I noticed that my laminate floor was looking a little cloudy. What do I mean by cloudy? Well, it looks like there is a haze on the floor and the laminate floor is not as shiny as it used to be.
I was not sure if this was something that could be fixed or if I needed to replace the floor. So, I did some research, and here is what I found out.
It turns out that there are a few reasons why the laminate floor might be looking cloudy. One reason could be because of the cleaners that you are using. If you are using a too harsh cleaner, it can dull the finish of your laminate floor and make it look cloudy.
There are a lot more reasons I uncovered in my research, so in the rest of this article, I’m going to tell you more about the things that cause cloudy laminate floors to become cloudy and what you can do to fix the problem. Stay tuned for more!
Reasons Laminate Floor Could Be Cloudy
If you have a laminate floor that looks cloudy, it could be because of one or a combination of the following reasons:
1. Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners
There are a lot of cleaners on the market that are advertised as being super effective at cleaning laminate floors. And while some (really just a few) might be effective, some of them can actually damage your laminate floor in the process.
Here’s a summary of cleaners that might be considered harsh for laminate floors;
- Pine Cleaners
- Lemon Cleaners
- Oil Soaps
- Using Bleach
- Using Ammonia-Based Cleaners
- Using Fabric Softeners to wash your mops
Many of those so-called laminate floor cleaners contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach that can strip the protective coating of your floor.
Once that happens, your floor is more susceptible to scratches, dents, and other types of damage. Not to mention, it will also make your laminate floor look dull and cloudy.
So if you’ve been using a harsh chemical cleaner on your laminate floor and you’ve noticed that it’s looking cloudy, you first should switch to a gentler cleaner. You can find some of the best laminate floor cleaners here on Amazon!
2. Not Cleaning Your Laminate Floors Regularly
The second reason your laminate floor might be looking cloudy is that you’re not cleaning it regularly enough.
I know no one likes to clean their floors daily (or even weekly). But if you want your laminate floor to look shiny and new, you need to sweep and mop it regularly.
If you have a laminate floor that sees a lot of use (like in a kitchen or bathroom), you might even need to clean it multiple times a day. Also, areas such as doorways or high-traffic areas might require more frequent cleaning than other areas of your home.
But no matter how often you need to clean your laminate floor, the most important thing is that you’re consistent with it.
Cleaning your laminate floor regularly will not only keep it looking shiny and new, but it will also help protect it from scratches, dents, and other types of damage.
3. There Is Built Up Residue On The Laminate Floor
Whenever you clean your laminate floors, and you do not wipe off the cleaner completely, there is a chance that some of the cleaner will remain on the floor.
Over time, this can build up and create a residue on your laminate floor. This residue can make your laminate floor look dull and cloudy. It can also attract dirt and dust, which will make your laminate floor look even dirtier.
This can still happen if you’re even using the best of the best laminate floor cleaners.
So you want to spend some extra minutes making sure that you’ve wiped off all of the cleaner residues before you move on.
You can use a clean microfiber cloth or flat head mop made of microfibre to wipe off the cleaner.
Or, if you’re having trouble getting all of the cleaners up, you can spritz or spray a little bit of distilled water over the cleaned laminate floor surface to help remove the residue.
Once you’ve removed the residue, you should notice that your laminate floor looks shiny and new again.
4. Using Mops Or Rags That Are Too Wet
If there is one thing that most laminate floor manufacturers will tell you, it’s that you should never use a mop or rag that is too wet on your laminate floor.
Mops and rags that are too wet can actually damage your laminate floor. The water can seep into the seams of the laminate and cause the boards to swell. This can lead to cracks, warping, and even mold growth.
Not to mention, using a mop or rag that is too wet can also leave behind water spots and streaks. This can make your laminate floor look hazy, cloudy, and dirty.
So if you’re going to use a mop or rag on your laminate floor, make sure it’s not too wet. You should also avoid using any kind of steam cleaner on your laminate floor as well.
The best way to clean your laminate floor is with a damp mop or rag. You can also use a microfiber flat head mop for an even deeper clean.
Just ensure that you’re not using too much water and that you’re wiping up any excess water before moving on.
5. The Floor Is Scratched Or Scuffed
My first encounter with a laminate floor was in my friend’s house, and I will never forget how nice it looked.
It had a high shine and looked almost like a glass. But then I noticed something, there were scratches all over the place! And not just small scratches, but big ones too!
The parts of the laminate floors that had the scratches gradually became dull, cloudy, and hazy, and I remember thinking to myself – what a mess and how it happened!
But it turns out the scratches were not from wear and tear. They were actually from her dog’s nails!
If you have a pet, then you know that their nails can do a number on your laminate floors. Also, wearing shoes inside the house can also cause scratches. You will be tracking into your house dirt and dust particles that can also scratch up your laminate floor.
And even if you don’t have a pet, your laminate floors can still get scratched or scuffed from everyday use.
So if you notice that your laminate floor is starting to look dull, cloudy, and hazy in spots, it might be because of scratches or scuffs.
The worst part is that those scuffs become fissures through which water and moisture can seep into the underlying wood, causing the boards to swell and warp.
That’s why it’s important to take care of your laminate floors and to avoid scratching or scuffing them.
You can do this by placing mats at all your home entrances. You should also place rugs in high-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
And if you have pets, trim their nails regularly and keep them away from the laminate floors as much as possible.
Taking these precautions can help avoid scratches and scuffs on your laminate floors and keep them looking shiny and new for years to come.
How To Remove Cloudiness Or Hazing From Laminate Floors
If your laminate floors are looking dull, cloudy, and hazy, there are a few things you can do to remove the cloudiness and restore their shine. Here are a few tips:
Using Cleaners Made For Laminate Floors
One of your best alternatives to fixing cloudiness or having on your laminate floors is to use cleaners that are made specifically for laminate floors.
These cleaners are designed to clean and polish your laminate floors without damaging them.
There are a number of different brands and types of cleaners you can choose from, so be sure to read the labels carefully before making your purchase.
You can find these cleaners at most home improvement stores or online. Our go-to laminate floor cleaner is the Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner, designed for hardwood and laminate floors.
But no matter which cleaner you choose, always follow the instructions on the label to avoid damaging your laminate floors.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you to understand why your laminate floors might be looking dull, cloudy, and hazy.
Following the tips and advice in this article, you can help keep your laminate floors looking shiny and new for years to come.
