In the era of DIYing and home improvement, it’s important to know what materials and products are safe to use on specific surfaces around the home or office. In today’s article, I will tackle one of the most asked questions about cleaning laminate floors which is – can you use acetone on laminate floors?
You can use acetone to remove dull film, oil or grease stains, and color or ink stains from your laminate floors once the acetone is diluted correctly and applied using the right methods.
Two things stand out from what I just said about using acetone to clean laminate floors, the first being that you must dilute the acetone, and secondly, you must use the right method to apply it.
I will explain each of these two points in more detail below so that by the end of this article, you will know everything there is to know about using acetone to clean your laminate floors.
What Is Acetone?
If you’re here asking about using acetone on laminate floors, then I’m sure you already know what acetone is, but for the sake of those who don’t – acetone is a colorless liquid, and you can find it in most nail polish removers. Unfortunately, it’s also a volatile solvent, which means it evaporates quickly.
Acetone is great for cleaning because it easily dissolves dirt, grease, and grime. However, because it’s such a powerful solvent, you have to be careful when using it so that you don’t damage the surface you’re trying to clean.
Now that we know what acetone is and how it can be used for cleaning let’s move on to the benefits of using acetone on laminate floors.
The Pros Of Using Acetone On Laminate Floors
You stand to gain many things when you use acetone on your laminate floors, especially if you know what you’re doing. Some of the benefits of using acetone on laminate floors include:
1. Acetone Dissolves Oil And Grease Build Up On Laminate Floor
If you’re looking for an effective way to degrease your laminate floors, then acetone is your best bet.
Acetone will quickly dissolve any oil or grease build-up on your laminate floors, leaving them looking clean and new.
Whether it’s an old oil, grease stain, or a new one, acetone will quickly eliminate it without damaging your laminate floors.
Make sure you use diluted acetone and the right application method, which I will discuss later in this article.
2. Removes Tough Stains And Dirt Build Up
One of the most common problems with laminate floors is that they tend to get dirty quickly and are also difficult to clean. Most cleaners don’t effectively remove tough stains and dirt build-up from laminate floors.
Acetone, on the other hand, is an exception. It’s a powerful solvent that can quickly remove tough stains and dirt build-up from laminate floors without damaging them.
So, if you’re looking for an effective way to clean your laminate floors, acetone is the way to go.
3. Acetone Can Remove Dull Film From Your Laminate Floor
If you’ve had your laminate floors for a while, then you’ve probably noticed that they start to look dull and lackluster. This is because of the dirt, dust, and grime on your floors.
Acetone can help remove this dull film from your laminate floors and restore their shine and luster.
All you need to do is dilute the acetone into a spray bottle, spray it on your dull laminate floor and then wipe it away with a clean microfiber cloth or a microfiber flathead mop.
You’ll be amazed at how much brighter and shinier your floors will look after using acetone.
4. Acetone Can Be Used To Clean Color And Ink Stains From Laminate Floors
Acetone is your friend on laminate floors for all your color, ink, coffee, curry stains, and more.
You can use a diluted acetone solution to remove any color stain you may have on your laminate floors. Make sure to do a patch test first in an inconspicuous spot, and always use acetone in a well-ventilated area.
To remove the stain, soak a clean white cloth in an acetone solution and lay it over the top of the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot the area with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
Mix 1-3 parts of water with one part of acetone for coffee stains and apply it to the stain with a clean white cloth. Blot the area until the stain is lifted. You may need to repeat this process a few times for stubborn stains.
Curry and other food stains can be removed by making a paste of acetone and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes.
Scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush, and then wipe away the residue with a damp cloth. Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
5. Acetone Evaporates Quickly
Unlike other cleaners, acetone evaporates quickly so that it won’t leave any residue. It also means that you can get your laminate floors crystal clean with just one cleaning session.
Acetone will not linger on your laminate floors and evaporate as soon as it comes in contact with the air. This makes it a very effective and efficient cleaner for laminate floors as it will be exposed to very little moisture when cleaning.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to clean your laminate floors, then acetone is the way to go.
Make sure you use diluted acetone and the right application method, which I will discuss later in this article.
6. Acetone Is An Effective All-Purpose Cleaner For Laminate Floors
You can use acetone to clean up spills, remove stains, and polish your laminate floors.
Acetone is a strong solvent that will quickly break down dirt, grime, and grease. It’s also effective at removing adhesive residue. So anything from stickers, gum, and tar can be removed with acetone.
Be sure to dilute the acetone with water before using it on your laminate floors.
And always test a small area first to ensure the acetone doesn’t damage the finish on your floors.
Acetone is a great option if you’re looking for an all-purpose cleaner for your laminate floors.
7. Acetone Is Relatively Inexpensive
You can find acetone at most hardware stores, and it’s relatively inexpensive. In addition, a small bottle will last a long time since you only need to use a little bit diluted with water.
So you can give your laminate floors premium care without breaking the bank.
Acetone is a great option if you’re looking for an effective and inexpensive way to clean your laminate floors.
The Cons Of Using Acetone On Laminate Floor
Now that we have looked at the pros of using acetone on laminate floors let’s look at the cons.
You should keep a few things in mind before using acetone on your laminate floors.
1. Acetone Can Strip The Finish On Your Laminate Floors
You can strip the finish on your laminate floors if you use undiluted acetone or the wrong application method.
This will leave your floors looking dull and faded and make them more susceptible to scratches and scuffs.
So it’s important that you use diluted acetone and the right application method, which I will talk about later in this article.
2. Acetone Has A Strong Smell
Acetone has a strong chemical smell that can be overpowering. So it’s important to use it in a well-ventilated area and open windows and doors if possible.
You should also avoid using acetone if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions. In addition, if you’re sensitive to strong smells, acetone may not be the best option for you.
3. Acetone Can Sometimes Evaporate Too Quickly
As I mentioned before, acetone evaporates quickly. This is generally a good thing, but it can sometimes be a problem.
If you’re using acetone to clean up a spill, you need to work quickly as the acetone will start to evaporate and could leave behind a sticky residue.
So if you use acetone to clean up a spill, be sure to have everything you need ready before you start.
4. Acetone Is Flammable
Acetone is a flammable solvent, so you must be careful when using it. Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area and keep acetone away from heat and flames.
You should also avoid smoking or using any other type of open flame while using acetone.
Although most of these downsides may seem alarming, as long as you use acetone properly, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Just be sure to use diluted acetone and the right application method, and you’ll be able to clean your laminate floors without any damage.
The Right Way To Dilute And Use Acetone On Laminate Floors
Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons of using acetone on laminate floors let’s talk about the right way to dilute and use it.
As I mentioned, you need to dilute acetone with water before using it on your laminate floors.
The ratio of acetone to water will depend on how dirty your floors are and what you’re trying to remove.
For general cleaning, a 1:4 ratio of acetone to water should be sufficient.
If you’re trying to remove something stubborn like grease or adhesive residue, you may need to use a higher concentration of acetone to water – in which case 1:1 will suffice.
You can apply the diluted acetone solution to your laminate floors with a microfiber flathead mop or a microfiber cloth.
If you’re using a sponge mop or microfiber cloth, be sure to wring it out well, so it’s not too wet. You don’t want to soak your floors with the acetone solution.
Once you’ve applied the solution to your floors, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it up with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
You may need to use a little elbow grease to remove stubborn stains, but the acetone solution generally does most of the work for you.
Once you’re finished cleaning, rinse your floors with clean water to remove any residue.
And that’s it! You should now have clean, streak-free laminate floors.
Just remember to use diluted acetone and the right application method, and you’ll be able to clean your laminate floors without any damage.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped clarify the topic of using acetone on laminate floors.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to using acetone, but as long as you take the necessary precautions, acetone can be a safe and effective cleaning solution for your laminate floors.
Thanks for sticking around till the end of this article. Until next time!
