Laminate flooring is the suitable option when you have children and animals, because it’s easy to clean. Sometimes children and animals track muddy prints into the house and spills occur often. That’s why you need the best tips and tricks for cleaning laminate flooring.
If you have laminate flooring and you want to maintain it in a way that won’t damage the floor, then this article is for you. All you need are the correct tools and the best product to clean laminate floors. Keep reading to find out more about the correct way to clean laminate flooring.
- Tools
- DIY Cleaning Solutions
- Branded Cleaning Solutions
- Best Product To Clean Laminate Floors
- What Do You Use To Clean Laminate Wood Floors?
- Special Interventions For Bad Messes
- How To Eliminate Mold Growth On Laminate Flooring
- Cautions And Warnings
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Tools
The first things we recommend are a vacuum for hard surfaces and a good microfiber laminate mop.
You’ll want to vacuum your laminate (or sweep) regularly to pick up the kind of grit that gets tracked in from out of doors. This grit, when underfoot, can scratch your floors and make them lose the shine you enjoy so much. (You can also insist that people take their shoes off at the door.)
Using a vacuum instead of a broom will also allow you to trap any allergens in the bag more successfully. A broom will often just lift them into the air to resettle.
You’ll also want a microfiber mop. Swiffer makes the most instantly recognizable microfiber mop, but you don’t necessarily need to buy the Swiffer brand.
DIY Cleaning Solutions
Many suggest that an old-fashioned mix of vinegar and water is a superior cleaner to brand-name products. To make a do-it-yourself laminate cleaner, just mix equal parts hot water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Use the bottle to spray the floor before you mop it with the microfiber, and you’re all set.
If you can’t stand the smell of vinegar, remember that it will dissipate quickly. Also, remember that you can always add a few drops of essential oil in a scent you like (lemon, eucalyptus, etc.) or a few drops of good-smelling dish detergent to your spray bottle mix. Just be aware that these products may dull the shine produced by the vinegar and your elbow grease.
This homemade cleaning solution is not only much, much cheaper than a retail brand (it costs only pennies per bottle), but it is much more environmentally sustainable and does not bring extra chemicals into your home, which may help members of your family or guests who are sensitive.
Branded Cleaning Solutions
Most experts doubt that you really need to buy branded or retail cleaning solutions instead of making your own. There is also, apparently, no reason to think you have to buy the cleaning solution that is branded and marketed with the same name as the flooring you installed.
That said, some do believe that a retail cleaning solution does a better job at controlling static than homemade cleaners, and there is always the issue of smell.
If you would prefer to go with a professional cleaner, Black Diamond has been making floor cleaning products since 1997 and they get consistently high ratings from buyers. It’s available on Amazon.
In the end, you may want to try more than one commercial cleaner and see which works best for you in cleaning and aroma.
Best Product To Clean Laminate Floors
We’ve mentioned that Black Diamond is an excellent cleaning product for laminate flooring, but is there an alternative? You may prefer ZEP 1 Gallon Hardwood and Laminate floor cleaner. This product can be used with a microfiber cloth or mop.
The ZEP laminate floor cleaner is suitable for large areas to clean dirt and eradicate bacteria and mold. It’s a premix solution, so it’s easy to use and a little of the product goes a long way. The ZEP cleaner is non-abrasive, so you can rest assured it won’t scratch your floors.
You’ll love that ZEP is suitable for wooden and standard laminate flooring. The concentrate is formulated to remove tough stains and spots on your laminate floors that can’t be removed with standard detergents.
ZEP is a fast-drying formula that doesn’t require rinsing, which makes it user-friendly. The ZEP formula comes with a spray bottle, so you can disperse the product evenly on your laminate flooring.
What Do You Use To Clean Laminate Wood Floors?
Wood laminate floors are different from standard laminate flooring. That’s because real wood is used by slicing thin planks to cover your floors. There’s a different way to maintain these wooden floors as opposed to standard printed laminate floors.
Since wood can swell, rot, and crack when exposed to excessive amounts of water, extra precautions are needed to take care of this type of flooring. You’ll need a non-abrasive wooden floor cleaner that’s premixed. Try not to use any water on your wooden floors.
Use a dust cloth or mop to wipe the floors with your cleaner. The detergent should clean your wooden laminate flooring and add a shine to the surface. To keep your wooden laminate floors healthy, use the correct floor polish such as Bona Stone Tile & Laminate Floor Polish.
The Bona floor polish is a multipurpose product that can be used on tiles, marble, and now wooden laminate flooring. This product will restore the shine on your laminate flooring, and it’s environmentally friendly too.
Another positive aspect about Bona is that it’s non-abrasive, so it won’t damage your floors. Additionally, the product has a pleasant fragrance that lasts. You can use the Bona Stone Tile & Laminate Floor Polish using a soft mop.
Special Solutions For Bad Messes
So maybe you’ve spilled nail polish on the floor, or someone got shoe polish on your laminate. Resist the temptation to use abrasive cleaners like Comet or a scouring pad, as these have the potential to scratch your floor.
A few ideas for cleaning stubborn stains on laminate: You can try WD-40 or a small amount of non-acetone fingernail polish remover on a cotton ball. Either of these solvents will work for the kind of mark that won’t come off with a regular cleaning solution.
If there is gum on your floor, we recommend you cover it in ice to freeze it and scrape it off—gently!—with a non-abrasive plastic scraper.
Heel and scuff marks will also sometimes come up if you use a good, old-fashioned pencil eraser.
How To Eliminate Mold Growth On Laminate Flooring
Most people use bleach to disinfect their floors. But since this is not an ideal cleaning aid for laminate flooring, you should consider a safer alternative. Mold growth occurs when dust is combined with damp areas. When you’re not cautious, mold can grow in the corners of your laminate flooring.
To get rid of the mold on your laminate flooring safely, follow these steps:
- Sweep the area thoroughly with a soft bristle broom or dust mop.
- Mix a cup of white vinegar in a bucket of water and add 5oz of rubbing alcohol.
- If you want to add a pleasant fragrance to the solution, simply add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture. Only add 3 to 4 drops of oil because you don’t want an oily residue left behind on the laminate floors.
- Dip a clean mop in the solution and wring it out so that it’s damp. Then wipe the area thoroughly.
- To get into the corners of your floors, dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out, and wipe the area clean.
The acidity from the vinegar and alcohol will eradicate the mold growth on your laminate floors and prevent the organisms from growing back.
This solution works for laminate and wooden laminate flooring. It’s safe to use and won’t destroy the finish of the laminated surface. It’s important to use soft-bristled brooms and spray mops to avoid scratching the surface of your floors. So make sure you always use cleaning tools that won’t damage your laminate floors when ridding them of mold.
Cautions And Warnings
If you follow the instructions above, you’ll be all set. We’d like to remind you though, of several things to avoid that can damage your floors. We’ve already mentioned not using abrasives like scrub pads or Comet, but here are some more tips:
Less water is better. Water can soak in and cause peeling and separation. Don’t soak your microfiber mop and don’t leave puddles.
Don’t use bleach. Since wood laminate is porous, the bleach will soak in, causing a range of problems. Bleach will often take the shiny finish off your floors and can also stain and change the color of your floor.
We recommend that you stay away from products that offer a “protected shine.” These products will offer to not only clean your floor but also fill in scratches and scuffs. They do this by adding a film, or filler, into the product. While this may work, often these products will dull the shine on your floor by leaving that residue.
FAQs
- What Is The Best Way To Clean Laminate Flooring?
- What’s The Best Laminate Floor Cleaner?
- How Do I Get My Laminate Floors To Shine?
- Is Vinegar Safe For Laminate Floors?
- How Often Should You Mop Laminate Floors?
- What Are The Disadvantages Of Laminate Flooring?
- How Do You Clean Laminate Wood Floors Naturally?
- How Do You Make Homemade Laminate Floor Cleaner?
What Is The Best Way To Clean Laminate Flooring?
The best way to clean laminate flooring is to use a damp cloth to wipe up spills and dirt as soon as they happen. It’s advised never to leave liquids to sit on your laminate flooring for long.
For tougher spots such as oil spills or paint, dip a cloth into nail polish remover. Then wipe the spot gently until the stain is removed completely. Use a damp cloth to wipe away excess residue from the area when you’re done.
What’s The Best Laminate Floor Cleaner?
Black Diamond Stoneworks is the best laminate floor cleaner on the market. The product comes in a large trigger spray bottle that helps you disperse the product evenly on your laminated floors. Black Diamond Stoneworks is premixed and doesn’t require rinsing.
The product doesn’t leave any streaks behind, and it gives your laminate flooring a shiny finish.
How Do I Get My Laminate Floors To Shine?
To give your laminate floors a shine, you must first use a clean dust mop to wipe away any dirt on your flooring. Then you’ll need the correct laminate floor cleaning product. You can choose to use Black Diamond Stonework or another cleaning product of your preference.
Premixed and no-rinse laminate floor cleaners are ideal because they’re easy to use. Simply spray the solution on your floor and use a dry, clean mop to clean the area. Additionally, you can use laminate floor polish for extra shine.
Is Vinegar Safe For Laminate Floors?
Yes, vinegar is a safe and natural way to keep your laminate floors clean. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, so it eliminates mold growth and bacteria from your laminate floors. Simply add one cup of vinegar to a gallon of warm water.
Never use the wet mopping method to clean your laminate floors because this can cause major damage to the integrity of the flooring. Dip the mop in the solution and wring out most of the water so it’s slightly damp. Mop up any dirt or spills you may see on the surface.
How Often Should You Mop Laminate Floors?
You should only mop your laminate flooring every two months. If there are spills, simply use a dry paper towel or a microfiber cloth to wipe up the mess. You can also use a soft-bristle broom to sweep away dust.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Laminate Flooring?
You can’t sand or refinish laminate flooring. So if there are deep grooves or scratches on the surface, you won’t be able to fix these areas with sanding. That’s why it’s important to take care of your laminate flooring the correct way.
How Do You Clean Laminate Wood Floors Naturally?
Add one part vinegar to three parts water and add a dash of dish soap. Mix the solution in a spray bottle or place it in a bucket if you’re going to mop the floor. It’s advised that you don’t use a steam mop for the task. Use a damp mop to clean your laminate floors with the solution.
How Do You Make Homemade Laminate Floor Cleaner?
Take a spray bottle and add 5oz of white vinegar, 5oz of rubbing alcohol, 5oz of distilled water, and 3 to 4 drops of any fragrant essential oil. The essential oil will add a fresh smell to your laminate flooring. Shake the solution inside the spray bottle well and your natural laminate floor cleaner is ready to use.
Conclusion
Cleaning laminate flooring doesn’t have to be a difficult task. There are affordable options such as making your own floor cleaner. Or purchase a pre-mixed cleaner such as Black Diamond Stonework that can be used as a wood floor detergent or laminate cleaner.
Another aspect to remember is to avoid using the incorrect tools to clean your laminate flooring, such as steel wool, steam mops, or abrasive floor cleaners. Don’t let water sit on your laminate flooring because it can destroy the integrity of the area.
Instead, use the tips and tricks we provided in today’s article when cleaning laminate flooring. If you maintain your laminate flooring correctly, it will preserve the longevity of the finish and you’ll have a clean, shiny, and even surface for many years to come.
Do you have a specific method you use for cleaning your laminate flooring? Let us know what your process is by leaving a comment below. We’re always happy to hear from our readers.
We’ve had ours for years. I just use regular mop and bucket. Little bit of cleaner and spin it till damp. The mist and damp mop thing takes too long and just doesn’t work for me. I have Bona dust mop for quick cleaning and use vacuum for big jobs
hello, I have a small dog. He has made marks on the floor with his nail. How can I get them out? He likes to slided on the floor
I like the Quick Shine brand multisurface floor cleaner
I sued Mr Clean miracle sponge to remove some gooey sticky residue on the laminate flooring and sure enough the area now has no shine. Is there any way to “fix” that and restore the shine in that area?
I too have laminate floors and am very disappointed. The finish looks uneven, Some areas are looking like new, others are dull. I do not know why, as this is not even a traffic pattern. Bona has done NOTHING for me, not the cleaner and not the “polish”.
Some time ago I tried to even out the small downstairs hallway by applying Windex and a damp cloth. It worked 90%, but there are still areas which are much more shiny than others. I did not want to apply a finish until the floor looks even, but am not sure how to get to that point.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I don’t have laminate in a heavy duty room but in my office. TBH I have never cleaned it; just hoover in detail and wipe any spills and dry immediately. Have had it about nine years and looks immaculate.
Do not use any waxes, they do have floor dressings at home Depot for your floor. Apply evenly over entire floor and a second coat may be needed always remember thin to win . Apply with micro fiber, THEN ONLY CLEAN WITH VINEGAR AND WATER ALSO USING A MICRO FIBER.
With the coronavirus happening at the moment, I’ve been trying to search for an answer on what is the safest way to disinfect laminate floors? Could you please share your thoughts? Thank you
I used a hospital graded liquid on my laminate floors. Just type on ebay hospital grade cleaners.
Hello,
Did you manage to get the solution for disinfecting laminate from Covid19. I am moving in new property and want to disinfect before moving in. Any clues?
Only use vinegar and a micro fiber. Mix one part water one part vinegar.
Ugh, who knew having laminate wood floors would be this much work. I bought a house and noticed the floors looked dull in one area and then more shiny in others. Also noticed it looked streaked up like a dirty mop was used. Additionally where the planks come together you can see seam spaces in certain places and I wonder if the previous owners used a lot of wet mops. Yet until now, even I didn’t know that you aren’t suppose to use wet mops on these floors. In fact I thought “laminate” meant EASY! Not true. I bought a sponge mop and some Murphys oil soap and tested about a 6 by 6 area with a tiny amount of the product and water. I put a fan on to dry it faster. It’s awful, and hope I didn’t do too much damage.
They’re easy to take care of but most products will damage laminate floors. You may need to apply a couple coats of floor dressing and you can pick that up at home depot be sure to get a product for your specific floor and use a micro fiber to apply the finish. Then maintenance with one part vinegar and and part water be sure to spray on and wipe e with a fiber mop. Be sure to use a different micro fiber for cleaning then what you use when you applied the finish.
Mainly this is what I use the vinegar and water and sometimes the murphys wood cleaner then I use a rectangle swivel dust mop and spray the mop heavy with Endust wood dust mop spray and in sections going with the grain of the wood go up and back then the same way moving my dust mop over a little each time then spray mop again and repeat section by section until floors are done .. My floors are beautiful and look like they have been waxed and buffed . This is not a polish it’s just a dust mop spray . If you try this make sure you get the one for elwood floors and not the regular dusting spray for furniture . The cans look identical so read the back before you buy a can . Everyone compliments me on how much work I must do to make such beautiful floors . I never tell them different just thank them for the compliments .
Oh I love endust cleaner for furniture. Didn’t know made dust mop spray I may go look for it.
I really like what Cathy Wilson said. I’m going to try it. Not sure about the swivel mop, maybe I have one.
Great tip
I have used a solution of about 1/2 Cup Murphy’s wood soap and a cup of white vinegar. I add some boiling hot water, then use a cotton rag mop (not microfiber) – I ring the mop out VERY well and even wrap it in a thick towel to minimize the moisture. This has worked well after trying ALL the commercial brands (BONA, Swiffer, ad infinitum). I also do spot cleaning with a microfiber dust mop and Windex or other window cleaner.
Bona laminate cleaning product does nothing for my floors. Even when using very little it still makes the floor sticky for some reason. I have had two mops break on me even my brother gave me his.
I have laminate in my apartment and use a diluted solution of vinegar, rubbing alcohol (dries faster), a little squirt of Dawn, and lemon and eucalyptus essential oils so the apartment doesn’t smell like a pickle. I have the O-Cedar mop that spins the wetness out so it’s just damp, then go back over with a dry Swiffer. It makes my floors super shiny and clean feeling!
Can you give me your solution measurements.. sounds great
I’d love to have the amounts of each that you use 😁
Thus sounds fantastic! Can you share the measurements please?
Can I get the measurements for this? It sounds great. I’ve tried all kinds of things and nothing works. Thanks
I have dark laminate floors. I have tried bona, swiffer and vinegar and water. After completing each the footprints and shoe prints still show. It is like it’s a greasy finish. Please help me.
I have tried every cleaner uou can buy an tried just plain hot water and after all dry there is immediate foot prints I need help I have tried vinegar and water as well with rubbing alcohol also I feel spray mopping makes my floors look even worse like I haven’t cleaned in years and also does no get all the dirt well
How much vinegar, how much alcohol, how much dawn? please. Thanks.
What are the measurements please?
I’m a renter and used a sponge with a scratchy side on our floor–they were super stained. Now they aren’t stained but they are dull in the spots I used it in. CRAP!
1. don’t want to lose my damage deposit and
2. I’d like the shine back! Any ideas?
I have new laminate floors. Is Bona for laminate hood to use with a micro fiber mop?
I used dawn dishwashing liquid on my laminate floor. Big Mistake! Now floor is dull and streaked. Big floor, lots of work for nothing.
Made the same mistake. How did you fix it? I’ve tried the vinegar and water with no luck
It takes multiple cleanings and buffing with vinegar and water to remove the film left behind by dish soap. A single mopping won’t work, either do it by hand washing and drying/buffing as you go or continue to mop several times changing the mop head often. Do NOT use bleach, other detergents or most commercial cleaners. Definitely do not use any polish type products they will cause streaks and a cloudy finish.
Can I use a steam mop on laminate flooring?
NEVER! EVER!
It’s not recommended, the heat and water can delaminate the finish
Can I use the aircraft glider washer and steamer on my lament floor
No don’t do it. Though steam mop good for tile. Not sure which brand is worth buying do you or anyone on here know of a good steam mop?
Is it okay to use Swiffer sweeper wet cloths on LVP?
Merry Christmas to all!
My question is: I believe I have Laminate flooring, it is a light brown shade or maybe a bamboo look. It looks like it has millions of pores, like black heads.. how do you clean it? I have gotten on my knees and scrubbed.. but most of my house has the flooring, and I got tired of scrubbing.
Also the flooring seems very giving. I mean that if I drop a book (example) it leaves a dent. I have thousands of these dents and even some holes.
Can someone please give me some advice on the maintenance of the flooring? I hope everyone has a Blessed Merry Christmas and New Year!
Thank you,
Rena
The best way I have found is using Orange Glo Wood Floor Cleaner. Use a damp (Not wet) sponge mop, apply the cleaner to the mop head and mop in the direction of the grain. Do small sections (6×6) and rinse the mop often.
Our floor has spots on it that will not come out when we clean it with the Bona for laminate floors. Hoping you have some ideas about what to do. We bought our house two years ago and think they might have been there then, and we have a dog and it might be her drooling. WDYT?
Thanks!
Judy
The warnings given here are what everyone should take care of while cleaning laminate flooring. I already knew few of them, but the others will be helpful for me.
As a laminate flooring installer, I learned many good tips here.
Thanks for your time and knowledge put into this post.
Regards.