How to Clean Laminate Floors? – Without Damaging Them

Laminate flooring provides a wood-like appearance, easy installation, a protective layer for high traffic, and saves money because it is cost-effective.

Are you wondering how to clean laminate floors without damaging them? Since laminate floors look like solid hardwood, it does not mean that the cleaning procedure for these floors will be the same.

In case of damage and scratches, its surface can’t be refinished again, so special care is required.

This guide will help to keep your floor’s appearance updated, shiny, and fresh. Keep reading to learn easy and quick ways of cleaning laminate wood floors.

Tools and Materials Required to Clean Laminate Floors

Broom or vacuum
Mop
Laminate floor cleaner or DIY cleaner
Cloth

Laminate Floor Cleaning Steps to Follow

Step 1. Sweeping

Never ditch a laminate floor cleaner machine. Use a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner to clean the floor.

Thoroughly remove the dirt, grime, dust, and debris because if you use a mop directly on the surface, the particles will cause scratches.

The floor looks unpleasant and grimy due to scratches and small dust particles trapped in the scratches.

Step 2. Mopping

Mop laminate floors and see how to get good as good. The best mop for laminate floors is a part of homemade cleaners because they do not damage the surface and provide better results. Homemade cleaners contain natural ingredients which are safe to use.

You can use any store-bought laminate floor cleaner, but before using it, check it on any small unnoticeable corner of the floor. If it is not harmful, you can use it.

Step 3. Using the Cleaning Solution

The best way to clean laminate floors is by spraying the solution on the floor and mopping it immediately. Do not let the floor absorb the solution to avoid any harm. Do not use too much liquid that the mop cannot remove.

Excess liquid will leave spill marks on the surface. If the cleaner you are using leaves residues after mopping, wipe it with a mop of clean water, but it should not be fully soaked.

Step 4. Drying the Floor

It is very important to dry the surface thoroughly. You can give a shine to your laminated floors if you mop them again with a dry microfiber mop. Move the mop in a circular direction until the glow comes on the surface.

Natural DIY Laminate Floor Cleaners

These are the best ingredients to make DIY cleaners for wood laminate flooring. They are the best way to clean your laminate floors naturally. They are easily available in every home’s kitchen, so they are also helpful in saving your money.

Jojoba oil
Black tea
Baking soda (Powder)
Warm water
White vinegar

Making a DIY Laminate Floor Cleaner

If your floor is not too dirty, clean it with plain water. If your laminate floor has stains or is dirty, it should be deep cleaned with natural cleaners. Making these cleaners are easy because their ingredients are already available in your kitchen.

Solution of Rubbing Alcohol and Water

Take a bucket and pour one gallon of water into it. Now add one cup of rubbing alcohol and mix it well. Pour it into a spray bottle and use it carefully to clean the laminate.

Solution of Black Tea and Water

Pour two cups of water into a pan and put it on the flame. Sprinkle one teaspoon of black tea in it. Let it boil enough that one cup of tea is left behind. Strain the mixture and keep it in a spray bottle.

Solution of Vinegar and Water

Make a solution of equal parts of vinegar and warm water and pour it into a spray bottle. Use this solution carefully.

If you want to remove the odor of vinegar, add a few drops of eucalyptus or lemon oil. A pleasant scent will add more charm to your space.

Solution of Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol, and Water

Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and water in a bowl and pour it into a spray bottle. Quickly clean the floor with this solution because it will ruin the floor’s surface if not removed properly.

How to Clean Stubborn Stains on Laminate Flooring?

Baking Soda

Pour baking soda into a bowl.
Make its paste by pouring a little water.
Use this paste to cover the stained area.
After a few minutes, wipe it with a cloth and repeat this step if required.

Rubbing Alcohol

Take a cotton ball, dip it into the rubbing alcohol, and put it over the stain.
Leave it for a while. Dip a cloth into clean water and rinse the stained area with it.
The protective layer of the laminate floor will be ruined if you do not clean the alcohol from it immediately.
Fully dry the surface with a towel.

Jojoba Oil

Sprinkle a few drops of jojoba oil on a clean, soft towel.
Cover the stain with this towel and firmly press for a while.
Now, clean the stain with a wet cloth.
Dry the surface with another cloth. Repeat as required.

Laminate Flooring Cleaning Tips

All the dirt, dust, and debris must be removed before applying the cleaning steps to protect the laminate from scratches.
Use a small amount of cleaner on the surface because they can create a dull look by leaving residues behind.
If you use a damp mop, wring it fully to protect the surface from moisture, damage, and discoloration.

Effective Ways to Protect Laminate Flooring

If you use a store-bought product to clean the floor, read its label carefully before starting the project. Every cleaner has different recommendations depending on the materials.
After every two months, deep clean your floors using a mop. The best mop for a laminate floor is a microfiber mop. Wring a mop fully to remove the excess liquid as much as possible.
If you have to use oil-based cleaners, spray them on a microfiber mop, then use them on the surface. Do not apply it directly on the floor as it may leave residue or damage the protective layer.
Try to use DIY cleaners made from natural products because they have no side effects on the floor. If there is a waxy build-up on the surface, you can use a vinegar solution to clean it.
The build-up of chewing gum or candle wax is tough, and you can clean them by putting ice cubes on them. Once they get hard, use a scraper to remove them. Use rubbing alcohol to remove stains of crayon, paint, nail polish, or ink.
Place rubber pads under the legs of tables and chairs to protect them from scratches. Install mats in all the entrances to prevent wear and tear.
If you are a pet owner, you must trim their nails because they can scratch your floor.

Things to Avoid

Use a clean mop on the spills as soon as they happen. They damage the laminate floor surface a lot.
Do not use any abrasive tool to remove dirt or stain from the floor surface because it can scratch it. Do not use a vacuum cleaner with the attachment of a rotating brush and beater bar. They also scratch the surface.
Do not follow the traditional way of flooring because excess water is absorbed by the floor and causes bubbling or swelling. Water residues cause stains, and there are also chances of its discoloring.
Do not walk on the laminate floor with shoes because the dirt and grit make the surface dirty and damage it by scratches. Place a mat in front of the entrance to prevent the sand and dirt from entering.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Clean Laminate Floors Effectively?

If you are going to use a store-bought product to clean the laminate floors, use the one that is used especially for laminate floors. The best DIY cleaner for laminate wood flooring is the solution of dishwashing soap in water. Apply it with a mop.

What Should Be Avoided in Cleaning Laminate Floors?

Scouring pads, or any abrasive tools and strong solutions should not be used on the floors. Buffing or polishing machines also damage it. If you have to scrape any hard material from the surface, use a scraper made of plastic or wood.

How to Make the Laminate Floor Shiny and Fresh?

Sweep the floor thoroughly and mop it with a cleaner that is not harmful to laminate. Wipe the surface with another dry, clean cloth in a circular motion to create shine.

What Will Be the Effect of Swiffer on Laminate Floors?

Swiffer is a safe product and can be used on the laminate. It does not ruin the protective layer on its surface.

What Is the Reason for The Dirty Look of Laminate Floors?

After cleaning your laminate floors, you might have used the cleaner excessively if they still look dirty. Using cleaners in large quantities will make your floor surface dull.

To fix this issue, wipe the surface thoroughly with a dry mop. Sprinkle clean water on the floor if required and mop it.

Final Thoughts

You have learned how to clean laminate floors without damaging them. Laminate floors have made it easy to get a beautiful wood appearance at a low cost, but a little carelessness can damage it. The protective layer of this flooring cannot be refinished again.

You can keep it safe for years with little effort because it is easy to clean and maintain. Avoid the things that can damage it and clean spills as soon as possible.