Laminate flooring is one of the most versatile options on the market today. It is designed to be an environmentally friendly alternative to natural hardwood floors while offering many of the same benefits of traditional hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring is a high-quality image of a specific wood grain pressed into many high-density layers of protective finish. This creates a highly durable surface for your floor that appears to be the wood featured in the image.
Despite its ultra-durable construction and design, you must still exercise certain care when cleaning your laminate flooring. In this guide, we’ll go into detail with some tips and pointers on cleaning your laminate flooring and extending its life to the fullest.
Spot Clean Regularly
One of the best ways to keep your flooring healthy and not needing a deep cleaning is to spot clean regularly. Use a soft-bristled broom and sweep up any dirt, hair, and other debris.
I also suggest vacuuming weekly. Use a soft brush attachment that doesn’t scrape too hard on the surface. You can also use a dry dust mop to clean as an alternative to a vacuum. A cheap yet effective option is a Swiffer.
Only Use Products Designed For Laminate Flooring
If you intend to use any kind of cleaning product, you should absolutely make sure that both that product is made to be safe for your surface.
Every manufacturer will have different cleaning suggestions for their product, so make sure you’re aware of those before you set out to clean your floor. Most manufacturers will be very clear about their product’s detailed cleaning instructions in the instructions that come with your flooring.
Clean Up Spills Right Away
One of the many advantages of laminate flooring is its highly water-resistant surface. That said, you don’t want to leave spills sitting around on your floor. Any time you see a spill on your floor, you should immediately thoroughly wipe it up with a soft cloth towel.
Pro Tip: To avoid scratching or scuffing the surface of your floor, only make sure to wipe and clean your laminate floor with a soft cloth or towel. Never use abrasive cleaning products to clean your laminate flooring.
Mop Every Two Months
It might seem like the best way to keep your laminate floor clean would be to mop it once a week, but this can actually be bad for your floor. It is entirely possible to overclean your floor and make it weaker and more susceptible to damage by overcleaning, and mops are one of the leading causes of this.
Most manufacturers agree that you should only mop once every two months to avoid wearing down the finish. They suggest that you use a damp microfiber mop for best results. You can use a traditional style mop if you choose, though most manufacturers advise that you ring it out completely if you do.
Pro Tip: Don’t use too much water! This is one of the most common mistakes made when cleaning a laminate floor. Excess water from mops can seep in between the pieces of your laminate floor and cause damage such as swelling and bubbling. Water left to pool can cause fading and stains.
Wipe Down After Mopping
To avoid excess water creating unwanted issues, always make sure to give your floor a wipe down with a dry towel or absorbent cloth after any mopping or cleaning that involves the application of water.
Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions
If you’re looking to give your laminate floor a thorough cleaning, you can make your own cleaning solutions at home from products you likely have lying around already.
Start your cleaning solution with hot water. From there, you can add any of the following to create your own floor cleaning solution:
- Dish soap
- Baby soap
- White vinegar
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dishwasher detergent
Avoid Any Oil-Based Products
Oil-based products can present problems when used to clean laminate floors. These products may say that they are good for cleaning wood floors, furniture, or cabinets, but you should still exercise caution as they can leave hard-to-remove streaks on laminate flooring.
Things To Avoid When Cleaning Your Laminate Floor
Do Not Wax
Traditional hardwood floors benefit from being waxed regularly. Laminate, on the other hand, should never be waxed. Waxing a laminate floor can cause dirt and grime buildup to intensify, and it can also cause the finish of the floor to become cloudy and dull.
Do Not Use Buffers
You may feel like a floor buffer would be a good way to bring a new shine to your floor. Floor buffers, however, can be extremely bad for laminate flooring. They can wear the layers of the flooring down and make it uneven or even cause scratches and scuffing in the floor.
Pro Tip: Consider investing in a small set of tools to use specifically to clean and maintain your laminate floor. Have a broom or mop that is your “go-to” when cleaning your laminate floors, so you don’t have to worry about those products wearing down from being used elsewhere and negatively affecting your laminate floor.
Laminate is a fantastic alternative to hardwood flooring. Its cost and ease of installation simply can’t be matched by conventional hardwood flooring. By using the tips and tricks in this guide, you’ll be able to keep your laminate flooring looking great and in great condition for years to come!
