How To Clean Laminate Floors

Woman's hand cleaning the floor with yellow sponge

Laminate floors have come a long way since they gained popularity in the 60s and are now an excellent choice if you are a homeowner who wants to achieve a certain look but still have floors that are easy to maintain. Because they are durable, nearly impossible to damage and water resistant, laminate floors do not stain easily and therefore are practically effortless to keep clean. Maintain your floor daily by responding diligently to spills.

Prepare your floor for deep cleaning

Remove any excess dust and dirt from the surface of the floor with a dust mop or vacuum and make sure all removable obstacles are pulled from the area. Avoid using a broom on your laminate floor when possible because the hard bristles over time can scratch the surface. Relocate easily-moved tables and chairs for efficiency.

Clean the floor

You want to refer to the manufacturer guidelines when choosing the type of cleanser for your floor. Some recommend a mild soap or vinegar solution. Select the appropriate type of soap and dilute it with water appropriately. Use a mop to clean any remaining dirt and spots. Stay away from harsh and abrasive cleaners, oil-based soap and mixing chemicals. Make sure to clean the entire surface of the floor with the mop, and ensure the mop is properly wrung out to avoid excess water from spreading over the area.

If you come across any stubborn stains, they are usually removable with a window-cleaning solution and a little elbow grease. A pencil eraser usually works well for scuff marks and a plastic knife can scrape off any instances of chewing gum.

Allow the floor to dry

Once you have finished cleaning the area, allow time for it to dry, as walking on a wet floor can track in dirt. You can let it air dry, or use a soft towel to wipe up any excess moisture. Once the floor is completely dry, you can replace any moved furniture.

While laminate floors are durable, they do require proper and diligent maintenance to ensure a full product life. A well-maintained laminate floor can last several decades, and save you a fortune in replacements.

Laminate floors do not stain easily, and therefore are almost effortless to keep clean