Regular cleaning prevents damage and scratches over time. It’s easy to keep laminate floors shining with laminate floor cleaner or household ingredients like vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Read on for our guide to how to clean laminate floors.
How to Clean Laminate Floors
Dry Mop and Vacuum
Use a dust/dry mop or a vacuum cleaner daily to remove surface dirt instead of a wet mop. A wet mop will pick up gritty particles and spread them around the floor. At best, this will contribute to streaks and residue. At worst, the grit will scratch and pit the surface of your floor.
If you use a vacuum cleaner, choose a machine with a setting for hard floors, as vacuums with rolling brushes can scratch and damage laminate over time.
Choose a Cleaning Solution
Make your own solution using vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Use a ratio of about 1 cup of rubbing alcohol to 1 gallon of water. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, which prevents streaks and lines from drying onto your floor. Another benefit of using rubbing alcohol is you don’t need to buff it dry.
You can also use 1/2 cup of vinegar instead of alcohol or add it to the alcohol solution. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that doesn’t leave any chemical residue on your floors. Vinegar initially has a smell, but it dissipates over time.
Make sure to use a damp cloth using your cleaner and then dry the floor afterward.
Mop Floors With Damp Mop
Water and other liquids can seep between the laminate boards and cause swelling, ultimately damaging your floor. Keep water use to a minimum, and only spray as much cleaner onto the floor as you need for a given section. If you’re using a traditional mop, wring it out until it’s barely damp. If an excess of water or liquid is left behind to dry, you’re using too much: The floor should dry within one to two minutes of mopping.
Buff to a Shine
To make your floor shine after mopping, buff it dry. An absorbent cleaning cloth attached to a dust mop works well, as does a dry microfiber mop head. Cloth diapers make a great DIY option, and microfiber cleaning cloths work well for an ultimate hands-and-knees job. Work in circles with your tool of choice and gently buff each floor section for a nice shine.
Tips to Keep Laminate Floors Cleaner Longer
Place both indoor and outdoor floor mats at the entrances of your home. Consider a no-shoe rule in the house and put a little reminder in the mudroom.
Wipe up spills, messes, and plant watering overflow as soon as they occur.
Use protective floor pads on the bottom of chairs, couches, and tables to prevent your floor’s aging or premature damage.
Direct sunlight can cause damage to laminate over time. Draw the shades or blinds during intense direct sunlight and when you are not home.
Rearrange your furniture from time to time to limit sun exposure or use area rugs.
Some people also like to add a UV film protectant to windows, which will help preserve laminate floors, furniture, wall paint, and rugs.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Laminate
The following should not be used on laminate floors:
Water
Heat
Harsh tools and abrasive cleaners
Oil-based cleaners
Waxes
Hardwood-based cleaners
