How to Clean Laminate Floors? The Ultimate Guide!
Laminate floors are a popular flooring option in many homes because they are durable and easy to care for. However, if not cleaned correctly, laminate floors can build up excessive dirt, lose their wear layer, leading to scratching, scuffing, staining and losing their shine.
But it’s not a hard task to clean laminate floors. With the right tools and tips, it is possible to maintain its shine and cleanliness.
In this article, we'll show you how you can clean laminate floors correctly. We'll also share some helpful tips for keeping your floors looking their best:
Materials You Need to Get Started
Dust Mop: To remove dust, dirt, and hair from your laminate floors daily.
Damp Mop: To clean the remaining dust through damp mopping.
Bucket: To mix your cleaning solution.
Cleaning Solution: Use a floor cleaner, specially made for laminate flooring. (available at your local flooring dealer, grocery and hardware stores).
Microfiber Cloth: For a final shine.
How to Clean Laminate Floors?
Though there are various cleaning methods, assuming you have all the materials ready, let's now look at how you can clean laminate floors without damaging them.
Step 1: Dust or Vacuum The Floor
Dust or vacuum the floor with a power head to make sure there’s no surface dirt remaining on the floor. You can use a dust mop or a soft-bristled vacuum attachment to avoid scratching the laminate. Be sure to go over the entire floor gently to avoid missing any spots.
Step 2: Apply the Cleaning Solution or the Laminate Floor Cleaner
Spray a small amount of the cleaning solution or laminate cleaner onto the floor or apply it with a damp mop Do not saturate the floor, as this can damage the laminate, apply a thin, even layer of the cleaner over the entire surface. You may need to work in sections if your floor is very large.
Step 3: Now Mop the Floors with a Water Dampened Mop
Now mop the floors with a damp mop, using only clean water to remove any leftover cleaner, Work in small sections and be sure to rinse the mop frequently, to ensure the removal of all cleaner. Mop with the grain of the laminate to avoid damaging it.
Step 4: Lastly, Buff the Floor with Cleaning Clothes
Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry and buff the floor to bring up the shine. You may need to go over the floor multiple times to get the desired level of shine.
Tips for Maintaining the Shine of Your Laminate Floors
After you have cleaned your laminate floors and brought back the shine, you'll want to do what you can to maintain them. Here are a few tips to help you keep your laminate floors looking their best.
- Use Furniture Pads
Use furniture pads on the bottoms of your chairs and tables to protect your floors from scratches and scuffs. It will also increase the lifespan of the wear layer. You can find furniture pads at most home improvement stores. Just make sure to choose ones that are specifically designed for laminate floors. - Clean up Spills Immediately
As soon as a spill happens, clean it up. Otherwise, the liquid can seep into the cracks and cause irreversible damage. For best results, always use a damp - not wet - mop or cloth, and be sure to dry the area afterward, so there is no leftover moisture. - Avoid Using Wax or Polish on Your Floors
Laminate floors should never be waxed or polished because this will damage the flooring. If you need to get rid of stuck-on dirt or grime, use a cleaning product specifically designed for laminate floors and follow the directions on the packaging. - Use Doormats and Area Rugs
Placing entry mats or doormats at every entrance to your house will help decrease the amount of debris that gets tracked onto your laminate floors. Likewise, area rugs are also a great way to protect your floors. Ensure they have a non-slip backing, so they don't slide around and cause accidents. - Replace Your Mop Head Regularly Overtime
Mop heads can collect dirt and dust particles which will end up scratching your floors when you use them. To avoid this, replace your mop head every three months or so or whenever you notice it's starting to look worn out. - Regularly Vacuum or Dust Your Floors
Regular cleaning, vacuuming, or dusting your floors every week will help prevent dirt buildup. Just be sure to use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner so you don't scratch the flooring. If you don't have a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, you can just use a microfiber cloth. - Use the Right Cleaning Products
You must use cleaning products that are specifically designed for laminate floors. Scrubbing floors with steel wool, steam mops, steam cleaners or even some common household cleaners (white vinegar solution or nail polish remover) can damage laminate flooring as they are abrasive cleaners.
So it's best to play it safe and stick with products specifically for this type of flooring.
How to Know You Need a Professional Help to Clean Laminate Floors?
A laminate floor can lose its wear layer and become quite dirty over time. If not cleaned regularly, it can become stained and discolored. In addition, dirt and dust can build up in the cracks and crevices of the floor, making it difficult to clean.
Depending upon the condition, sometimes it's a good choice to clean your laminate floor all by yourself, but if it's too dirty and stained, it's time to get professional help.
But how to know that you are making a fair decision? Below, we've mentioned a list of signs that you should seriously look for:
Stains on Your Floor Are Increasingly Stubborn
No matter how hard you scrub the laminate floor with harsh cleaners, that coffee and red wine stains won't budge. A professional floor cleaning company will have the right equipment and cleaners to remove even the most stubborn stains from dirty floors, so it's a choice to opt for professional help if you are facing this.
The Area is Larger than You Can Manage
Laminate floors can be found in both small rooms and large open spaces. If you have a large area of laminate flooring, it may be too much for you to clean on your own. A professional team can clean your entire floor quickly and efficiently.
Your Budget Allows to Take Professional Help
While many think hiring a professional floor cleaning company is expensive, it doesn't have to be. Many affordable options are available, so be sure to do some research before making your final decision.
Is it Time to Call in the Professionals?
You've tried cleaning the floor yourself but haven't been able to achieve the desired results. If you're unhappy with how your laminate floors look after cleaning them yourself, it's time to call in the professionals. They will know exactly how to clean your floors, so they look their best.
Areas of the Floor Seems Impossible to Clean
Laminate floors can be tricky to clean around corners and in tight spaces. If you're finding it difficult to reach all the nooks and crannies, it's time to call in a professional cleaner.
Final Verdict
Cleaning and maintaining laminate floors is relatively easy using the provided a step-by-step guide above. However, if you're noticing any signs like stubborn stains on a larger space, or in hard to reach areas, you might consider using professional help.
If you are based in Knoxville, TN, and looking for high-quality flooring options, then Johnson & Sons Flooring is the best company you can count on. We also offer floor installation services, design consultation and in-home estimates.
FAQs
If your laminate floors are not waterproof, you'll need extra care when cleaning them. e. Regularly clean with a dust mop or vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris, and only use a slightly damp mop for deeper cleaning.
Depending on the floor, the ratio of vinegar to water will vary. Hot water is never a good idea.
If your dog has an accident on your laminate floor, it's important to clean it up quickly. Use a paper towel to soak up as much urine as possible. Then use a laminate floor cleaning solution to damp mop the area.
If your laminate floors are sticky, it's likely because they haven't been properly sealed. To clean sticky floors, use a proper commercial laminate floor cleaner. If a sticky spot remains, use a damp microfiber cloth to gently rub the area until the sticky residue is lifted, don’t use any abrasive materials and do not scrub too hard as this may damage the floor.