Empty Station.

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 long does laminate flooring take to dry after mopping?

Laminate flooring typically dries within about 15 to 20 minutes after mopping, assuming you use a damp mop and not a wet one. To speed up drying, increase airflow by opening windows or using fans. It’s important to avoid walking on the floor until it’s completely dry to prevent streaks or damage.

Can you use vinegar to clean laminate floors?

Yes, you can use vinegar to clean laminate floors, but it should be diluted properly to avoid damage. A good ratio is one part vinegar to three parts water. This solution can help remove grease and grime without leaving harmful residues, but frequent use of vinegar may deteriorate the laminate’s protective coating over time.

Why are my laminate floors still dirty after mopping?

If your laminate floors remain dirty after mopping, it might be due to using too much water, a dirty mop, or the wrong cleaning solution. Ensure the mop is thoroughly wrung out before use, clean the mop regularly, and choose a cleaner formulated for laminate. Sometimes, changing your mopping technique or cleaning solution can make a significant difference.