March 29, 2022

Follow along to learn the best way to clean laminate floors.

Move over hardwood floors. Laminate wood flooring is making an attempt to steal the spotlight. With today’s flooring technology and design advancements, laminate looks almost like the real thing, offering homeowners a cost-effective way to achieve a wood look. 

While your laminate wooden floors may look just as good as hardwood, that doesn’t mean they are cleaned the same way. The same oil soap used to make your oak planks shine will not do the same on laminate flooring. 

Laminate needs a special touch in order to keep the surface free from damage or stains. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to clean those laminate floors easily and safely. 

How to Clean Laminate Floors 

Cleaning any floor follows a simple pattern: sweep, mop, dry. 

Sweeping 

A broom is the first and most readily available sweeping tool. However, a standard broom with hard, stiff, straw-like bristles is not optimal and should be avoided. Stiff bristles could inevitably scratch the surface of your floors. 

Instead, use dry dust mops. You could even use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner. The point is to use a sweeping tool with soft, gentle bristles to get the job done. 

Mopping 

This is part of the process where you should consult the manufacturer’s instructions. Many flooring providers will have instructions on how to clean laminate floors detailed on their website. 

Grab a bucket and fill it with warm water. Then, add mild dish soap or baby shampoo and mix it into the water. Grab your mop and dip it into the water, wringing out the excess liquid until the mop is just damp. 

Mop the laminate floors in a pattern, ensuring you aren’t walking over where you just mopped. 

Remember that bleach and similar harsh chemicals are NOT acceptable for cleaning any type of laminate or wood flooring. 

Drying

Once you’ve swept and mopped, you must dry the floor. Do not leave water sitting on the surface of laminate, even if it’s just a little bit. 

You may have to worry about cleaning mold next if you leave your floor soaking wet due to improper mopping. 

Use a microfiber cloth or dry mop to quickly soak up any excess water. Turn on the ceiling fan in the room, too, if you have one. 

Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Laminate Floors Clean 

Aside from the usual sweeping, mopping, and drying, you can follow a few practices to ensure your laminate floors stay clean for longer. 

1. Immediately Clean Up Liquid 

Standing water is a huge no-no for any natural or synthetic wood floors. Overexposure to moisture will cause the wood to warp or even mold in serious cases. Not to mention those sticky spots that form from dropped food or drinks. Tackle any spills as they happen and clean them up immediately. 

2. Use Welcome Mats

An easy way to keep your laminate floors clean is by using a doormat. Entry mats help collect dirt, moisture, and oils from being tracked inside. Imagine all the excess dirt you’d prevent spreading by just investing in a doormat and wiping your shoes every time you walk inside your home. 

3. Use Laminate-Safe Products 

Circling back to the point we made about mopping; you should always use cleaning products that are labeled as made for laminate. Oil-based cleaning products will leave residue and streaks. The same goes for waxes or polishes you’d typically utilize for hardwood. Additionally, only apply the laminate-safe cleaner to a cloth or mop- never directly onto the floor. 

4. Keep Pet Nails Trimmed

If you have a dog, you’re probably familiar with the cute clicky-clicky sound their nails make against the floor. It’s cute until you realize their nails might be scratching the surface of your laminate floors. So, treat your pet to a mani-pedi every now and then. Your floors (and pets) will thank you. 

Real Cleaning Services

Ready to experience what a truly clean house feels like? Our team is professionally trained to ensure only the highest-quality cleaners step foot into your space. We are also insured, so that means you can rest easier knowing your space is protected while we work. 

Whether you need a one-time deep clean for your home or a thorough office cleaning, we get our hands dirty in it all to give your space a real clean. Request a quote today to gift yourself a fresher environment tomorrow. 

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