Laminate, one of the most popular flooring types, requires a careful approach to cleaning. Unlike hardwood, it’s sensitive to moisture and abrasion. So what’s the best approach to cleaning laminate floors? In today’s blog, we’ve explained briefly yet comprehensively on this topic.

The Ideal Approach To Cleaning Laminate Floors – Tips & Tricks

Before we begin, it’s essential to list down what you must arrange for:

  • Soft-Bristled Broom/Vacuum Cleaner
  • Laminate-specific cleaner/pH Neutral Floor Cleaner
  • Microfiber Mop
  • Spray Bottle
  • Soft Cloths/Microfiber Towels
  • Bucket

The best technique to clean laminate flooring isn’t something special but demands careful consideration of a few aspects that you must follow.

Learn more: Top 10 Hardwood Floor Ideas for Home Decor

The Prerequisites To Maintaining Laminate Flooring Shine | Daily Routine

You can keep your laminate floors shining like brand new if you:

  • Sweep dust/dirt regularly
  • Apply a vacuum cleaner or dust mop daily
  • Use a damp (not wet) mop after vacuuming always
  • Apply buff occasionally

The Detailed Technique For Deep Cleaning Laminate Floors

To deep-clean laminate floors, you can follow the steps explained below:

Read More: How to Clean LVP Flooring?

  • Remove Loose Soil/Dirt: Take your soft-bristled broom and sweep all debris off your laminate flooring. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor attachment.
  • Spray Laminate-Safe Cleaner: Randomly spray laminate-specific floor cleaner on flooring at different locations and mop it with a damp mop (not wet or dripping).
  • Dry The Floor: You should not let standing water and prevent water streaks/spots by drying the floor thoroughly and immediately after mopping with the help of microfiber towels.

What Not To Apply on Laminate Floors When Cleaning?

Laminate Floors When Cleaning

As already mentioned, laminate is sensitive to water and you shouldn’t let standing water but there’s more to take care of:

  • Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners: Harsh chemical floor cleaners (containing bleach or ammonia) have abrasive action and they can damage the texture of laminate floors (scratch marks), especially when combined with scouring pads.
  • Don’t Polish/Wax Laminate: Polishing or waxing can dull or damage the natural shine of laminate and therefore, should be avoided. However, you can apply a buff once in a while and that’s all.
  • Steam Cleaners: Steam cleaning laminate floors will rob them of their protective layers and the moisture from the steam will penetrate deep into the flooring layers. What’s the result? Your laminate floors will be damaged and have to be replaced earlier.

Cleaning Laminate with Homemade Cleaners

Is it possible? Yep! And that’s the most economical way to keep your laminate flooring looking its best. The possibilities are:

Discover more: How to Clean Concrete Floors

  • Vinegar+Water Solution: Take a spray bottle and mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in it. Mix the solution gently and thoroughly before applying.
  • Dish Soap+Water: Add a few drops of dish cleaning soap to warm water and mix it thoroughly to form a solution.

Tips To Get Rid of Laminate Flooring Stains At Home

You can use a laminate-specific or homemade floor cleaner to eliminate stains from your home laminate flooring. The ideal approach is to blot spills immediately to keep them from being stubborn. However, you should test out the homemade cleaning agent on a small inconspicuous area before spraying it all over. Follow the steps for an effective solution.

Find out more: How to Level a Floor Before Tiling?

  1. Dip a soft microfiber cloth in your cleaning agent or spray the cleaning agent on the stained area.
  2. Rub the stain slowly and see if it’s going away. For stubborn stains, you can leave the solution for a few minutes over the stain to let it be more effective.
  3. Remove the stain completely, wipe the area with a damp cloth, and dry it afterward.

Laminate Flooring Maintenance

You can keep your home laminate floors looking shiny and bright by following the explained principles:

Explore further: Top 10 Modern Rugs Flooring ideas for home decor

  • Place rugs/mats over the most used laminate flooring area.
  • Use furniture pads to prevent abrasion, scuffs, or dents.
  • Maintain a no-shoe policy to reduce wear and tear.
  • Vacuum laminate flooring daily.
  • Avoid moisture or standing water on the laminate.

The Crux!

Cleaning laminate floors is easy and just like any other flooring. All you have to take care of is to never let standing water on the laminate and avoid harsh chemicals, polishing, waxing, and steam cleaning. You can also clean laminate floors using homemade cleaners other than commercial compositions. Just vacuum clean daily and you can enjoy shiny and clean laminate floors for years to come.