Laminate flooring products are a stylish, budget-friendly alternative to hardwood, but dirt and debris thwarts its shine and durability. Sure, these floors are tough and stain resistant, but they're also susceptible to scratches and water damage (even from high humidity levels).
Cleaning them properly is important not only to their longevity, but to their overall appearance. Try to sweep them several times a week to prevent grit from scratching the surface. Depending on your household, a damp mop cleaning should be sufficient once a week, and deeper cleaning only every couple of months.
Advice From Flooring Experts
- Don't Use Large Amounts of Water: "Just like wood, laminate flooring requires a mindful approach relative to water," explained Stacey Gustafson, Bona Cleaning and Flooring Expert. "Even 'waterproof' laminate floors should be handled with care as too much water can seep into the seams of the laminate, causing it to lift, swell or warp, and necessitate replacement if the damage is significant."
- Don't Use Harsh Cleaning Products: Bleach, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners can strip the protective coating and dull the surface. "Opt for a floor cleaner with a water-based, pH-neutral formula designed specifically for hard-surface floors," advised Gustafson.
- Don't Use Abrasive Scrubbers: Steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff mopping cloths are abrasive tools that can scratch the floor. If something is stuck to the surface, try using an old credit card or a plastic putty knife to dislodge it.
- Don't Use a Steam Cleaner: The heat from steam mops and steam cleaners can damage the laminate finish and loosen the adhesive from the core layer.
You'll Need
- Microfiber mop or soft-bristle broom
- Laminate floor cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Dry, lint-free cloths or towels
- Soft sponge and plastic scraper (optional for spot cleaning, or for when your kid leaves chewing gum on the floor)
Bona sent our team one of its safe-saving spray mops to test; its microfiber pad is absorbent, easy to maneuver, and can be washed 500x!
1. Dust or Sweep Daily
- Use a dust mop head, soft-bristled broom, or robotic vacuum to remove dust and loose debris. "Avoid brooms with stiff bristles and vacuums with beater bars and wheels, which can scratch and ding your laminate floor when cleaning," noted Gustafson.
- Work in the direction of the floorboards to collect dirt from seams and edges of the floor surface.
2. Light Clean with a Spray Mop Weekly
- Spray a laminate-safe cleaner directly onto the microfiber mop head or floor in small sections. Don't spray the entire floor at once because it dries fast.
- Mop using gentle, sweeping motions. Make sure the pad is just damp, not soaking wet.
- Dry the floor after mopping. Use a soft cloth or a dry dust mop to remove excess moisture. Let it air dry completely.
3. Tackle Stubborn Spots When You See Them Happen
- For sticky spills, use a damp sponge or microfiber cloth with a bit of cleaner or mild dish soap.
- Avoid scrubbing too hard, this shouldn't require elbow grease. Instead, let the cleaner sit on stubborn dirt or tough stains for a minute before wiping in a circular motion.
- Remove sticky residue or scuffs from shoes with a small amount of baking soda paste and a damp cloth.
- If the surface is oil-based, you can tackle stubborn stains with a bit of nail polish remover or acetone. Quickly wipe the area with a water dampened clean cloth as these harsh chemicals can damage the protective sealant if left to dry.
4. Deep Clean, But Do it Less Often
- Limit deep cleaning to every 2–3 months to preserve the floor’s finish.
- Clean out dirt from the groove between boards with a plastic knife and dry microfiber towels. Gunk between laminate tiles may lift out easier if frozen first, put an ice cube in a plastic bag to chill and solidify sticky substances.
- Check furniture pads for wear and tear or loose grit that could cause irreversible damage.
FAQ
Can you use vinegar to clean laminate floors?
Yes, a mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts water is an excellent homemade laminate floor cleaning solution. That splash of vinegar cuts through grime without leaving streaks but should be used sparingly and wiped dry to avoid moisture damage over time.
How do you remove streaks from laminate floors?
Streaks often occur when too much commercial cleaner is used or if dirty water gets pushed around. To fix them, dampen a microfiber cloth with clean water and wipe the floor again to remove the filmy residue. Dry immediately with a dry microfiber cloth.
