How to Clean Laminate Floors: Do's and Don'ts

Laminate, also known as floating wood tile, is a flexible and reasonably priced alternative made from a composite wood pulp material fused with melamine resins and decorative paper. The inner core layers offer stability and water resistance, while the top layer has a decorative pattern.

Laminate wood floors have a hard, durable surface resembling real hardwood or stone without the high maintenance and cost. They are easy to install, available in various styles, and hold up well to heavy foot traffic.

Compared to real wood or stone, laminate flooring offers many benefits:

• Affordable - Laminate floors are typically much cheaper than solid hardwood floors. This makes laminate a budget-friendly option for many homeowners.
• Durable - The dense fiberboard core of laminate flooring makes it very durable and able to withstand normal wear and tear. It does not easily scratch, scuff, or fade over time.
• Easy Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining laminate floors is simple and does not require refinishing, waxing, or regular coatings like real wood. A simple sweep, vacuum, or damp mop is needed for routine care.
• Stylish - Laminate floors come in styles that mimic hardwood, tile, and stone. Planks are available in different widths and lengths for a customized look. Hundreds of colour and pattern options match any home's style.
• Water Resistant - Laminate flooring contains resins that help repel water and prevent moisture damage. Planks will not warp or swell like real wood when exposed to water.
• Easy Installation - Laminate flooring uses a floating installation method that does not require nails, glue or excessive labour. Planks connect with tongue-and-groove or click-lock systems for a smooth, self-locking surface.

Properly caring for your laminate floors will help keep them looking beautiful for years.

Benefits of Cleaning Laminate Floors

Keeping laminate floors clean provides several benefits:

• Extends lifespan - Regular cleaning removes abrasive dirt and grit that can scratch the protective melamine surface layer over time. This allows the floors to withstand heavy traffic without damage.
• Prevents buildup - Sweeping and vacuuming prevent dirt, sand and other debris from building up on the surface. This debris can otherwise get ground in and scratch the floors.
• Avoids staining - Quickly wiping up spills prevents staining from liquids. For stubborn spots, special cleaners can dissolve stuck-on grime.
• Maintains appearance - With routine cleaning product, laminate floors will keep looking new for longer. Dusting and mopping removes dulling filth and brings back the shine.
• Reduces slip hazards - cleaning removes dust, grease and sticky spills that can make laminate floors slippery and dangerous to walk on. Clean floors have better traction.
• Improves indoor air - Sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping removes allergens like dirt, dust mites and pollen from the floor's surface. This contributes to better indoor air quality.
• Enhances home value - Well-cared-for laminate floors can become a selling point when it comes time to sell a home. Clean floors add to a home's value and appeal to buyers.

By taking the time to care instructions for your laminate floors regular basis, you'll be rewarded with many years of great performance and beautiful appearance.

Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Laminate Floors

Cleaning laminate floors is easy, but there are some important do's and don'ts to follow. Here are some tips for safely and effectively caring for laminate flooring:

Do: Vacuum Regularly

• Clean the spaces between the floor planks using a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and other debris.
• Vacuuming at least twice per week will prevent buildup that can scratch floors.
• Push the vacuum slowly back and forth instead of making quick passes.
  
  

Do: Use Protective Layer

• Place doormats at entrances to prevent dirt, sand, grit and moisture from being tracked inside.
• Use floor protectors on furniture legs to prevent scratches and dents when moving.
• Consider installing felt-on chair leg bottoms for an extra layer of floor protection.
  
  

Do: Damp Mop and Wipe With Microfiber Cloth

• Use a barely damp mop or microfiber cloth to remove stuck-on dust and dirt. Avoid excessive moisture.
• Mix a capful of gentle laminate floor cleaner into water. Vinegar and water also work well.
• Work in sections and immediately dry damp areas with a clean towel or microfiber cloth.
  
  

Do: Use Hot Water and White Vinegar Solution on Tough Stains

• Use 1 cup hot water and 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar on sticky messes or substantial dirt.
• For pet stains and spots, use an enzyme cleaner formulated for laminate floors. Never use bleach products.
• Rinse with clean water and immediately dry the area after cleaning with solutions.
  
  

Do: Remove Stubborn Stains with Nail Polish Remover, Steam Cleaners or Plastic Knife

• Use acetone nail polish remover on stubborn marks. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
• A handheld steam cleaner gently loosens stuck-on grime when used carefully.
• For dried food or gum, gently scrape the area with a plastic knife or paint scraper. Be cautious not to scratch.
  
  

Don't Use Steel Wool, Abrasive Pads or Harsh Chemicals

• Avoid scouring pads, steel wool, abrasive cleansers, powdered cleaners and alkaline solutions.
• Ammonia and bleach will damage laminate floors and should never be used.
• Check cleaner labels to make sure they are safe for laminate flooring.
  
  

Don't: Wet the Floor With Water

• Excess water can seep between the planks and into the fiberboard core. This can cause swelling, warping and damage over time.
• Stick to a lightly damp mop and immediately dry all wet areas. Don't let water pool on the surface.
  
  

Tools Needed for Cleaning Laminate Floors

Caring for laminate flooring does not require an arsenal of specialized tools. A few basic supplies are all you need to keep floors looking beautiful:

Vacuum Cleaner/ Broom & Dustpan or Air Blower

Use a hoover with a soft brush head attachment or a broom and dustpan for quick debris pick-up. Handheld air blowers force dust out of corners and tight spaces.

Spray Bottle

A basic spray bottle filled with water, a cup of vinegar solution, or laminate floor cleaner simplifies cleaning tasks like damp mopping. Look for a bottle with an adjustable nozzle.

Damp Cloth/ Microfiber Cloth/ Mop

A slightly dampened lint-free cloth, microfiber cloth or mop head gently wipes away dirt buildup without over-wetting the floor. Make sure to dry damp areas immediately.

Old Clean Towels

Absorb moisture quickly after damp mopping with a few old cotton towels dedicated to floor drying. Microfiber cloths also work well. Replace towels often to prevent streaking.

Floor Protectors/ Furniture Pads

Self-adhesive felt pads attached to chair and furniture legs prevent scratches and dents when pieces shift. Floor protectors safeguard high-traffic areas.

Doormats

Place natural fibre doormats inside and outside entryways to catch dirt, sand, water and other potentially abrasive elements before they reach laminate floors.

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You can maintain a beautiful appearance with little effort by using these simple items for regular laminate floor care. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for approved abrasive cleaners and cleaning tools for your specific flooring. With proper care, your laminate floors can stay pretty and protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How should laminate floors be cleaned?

A. The best way to clean laminate floors is by vacuuming frequently, mopping with a slightly damp mop weekly, and immediately wiping up spills. Avoid excessive water. Use a laminate floor cleaner or a water and mild vinegar solution.

Q. How can I make my laminate floors shine?

A. Use a damp microfiber mop or cloth to remove dulling dirt and grime gently. Follow with a dry cloth to absorb moisture. Repeat weekly. Avoid waxing or coating laminate floors.

Q. What household items can damage laminate floors?

A. Avoid abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, and harsh cleaners like ammonia or bleach. They can scratch and dull laminate. Furniture legs can also damage the surface when moved. Use floor protectors.

Q. How often should you mop laminate floors?

A. Laminate floors only need mopping once or twice per week. Excessive moisture can damage planks. Use a barely damp mop and immediately dry the floor.

Q. What natural cleaning solutions are safe for laminate?

A. Laminate floors can be safely cleaned with warm water and distilled white vinegar mixed 50/50. Avoid vinegar solutions with over 5% acidity. Natural oil soap cleaners are also gentle options.

Q. How can I fix scratches on my laminate floors?

A. For minor scratches, use a laminate flooring repair kit to fill in the damage. Sand down high spots gently with extra fine sandpaper. Deep cleaning gouges may require replacing planks.