How to Clean Laminate Floors

Laminate kitchen floors are probably the most cost-effective and flexible floor coverings available. Laminate flooring is made by selecting a pattern and coating it with a layer of melamine (resin or plastic material) to protect its characteristics.

It’s very durable but it can also be damaged by excessive moisture as well as scratch, score, dent or pit from tracked in dirt and rocks, dogs, toys, etc.

Laminate floors are tough to keep clean because any detergent residue and/or dirt left after cleaning shows up easily as streaks or spots on it’s glossy surface. If you’re looking for the best way to get your floors sparkling clean, read on for some excellent cleaning tips to clean your laminate floors quickly and completely.

Vacuum or Dry Mop Laminate Floors

It is very important to remove grit and soil completely from laminate flooring. Dirt and grit are the worst trouble makers when it comes to damage by scratching or even scouring the floor finish. Sweep or vacuum your laminate floors on a regular basis to help keep any kind of abrasive dirt, grit, as well as grime off of the floor. You can use a Swiffer mop or a vacuum without a beater bar.

You can prevent debris from being tracked inside simply by placing floor mats or rugs both inside and outside your entrances. The proper care of your laminate floor will avoid damage as well as prolong its life and keep it looking new for many years.

Mopping Laminate Flooring

Before mopping laminate flooring (a swiffer wet mop, spray mop or similar), make sure you have removed all soil and grime in advance of wet mopping or you’ll just be spreading dirt around and possibly scratching the surface with grit left on the floor.

Laminate floors can be cleaned (usually) with just warm water. We don’t use detergent or soap or any fancy specialty cleaners on laminate floors because they leave a sticky residue and don’t rinse off cleanly.

White vinegar and warm water will clean laminate floors nicely. In a spray bottle mix together 1/4 cup white vinegar to 4 cups warm water. This leaves the floors shiny, streak free, residue free and deodorized with no second rinse required. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell as it dissipates as it dries, not to mention deodorizes the room at the same time.

Wipe It Dry

This is actually THE secret to getting a thoroughly clean and gleaming laminate floor.

Always dry the floor to get rid of any leftover water spots as well as remove left over soil that’s remaining on the floor right after mopping.

You will be surprised (and probably horrified) at just how much dirt is actually remaining on the flooring following your very careful vacuuming and sweeping earlier.

Use a swiffer dry mop, old cotton bath towel, terry cloth or similar cleaning cloth. Dry the floor by placing the towel on the floor and then stand on it with one foot. Be careful not to slip. Move the towel with your foot over the damp flooring until all the water is removed.

Removing Stains from Laminate Flooring

If you’ve damp mopped the floor and stains remain, you can still get stains up. Be sure to clean stains carefully so there is no scratching or dulling the floors surface. Wipe clean with a clean soft cloth.

• If there is a wine stain, juice, coffee etc., use a damp sponge with warm water.
• If chewing gum or candle wax just stuck on the floor, use ice cubes (in a bag) to harden and then gently clean up using a dull edged item.
• If there is a blood stain, try a touch of window cleaner.
• Use a small amount of acetone based polish remover to get up lipstick, nail polish and marker stains.

Keeping Laminate Floors Clean and Maintained

To help keep laminate floors clean:

• Use floor mats and wipe your feet off when entering the house.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners.
• Most manufacturers recommend you Not use a steam mop.
• Use felt pads under furniture that is sitting directly on the laminate.
• If possible, avoid direct sunlight on floors as this will cause fading.
• Do not use excessive amounts of water as this can cause the floor to warp or swell.
• Do not use harsh chemicals like bleach.
• Spray cleaning solution on the floor to prevent over wetting.
• Do not use a steam cleaner on laminate floors.