Baking soda is one of the most versatile household cleaning products. It can be used to clean everything from carpets to drains. But can you use baking soda on laminate floors?
The short answer is Yes! once you thoroughly mix the baking soda with warm water in a spray bottle, you should be able to spray a fine mist of the baking soda solution on your laminate floors and wipe it away with a clean cloth.
The long answer is a little more complicated. Baking soda is a mildly abrasive substance. This means that it can also cause certain issues if it’s not used correctly. So stick around as I bring you all the information you need to know about using baking soda on laminate floors.
What’s In A Baking Soda?
Baking soda is technically known as sodium bicarbonate. It’s a white powder that is made up of small crystals. Baking soda has a wide variety of uses in the kitchen and around the house.
When it comes to cleaning, baking soda is a mild abrasive. This means that it can help to remove dirt and grime from surfaces. It’s also a great deodorizer, which is why it’s often used in refrigerators.
Baking soda is a natural product, and it’s relatively inexpensive. This makes it a popular choice for many people who are looking for green cleaning solutions.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Baking Soda On Laminate Floors?
There are a lot of good things that come with using baking soda on laminate floors. Here are a few of the most profound benefits:
1. You Can Use Baking Soda To Safely Deep Clean Laminate Floors
One of the primary benefits of using baking soda on laminate floors is that it can help you to deep clean your floors.
Cleaning laminate floors is pretty simple. All you do is use warm water to mop your laminate floors. However, when it comes to deep cleaning tough stains or built-up dirt, you need something a little more powerful that’s at the same time not harsh.
Baking soda is a mild abrasive, which means that it will scrub away dirt and grime. It’s also great at removing stains. If you have any tough spots on your laminate floors, baking soda can help to break them down and lift them away.
Baking soda is the perfect solution for this. When mixed with warm water, it can help to break down tough stains and lift dirt from your laminate floors.
Plus, baking soda is a natural product. This means that it’s safe to use around children and pets. So no need to completely evacuate everyone from your house when you’re cleaning!
2. Baking Soda Can Disinfect Laminate Floors
Many years ago, scientists discovered that baking soda has the ability to kill bacteria. In fact, it’s so effective that it’s often used as a natural disinfectant.
When you use baking soda on laminate floors, you can rest assured knowing that you’re disinfecting your floors at the same time. This is especially important if you have young children or pets who are prone to making messes.
Although baking soda has antibacterial properties, it is important to know that baking soda does not kill germs due to its low pH level.
3. Baking Soda Also Removes Mold From Laminate Floors
Baking soda also contains properties that make it effective at removing mold. If you have laminate floors that are starting to develop mold, then using a baking soda solution can help to get rid of the problem.
It’s important to note that you should only use baking soda on mold if the mold is still in its early stages. Once mold has taken hold of a surface, it can be very difficult to remove.
If you’re not sure whether or not your laminate floors have mold, then it’s always best to consult with a professional.
But all in all, baking soda is an effective way of removing mold and mildew even If you live in an area with high humidity–this can be a lifesaver!
4. Baking Soda Is A Natural Deodorizer For Laminate Floors
One of the best natural deodorizers you can use for your laminate floors is baking soda. This is because baking soda has the ability to absorb odors.
If you have laminate floors that are starting to develop an unpleasant smell resulting from food, pet, or cigarette odors, then using baking soda can help to freshen them up.
To use baking soda as a natural deodorizer for your laminate floors, simply sprinkle some baking soda on the floor and let it sit for a few hours. Then, vacuum it up.
You can also wipe your laminate floors with a baking soda solution to kill any odor-causing bacteria. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference this makes!
The best part is no matter how long you have had the smell on your laminate floors, using baking soda will always be able to help.
5. Baking Soda Is An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Baking soda is a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional cleaning products. This is because baking soda is non-toxic and biodegradable.
When you use baking soda on laminate floors, you can be sure that you’re not harming the environment in any way. Plus, it’s always nice to know that you’re using a natural product in your home.
6. Baking Soda Is Inexpensive
Last but not least, baking soda is an inexpensive way to clean your laminate floors. In fact, a single box of baking soda can last you a long time.
So if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to keep your laminate floors clean and fresh, then using baking soda is definitely the way to go!
What Are The Risks Of Using Baking Soda On Laminate Floors?
Now that we’ve gone over all of the benefits of using baking soda on laminate floors, it’s time to address the potential risks.
1. Baking Soda Can Scratch Laminate Floors
The first thing you need to know is that baking soda is abrasive. This means that if you use too much or do not mix it properly, you could end up scratching your laminate floors.
To avoid this, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush when scrubbing your laminate floors with baking soda. You should also only use a small amount of baking soda and make sure that it is fully dissolved before using it.
What I typically do is use warm water when making baking soda solutions for cleaning my laminate floors. This helps to dissolve the baking soda more quickly and also prevents any scratching.
If you’re still worried about damaging your laminate floors, then you can always test a small area before cleaning the entire laminate floor. Another option is to use white vinegar instead of baking soda, as it is less likely to scratch.
2. Baking Soda Can dull The Finish On Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are often finished with a glossy coating that helps to protect the floor and give it a shiny appearance.
If you use very high concentrations of baking soda solution or use baking soda too frequently, you can dull the finish on your laminate floors.
I have also seen people mix baking soda with essential oils to create a natural cleaning solution. While this does smell nice, it can also dull the finish on laminate floors or make them sticky or tacky.
To avoid this, be sure to use a well-diluted solution of baking soda and only use it occasionally–maybe once every few months at most.
How Do You Clean Laminate Floors With Baking Soda?
As you can see, there is a right way of using baking soda on laminate floors, and then there is a wrong way. As you just saw, using baking soda the wrong way can lead to some pretty serious problems.
To avoid damaging your laminate floors, be sure to use the following steps when using baking soda:
Step One:
- Vacuum your laminate floors to remove any dirt or debris.
- You can also use a broom or dust mop to do this if you do not have a vacuum cleaner.
Step Two:
- Mix a small amount of baking soda with warm water in a bucket.
- You want to use enough baking soda so that it is fully dissolved–I typically use about ¼ cup per gallon of water.
- If you’re using essential oils, add them now as well but not too much
- 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils will suffice.
Step Three:
- Fill up your spray bottle with the baking soda solution.
- If you have one of those modern mops with a dispenser, you can as well pour the solution into that.
- Otherwise, a flat head mop with microfiber pads will work.
Step Four:
- Spray the solution onto the laminate floors and then mop it up.
- Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush or mop head to avoid scratching the floors.
- You may need to go over the floor more than once to remove tough stains.
Step Five:
- Rinse the laminate floors with a clean microfiber cloth or lint-free towel dampened with water.
- Use a damp mop or cloth to remove any residue left behind by the baking soda solution.
Step Six:
- Dry the laminate floors with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or lint-free towel.
- You can also use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
- Just be sure that the laminate floors are completely dry before walking on them or replacing furniture.
As long as you follow these steps, you should have no problem using baking soda to clean your laminate floors. Just be sure to use it sparingly and always dilute it properly to avoid damaging your floors.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! These are just some of the reasons why baking soda is such an effective cleaning agent for laminate floors.
If you’re looking for a safe and natural way to clean your floors, then baking soda is definitely the way to go! Just be sure to use it properly to avoid damaging your floors.
Do you have any tips or tricks for cleaning laminate floors? If so, please share them in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
FAQs
Q: Can I use baking soda to clean my laminate floors every day?
A: No, you should not use baking soda to clean your laminate floors every day. Doing so can dull the finish and damage the floor. Baking soda should only be used occasionally–maybe once every few months at most.
Q: Can I mix baking soda with essential oils to create a natural cleaning solution?
A: Yes, you can mix baking soda with essential oils to create a natural cleaning solution. However, doing so can dull the finish on laminate floors or make them sticky or tacky. It is best to use a well-diluted solution of baking soda and only use it occasionally–maybe once every few months at most.
Q: What is the best way to clean my laminate floors?
A: The best way to clean your laminate floors is to vacuum them regularly and mop them with a solution specifically made for laminate floors. You should avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners as they can damage the floor.