You’ve recently installed a beautiful laminate flooring and want to keep it looking it’s best for years.  Cleaning them regularly, using the right products, and having the right tools on hand are key to making it a routine that is easy and safe for your floors.

One of the main questions I hear is – “Do you clean laminate flooring different from other wood floors?” The answer is yes, but not much different. Laminate floors need to be cleaned regularly in order to prevent them from getting scratched or warped, just like hardwoods. But, the products used to clean and shine them are different.

Using harsh cleansers, or waxes, can create streaks or damage the laminate. General cleaning with a dry mop or vacuum should be done regularly, moping with warm water and a mild cleaner, is mostly all they need. Here are some of the best ways to clean laminate floors.

What is Laminate Made Of?

Laminate flooring is actually constructed of 4 layers; wear, design, core, and the back layer. Each layer serves a distinct purpose and are fused together using high heat and intense pressure. Contrary to what many think it’s not all plastic.

  • Back Layer: bottom layer; responsible for protecting the plank against moisture, and balances the floor.
  • Core Layer: durable, high-density board that protects from indentations and moisture.
  • Design Layer: high-resolution photograph of the floor’s surface appearance.
  • Wear Layer: top layer; is a clear layer that is made of aluminum oxide that protects against fading, stains, and surface burns.

What you need to remember is even though laminate floors are very resistant to scratching and moisture the top layer can wear out – and it cannot be refinished. Protecting the top layer from abrasions, and keeping moisture out of the cracks is what’s important.

Tools

Having the right tools makes it easier to stay in a routine.

The first thing we recommend is a vacuum that has a hardwood floor setting or a dust mop, and an angled broom. Even though laminate flooring is fairly scratch-resistant, excess dirt, and debris can cause minute scratches that ruin the shine. Having an easy to use dust mop is tough to beat – it’s cheap, easy and very effective.

O-Cedar

Dual-Action Microfiber Flip Mop

Using a vacuum instead of a broom will also allow you to trap any allergens in the bag more successfully but is not always fast and easy…and usually not cheap. A broom will often just lift them into the air to resettle.

You’ll also want a microfiber mob, and a spin mop, that carry low amounts of water and allow you get the job done quickly. Terrycloth towels are also an easy way to dust off the floor, so keep some of those on hand. Microfiber mops, or a terrycloth towel, gets up the dust quickly. Spin mops are for a deeper cleaning.

Lastly, keep a plastic scraper somewhere on hand so you’re not tempted to scrape something off the floor with metal!

Cleaning Solutions

Although simple warm water is sufficient for day-to-day cleaning, you may need something on your mop for a deeper cleaning.  The simplest DIY solution is vinegar and warm water – mix equal parts of both in a spray bottle to spray on your damp mop. I’ve seen folks add essential oils, or a few drops of dish soap, to the mixture for fragrance. However, only a tiny bit of each as they may dull the shine.

Branded cleaners, like Bona, are very popular. Some are specially formulated for laminate flooring, have a better scent, and control static. Best products I’ve tried are:

Black Diamond Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner

Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Bona Stone Tile & Laminate Cleaner

These are all excellent products. Spray small amounts on a microfiber mop before moping – no need to mix a bucket full.

Keep in mind many products used for hardwood floors are meant to condition the wood, and improve the shine. That doesn’t always help laminate flooring. Avoid using cleaners that promise to create a shiny surface, or contain wax, as these products can cause a waxy buildup on your floors. Similarly, don’t use pine scented products on your laminate floors, as they may leave a dull, soapy residue. When in doubt keep it simple.

Cleaning Solutions for Bad Messes

So what if you spill something really bad on your laminate floor, like paint, glue, nail polish, or candle wax? Don’t panic and go for something harsh – never scouring powder, bleach or ammonia.

For any oil-based spill try some WD-40, or mineral oil, or acetone. Ladies might have a fingernail polish remover.  For heel marks try vinegar and water, window cleaner with warm water, or a simple pencil erasure.  Spots like chewing and wax use ice to harden the spot and then scrap it with a plastic scraper. Then wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Steps to Cleaning

  1. Regularly vacuum or sweep your floors with a dry mop
    • Use your sweeper, vacuum, or dry mop 2-3 times a week. Yes, that is a lot but it prevents people walking on dust and dirt creating scratches you may not even see that ruin the shine.
  2. Mop your floor regularly, especially after vacuuming
    • I use a terrycloth towel or microfiber mop with a small amount of warm water, going with the grain of the flooring at least once a week. If it’s been very dusty spray a small amount of vinegar and water, or cleaner for laminate floors on your mop or towel.
  3. Bi-Monthly deep cleaning
    • I’m an advocate of once a month, or every 2-3 months (depending on the traffic) running a wet mop over the floors. This is a controversial practice, as laminate floors do not like water. However, just use hot water and thoroughly ring out all excess water so it’s only damp. Once done run a dry mop, or terrycloth towel, over the top to dry.
  4. Clean up spills immediately
    • Any liquids spilled on the floor can warp, or ruin the shine, of your laminate flooring if left to stand for very long – even water.

Cautions

  • Do not use a steam cleaner on your laminate floor.
  • Use a dry cloth to soak up excess liquid after cleaning or moping.
  • Avoid any cleaning products like soap, oil-soap detergent, shampoos, or ammonias.
  • Never use abrasive cleaners, or brushes with stiff bristles.
  • Don’t use any kind of polishing machines.
  • Don’t slide heavy furniture or appliance across your laminate floor.
  • Keep your dog’s nails clipped to avoid scratches (big problem in my home).
  • Drop shoes off at the door, but wear socks or slippers.

Follow these steps and your laminate floors will look great for years.