Best Way to Clean Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is an affordable, durable, and attractive alternative to traditional hardwood floors.

But just like hardwood, it’s important to keep laminate floors clean and free of dust, dirt, grime, and spills.

Proper care will extend the life of your laminate floors, keeping them looking like new for years to come.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring

One of the reasons laminate flooring has become so popular is the long list of benefits it offers. The advantages of laminate flooring include:

• Easier installation: Laminate floors can be installed over a variety of substrates, including concrete, vinyl, and tile. This makes it a great option for homeowners who want a new look without the hassle of tearing up old flooring.
• Lower cost: Laminate flooring is generally less expensive than hardwood, which makes it an economical option for budget-conscious homeowners.
• Durability: Laminate flooring is scratch-resistant and doesn’t easily dent or chip, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
• Low maintenance: Laminate flooring doesn’t need to be refinished or waxed, so it’s easy to keep up with regular cleaning.

Frequency of Cleaning

How frequently you need to clean your laminate floors will depend on your lifestyle.

If you have children, pets, or a lot of foot traffic in your home, you may need to clean your floors more often.

In general, you should:

• Clean up spills and muddy tracks as soon as they occur
• Sweep, vacuum, or dry-mop your floors at least once a week
• Clean more frequently if your floors are exposed to a lot of dirt, dust, or pet hair

Cleaning Supplies

To clean your laminate floors, you’ll need:

• A vacuum cleaner, dry dust mop, or electrostatic disposable mopping cloth
• A commercial cleaner specifically formulated for laminate floors or a homemade cleaning solution
• A microfiber mop
• A clean, dry microfiber cloth

How to Clean Laminate Floors

To clean your laminate floors, follow these steps:

1. Remove loose soil: Start by removing any loose dust, dirt, and debris on the floor. Use a vacuum, dry dust mop, or electrostatic disposable mopping cloth. If using a vacuum, make sure the beater bar is turned off to avoid scratching the floor.
2. Choose a cleaning solution: You can use a commercial laminate floor cleaner or make your own solution by mixing 2 quarts water with 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar or 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol.
3. Damp-mop the floor: Lightly spray the cleaner onto the floor, using just enough to wet the surface without leaving puddles. Use a microfiber mop to clean the floor in a grid pattern, starting in one corner of the room. Rinse the mop as needed, making sure to wring out any excess water.
4. Buff the floor: Once the floor is clean, buff it with a dry microfiber cloth or mop to create a shine.

Removing Scuffs and Stains

If you have scuffs or stains on your laminate floors, you can use a few different methods to remove them:

• Scuffs: Try buffing the area with a slightly abrasive microfiber cloth. You can also use a clean tennis ball or an art gum or pink school eraser to remove scuffs.
• Stains: For tough stains, use a commercial laminate floor cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Apply the cleaner to a clean cloth and gently rub the stain until it’s gone.

Preventing a Film or Residue

One of the biggest complaints homeowners have about laminate floors is that they can sometimes look streaky or filmy after cleaning. To prevent this:

• Use a cleaner specifically formulated for laminate floors
• If using a homemade cleaner, use distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to avoid streaking
• Use only a small amount of cleaner when mopping, so the floor dries quickly
• Buff the floor with a dry microfiber cloth after cleaning

Mistakes to Avoid

To keep your laminate floors in good condition, make sure to avoid these common mistakes:

• Using a vacuum with a beater bar, which can scratch the floor
• Using a stiff broom, which can leave grit in the cracks between the boards
• Using the wrong cleaner, such as a hardwood floor cleaner or all-purpose cleaner
• Using too much moisture, which can cause warping
• Forgetting to clean under area rugs

Protecting Laminate Floors

To prevent damage to your laminate floors:

• Use furniture pads under chair and table legs to prevent scuffs and scratches
• Place protective mats under houseplants to avoid water damage
• Keep pet bowls on a mat to prevent spills
• Place doormats at entryways to keep dirt and dust from coming inside

Conclusion

Laminate flooring is a durable, low-maintenance, and economical alternative to hardwood floors.

By following the proper steps to clean and care for your laminate floors, you can keep them looking like new for years to come.