The best way to avoid stains is to wipe … ", options, along with instructions. Place rugs under your furniture legs to protect the flooring from scratches, dents and other damage. How Often to Clean Laminate Floors Laminate floors should be dust mopped or vacuumed daily to remove surface dirt and grit that can cause scratches and wear down the finish of the floor. Sweep a dry dust mop across the surface of the floor every few days to remove everyday dirt. This section discusses all the ways you can clean and take care of your laminate floors. Here are some mopping Do’s and Don’ts: The best way to clean laminate floors is not the same method you would use to make those oak planks shine. Re-soak and re-wring the mop as necessary to make your way across the entire floor. Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart. How to Clean Laminate Tile Floors. I did use it once, and it did a, "I was unsure about what products would be safe to use to clean my laminate flooring. No. Laminate floors need special care because the surface can’t be refinished or easily repaired. "My dark laminate floor had a buildup after using the purple Wet Jet solution. Also, foot steps don't show anymore. % of people told us that this article helped them. How to Clean Laminate Floors. It has laminate flooring throughout. Baby shampoo is gentle enough to use on laminate floors, but do not use standard adult shampoos. To clean wood laminate floors, sweep daily with a dry dust mop to avoid scratching the surface. But once installed, laminate must be properly cared for to keep it looking as good as day one. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Laminate flooring is also durable, so it’s great for homes with kids and pets. Do not use a metal knife, since it is too rough and more likely to scratch the floor. However, dirt buildup and residue from the wrong cleaning products can build up on laminate … Yes, vinegar is generally safe to use on most laminate floors. This isn’t a surface you can just mop whenever it looks a little dirty or gets a few stains. Although laminate floors look like hardwood, they cannot be refinished and are difficult to repair. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Regularly run a canister vacuum over the surface to remove dirt and debris from cracks and crevices. For tough spots such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink or tar, Shaw Floors suggests using acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth. Try a plastic knife to gently and carefully scrape it off once it has hardened. Thanks so much for your help. How can I remove scratches from my laminate floors and fix the areas that look dull? Fortunately, though, if you follow the right steps, you can achieve polished, sparkling clean laminate floors without worrying about damaging them. Murphy's Oil is very mild, and those who say not to use it have not looked into it. The water does not need to be steaming hot, but it should be significantly more than merely lukewarm. Next, it’s time to get mopping. Your steam mop might come with reusable or disposable pads, so make sure you have several pads nearby, and we recommend buying a few extras. If you're in the market for a new mop, we like the e-cloth Deep Clean Mop. The mop should be wrung out well before using it. Thanks for all the options. Never spray the floor directly. Never use wax, acrylic products, or bleach because they can damage the floor's finish. You could use a traditional-style mop, but it is easier to control the saturation level of sponge mops. ", We will use the information to clean the whole floor. For stubborn ink stains, you may need to add a little detergent or ink remover to the cloth in order to completely remove the stain. Therefore, it’s recommended to vacuum at least once per week to keep your home free from dust mites and pet dander. Avoiding wet mops, with both water and liquid cleaners is a good idea. Water should be used minimally in laminate floor cleaning. If you want to give an even more thorough clean, you can use a vacuum. We’re going to start with methods and equipment that are entirely safe for all types of laminate flooring, before getting into options for consumers with waterproof or water-resistant floors. How do I get a red wine stain out of laminate floor? How to Clean Sticky Film From Laminate Flooring. If you can't get your floor clean no matter what you try, you can always call a professional. ", didn't consider it for use on our laminate floors. Mix the soap and water with your hand until the soap dissolves and bubbles begin to form. ), Furniture can make your room beautiful, but they can damage your laminate floors finish, particularly if they are too heavy. The Methodology and Steps to Deep Cleaning your Laminate Flooring Use a broom, microfiber mop or a dry vacuum to remove dirt and debris on your laminate floors Apply a laminate flooring cleaner 96% The information provided has been checked for accuracy by our team After mopping, use an absorbent towel to dry your floors right away. Regular sweeping prevents such scratches from forming. It provides multiple ways to appropriately clean a laminate floor and clean up stains. [Learn how to seal laminate flooring expansion gaps.] The only thing you should avoid doing is working your way from the outside into the center of the room, since you will have to cross over your newly cleaned floor to leave the room. Sweep in the direction that the laminate floor tiles were laid. Water is typically all you need to clean your laminate floor. Vinegar is too abrasive to be used in its pure form, so you must combine it with water. Just follow our advice and you’ll be able to enjoy that new-floor feeling for many years to come. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Dry the spot with a dry, soft cloth. It’s all about using the right products and following simple steps. Make sure to wring out the mop or cloth before using it. ", "It pretty much answered everything I wanted to know about cleaning my wood laminate flooring Thank you! *UPDATED* ALL LINKS BELOW In this video I explain how I clean my laminate wood floors and what I use to clean them with. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. While cleaning, always use less water and if there are spills, make sure to wipe them off promptly. You can follow the recommended steps for cleaning the floor while ensuring safety: Prepare the solution. To clean the laminate floor some people use harsh chemicals that create a streak and also damage their laminate floors. Elle Blonde is an online luxury lifestyle magazine dedicated to purveying and exploring an array of global travel destinations. The first thing you need to clean the floors … Soapy water is a good choice when cleaning floors that have been exposed to mud, salt-covered snow boots, or other major forms of contamination. To keep your floors shiny and attractive, you must know just what to do. Do not allow any liquid, even water, to sit on the floor for prolonged periods. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum with a wood floor setting. Hot water is often considered one of the best ways to clean laminate flooring because, when done correctly, it will not leave streaks. Wondering how to clean laminate floors and keep them looking great for years? Avoid using cleaners that promise to create a shiny surface, as these products can cause a waxy buildup on your floors. ", "Using solution water and vinger, on laminate floors. Most house cleaning expert suggests that use vinegar and water clean laminate wood floors. In this article, we’ve compiled our expert tips on cleaning your super dirty laminate floors. Thank you! Use a dry mop or vacuum cleaner As usual cleaning purposes, you can use a dry mop or a vacuum cleaner. While your laminate floors may look as good as hardwood floors, there are some important differences in how you maintain and clean them. To prevent damage, do not polish or wax a laminate floor. For best results, use a cleaning solution specifically made for laminate floors or a DIY option. Take care not to … Do not use any mops or cloths that are abrasive, however. That being the case, the mop should only be mildly damp before you use it on the laminate. Excess water can cause laminate flooring to become distorted. [1] X Research source Even though laminate flooring is fairly scratch-resistant, excess dirt, hair, and debris can cause scratches to develop if allowed to build up over time. With a penchant for travel, her favourite destinations are Vegas and Ibiza. This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. They cover the floor and gives an attractive look with a cheaper cost than you would spend on any hardwood or engineered wood flooring. I have used a Roomba 570 on my laminate floors for years and it does a pretty good job at keeping them clean. If … How to Maintain Laminate Floors Using a fingernail polish remover will be helpful if there is any spillage on the floor (paint, tar, oil). If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. However, avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, or cleaners because they can affect the floors. How to Clean Laminate Floors. When it comes to laminate floors, too much water can be problematic as it can seep through the cracks and cause permanent damages. Durable laminate flooring resists stains and cleans up quickly, making it a ubiquitous choice for covering kitchen floors. Cleaning tips for laminate floors. What can I use to clean my laminate floor that has dog urine on it? Can I use Swiffer cleaner solution on laminate floors? Yes, it is safe to clean most laminate floors with a solution of vinegar and water, which is yet another reason to love vinegar! A little bit of carelessness can cause severe damage to sensitive laminate flooring. Step 1: The first thing you need to do before mopping is to remove any furniture or obstacles that may get in the way, Step 2: After that, you must vacuum or sweep to ensure that the cleaning is more efficient and faster. used the 4 liters hot water with 2 tablespoons baby shampoo, a mop and bucket. "My floors are generally new and I never had veneer floors before. To help you maintain that "like new" look, we asked cleaning expert, Melissa Maker, star of the YouTube channel Clean My Space, to give you a few simple cleaning tips for laminate floors. How to clean laminate floors No matter which Quickstep laminate collection you choose from, all of our floors have one thing in common: they are designed to resist the test of time . But to keep it that way, you need to learn how to clean laminate wood floors to preserve its finish and keep the floor looking brilliant. Step 4: Now, you have to wait for your unit to heat up. One of the greatest things about laminate is that it’s designed to look clean and shiny, and proper maintenance will ensure it stays this way. To remove stains, mix a solution of 1 part vinegar, 3 parts water and spray it onto the stained area. 4.) June 18, 2020 by learnmethod. "Moved into a new home with laminate floors, and in the kitchen they are very dirty. Do not allow puddles of water to sit on the laminate for prolonged periods of time. It's easy for long pet nails to scratch the floor as pets walk, run or play in your home. Combining it with a cleaning solution, especially for laminate floors, you can get squeaky clean floors in no time. Just like you can't pour water or anything wet. Many house owners use laminate floors because it is attractive, low maintenance cost and comparatively easy to install. Learn how your comment data is processed. ", It has eliminated other conflicting advice, too. Here’s everything I’m going to describe cleaning laminate wood floors.In this lesson, you will learn how to clean laminate wood floors to keep looking like new.. How to Do General Cleaning . Also, window cleaner. Great tips throughout, "I had no idea how to clean my laminate floors and this article made it simple, now I just need to know how to shine, "This is a great help. Tackle spills as they happen. Mopping the Floor Fill a bucket. Wipe over the area with a microfiber cloth soaked in clean water afterward. Many people install an underlayment with the laminate floors to prevent this issue. In very little time and with a minimum of effort you can enjoy your floor for years to come. Spray with a laminate floor cleaner (see below) sparingly, so you don't oversaturate the floor, and then wipe with the mop. Wipe it up right away with a soft, damp cloth. Periodically clean the floor with cleaning products made specifically for laminate floor care. ", out how to take care of it. Could I use an iRobot Roomba to clean laminate flooring or do I have to use a dry dust mop? You could also create a similar vinegar-based solution by combining 1/3 cup (80 ml) vinegar with 3 squirts of liquid dish detergent and 1 gallon (4 liters) of warm water. Thank you! The best way to clean laminate floors is with a microfiber mop. Mop Laminate Floors. The information is great help to me. It is perfect for laminate, because the soap is totally non-abrasive. You could also use a microfiber cloth, but mops are preferable since you will be cleaning the entire floor at one time instead of working on small patches. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,844,141 times. For a homemade laminate floor cleaner, use a small amount of vinegar mixed with water. Here we have discussed some key points that are notable to clean your laminate floor. "How to remove the build up from other cleansers by using vinegar. Not only does it take longer to clean laminate flooring, but cleaning laminate floors incorrectly could cause severe damage. You could also use a soft microfiber cloth. Laminate floor cleaner with dish soap and rubbing alcohol; Using the Cleaner. Two of the top methods are also two … You need to wipe the solution off the floor almost immediately, and spraying the entire floor at the same time will prevent you from cleaning off the vinegar before it starts to wear away at the protective coating of the laminate. For starters, you will need good equipment to care for your laminate floor because, like all floors, the dirt and debris collects on the surface and the debris and traction will eventually damage your laminate. Last Updated: November 18, 2020 Do not spray the entire floor with the vinegar at once. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Clean-Laminate-Floors-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Laminate-Floors-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Clean-Laminate-Floors-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid2563149-v4-728px-Clean-Laminate-Floors-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"