Like any other surface in your home, your laminate flooring needs to be cleaned regularly. But what should you use to clean it? This article will explore some of the most effective things you can use to clean your laminate floors.
Here’s a summary of what you can use to clean laminate floors;
- Specially Formulated Laminate Cleaners
- Use Vacuum Cleaner With Hardfloor Attachment
- Use Microfiber Cloth For Dusting
- Use A Flathead Microfiber Mop
- DIY Laminate Floor Cleaner
- Use Damp Mop In Distilled Water
- Wet Wipes
- Roomba
Continue reading to learn the details about the things mentioned above you should not clean laminate flooring with.
1. Specially Formulated Laminate Cleaners
If you want your laminate floor to remain pristine, you should use a specially formulated laminate cleaner. These cleaners are designed specifically for cleaning laminate floors and will not damage the flooring or leave behind any streaks.
You want to go for laminate cleaners that come in a spray bottle so that you do not make your laminate floors too wet – which can lead to the laminate floor surface looking dull.
Make sure you read the instructions on the laminate cleaner bottle before using it. Some cleaners require you to dilute them with water, while others can be used full-strength.
Also, always test the laminate cleaner in an inconspicuous spot before applying it to the entire floor. This will ensure that the cleaner does not damage or discolor your laminate flooring.
One of my personal go-to laminate floor cleaners is the Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner. Most of these laminate floor cleaners in online stores like Amazon. They are also available in your home centers and flooring stores.
2. Use Vacuum Cleaner With Hardfloor Attachment
Another important thing you should use to clean your laminate floors is a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor attachment.
You want to avoid using a vacuum cleaner that has a beater bar or rotating brush head because these can scratch or damage your laminate floors. Instead, the best type of vacuum for laminate floors is one that has suction only – like the Dyson V11 Absolute.
You can also use a regular sweeping brush to clean your laminate floors but you have to make sure that the bristles are soft so that they will not scratch the floor surface.
You should also avoid using a steam mop on your laminate floors as the heat can damage the laminate flooring.
Cleaning your laminate floors with a vacuum cleaner is one of the best ways to remove all the dirt, dust, and pet hair from the floor.
Just make sure you use the right attachment and not too much pressure when vacuuming the floor. You can find vacuum cleaners with hard floor attachments in most home stores or online retailers.
When vacuuming your laminate floors, go over each section multiple times to ensure that all the dirt and dust are removed from the floor.
3. Use Microfiber Cloth For Dusting
Another great way to clean your laminate floors is by using a microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths are effective at trapping dirt, dust, and pet hair – making them perfect for cleaning laminate floors.
Microfiber cloths are great for picking up even the smallest dirt and dust particles without scratching the laminate floor surface.
Microfiber cloths are not abrasive, so you do not have to worry about them scratching your laminate floors. You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust you may have missed with the sweeping broom or vacuum cleaner.
You can use a dry microfiber cloth to dust your laminate floors or you can use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the floor surface. If you are using a damp microfiber cloth, make sure that the cloth is not too wet, as this can damage the laminate flooring.
When using a microfiber cloth to clean your laminate floors, go over each section multiple times to ensure that all the dirt and dust are removed from the floor. You can find microfiber clothes in most home stores or online retailers.
Cleaning your laminate floors with a microfiber cloth is a quick and easy way to remove all the dirt, dust, and pet hair from the floor.
4. Use A Flathead Microfiber Mop
To avoid damaging your laminate floors, it’s important to use the right cleaning supplies and techniques. One of the best ways to clean laminate floors is with a flathead microfiber mop.
The flathead microfiber mops are designed to keep moisture out, which will help protect your floors from warping or swelling. When used with a spray laminate floor cleaner, you should be able to clean your floors without leaving behind any streaks thoroughly.
Not only that, but the flathead microfiber mops are also great at picking up dirt, dust, and hair. So if you have pets or children, a flathead microfiber mop should be your go-to choice for cleaning your laminate floors.
To use a flathead microfiber mop, start spraying your laminate floor cleaner onto the floor. Then, use long, sweeping motions to mop the cleaner into the floor – along the grains of the laminate floor. Be sure to work in small sections to don’t miss any spots.
Once you’ve gone over the entire floor, follow up with a dry microfiber mop or use a clean, dry towel to remove any excess moisture and allow it to air dry. You can find one of my favorite flathead microfiber mops here on Amazon if you’re interested. It’s not only a flathead mop, but it also has a spray feature that allows you to spritz a fine mist of cleaning solution onto your laminate or hardwood floors as you clean.
5. DIY Laminate Floor Cleaner
If you’re looking for a more natural way to clean your laminate floors, you can make your own DIY laminate floor cleaner. This homemade laminate floor cleaner is made with ingredients safe for both humans and pets.
To make this DIY laminate floor cleaner, start by mixing 2 cups of warm water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/8 cup of rubbing alcohol, and 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil into a spray bottle.
The ingredients in this laminate floor cleaner will clean and disinfect your floors without leaving behind any streaks. The rubbing alcohol in the mixture apart from disinfecting your laminate floor surface will also allow your floors to dry quickly after cleaning.
To use this DIY laminate floor cleaner, start by spraying the solution onto your laminate floors. Then, use a microfiber cloth or mop to wipe the cleaner into the floor. Be sure to work in small sections to don’t miss any spots.
Once you’ve gone over the entire floor, follow up with a dry microfiber cloth or use a clean, dry lint-free towel to remove any excess moisture and allow it to air dry.
6. Use Damp Mop In Distilled Water
If you want to use water to clean your laminate floors, it’s best to use distilled water. The distilled water doesn’t contain any minerals or chemicals that could potentially damage your laminate floors.
To use a damp mop in distilled water, start by filling up a spray bottle with distilled water and add 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol. This is also a very effective way to clean your laminate floors and will help disinfect the surface.
Next, spray your laminate floors with the solution, and then use a mop or cloth to wipe the cleaner into the floor.
After going over the entire floor, follow up with a dry microfiber cloth or a clean, dry lint-free towel to eliminate any excess moisture and allow it to air dry.
7. Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are another great way to clean your laminate floors. They’re quick and easy to use, and they’ll pick up any dirt, dust, or spills that may have happened. Wipes are a great way to clean small stains or spills on your laminate floors.
To use wet wipes on your laminate floors, choose a designed wipe for hard surfaces. Then, wipe the laminate floor in a circular motion until the stain, dirt, dust, or spill has been removed.
After cleaning the area, please dispose of the dirty wipe in the garbage and never reuse them.
8. Roomba
If you’re looking for a hands-off way to clean your laminate floors, consider using a Roomba. A Roomba is a robotic vacuum cleaner that will automatically clean your floors.
Roombas are great because they can reach difficult places to reach with a traditional vacuum cleaner. They’re also great for people with allergies because they can help reduce the amount of dust and pollen in your home.
While some cheap knock-off Roomba can scratch your laminate floors, make sure to get one that is made specifically for hardwood and laminate floors. You can check out the iRobot Roomba i7+ as it is great for both hardwood and laminate floors.
If you have a large home, you may want to consider getting more than one Roomba so that they can clean your floors more quickly.
Set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions and press the “clean” button to use a Roomba on your laminate floors. The Roomba will do the rest!
When the Roomba is finished cleaning, empty the dustbin and replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What Not To Use On Laminate Flooring
There are many things you do not know what to use on your laminate flooring. These things can potentially damage your laminate floors and leave them looking dull and lifeless. Here’s a list of things you should avoid using on your laminate floors:
- Vinegar
- Wax and Polishes
- Steam cleaners
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Disinfectant wipes (Lysol, Clorox, etc.)
- Any cleaner with grit or abrasives
- Furniture polish
- Oil soap
- Vacuum Cleaner With A Beater Bar
To learn the details about the above-mentioned things you should not use on laminate flooring, you can check out this earlier article I wrote about 14 Things You Should Never Use to Clean Laminate Floors.
Tips For Cleaning Laminate Flooring
Before you buy a laminate floor cleaner, it’s important to understand how to clean laminate floors properly. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your laminate floors looking shiny and new:
- Start by sweeping or vacuuming your laminate floors regularly. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could potentially scratch or damage your floors.
- When cleaning your laminate floors, always use a specifically designed cleaner for laminate floors. This will help ensure that your floors don’t get damaged during the cleaning process.
- Be sure to avoid using any cleaners that contain wax or polish, as these can damage your laminate floors.
- Never use a steam cleaner on your laminate floors as the steam can potentially damage the flooring.
- Instead of a sponge mop, use a microfiber cloth or mop to clean your laminate floors. Sponge mops can oftentimes push dirt and debris into the cracks and crevices of your floor, which can be difficult to clean.
- When cleaning your laminate floors, avoid using too much water. Too much water can damage the flooring and cause it to swell or warp.
- If you have any stubborn stains on your laminate floors, you can try cleaning them with equal parts distilled water and vinegar. Then, apply the solution to the stain and use a microfiber cloth or mop to clean it.
- Once you’ve cleaned your laminate floors, dry them with a clean, dry towel. This will help prevent any water damage and keep your floors looking shiny and new.
- Cleaning laminate floors is quick, easy, and will help keep your floors looking new. Follow the above tips and avoid using any cleaners that could potentially damage your laminate floors.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a lot of things you should avoid using on your laminate floors. These cleaners and tools can potentially damage your floors.
You should be very careful about what you use on your laminate flooring because when they get damaged, you will have to replace the whole plank as repairs and refinish are not possible.
I hope this article was helpful and that you will share it with your friends and family to help them keep their laminate floors looking new. Thanks for reading!
FAQs
Q: How do I clean my laminate floors?
A: You can clean your laminate floors by sweeping or vacuuming them regularly. Be sure to use a cleaner specifically designed for laminate floors and avoid using any cleaners containing wax, polish, or steam.
Q: Can I use vinegar to clean my laminate floors?
A: You can use vinegar to clean your laminate floors by mixing them with distilled water and applying them too stubborn stains. Be sure to scrub the stain with a microfiber cloth or mop and then dry the area with a clean, dry towel.
Q: How do I avoid damaging my laminate floors?
A: You can avoid damaging your laminate floors by following the above tips and avoiding any cleaners or tools that could potentially damage them. Be sure to use a cleaner specifically designed for laminate floors and use a microfiber cloth or mop to clean them instead of a sponge mop. Also, avoid using too much water when cleaning your laminate floors as this can damage them.
Q: Can I refinish my laminate floors?
A: No, you cannot refinish your laminate floors. Once they become damaged, you will have to replace the whole plank. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to be careful about what you use on your laminate floors.
Q: Do I need to seal my laminate floors?
A: No, you do not need to seal your laminate floors. They are sealed during the manufacturing process and do not require any additional sealing.
Q: How often should I clean my laminate floors?
A: You should sweep or vacuum your laminate floors regularly and clean them with a laminate floor cleaner whenever they become dirty. Be sure to avoid using any cleaners that contain wax, polish, or steam as these can damage your floors.