How to Clean and Maintain Laminate Flooring

Proper cleaning is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your laminate floors. Although cleaning laminate flooring might seem straightforward, using the correct techniques and products is crucial to avoid damage.

This guide shares expert advice on cleaning laminate flooring, ensuring your floors stay pristine for years.

Overview:

If reading the whole article isn’t your style, here is a quick summary of what to do:

• Sweep/Vacuum Regularly and make the surface free of dirt and debris.
• To avoid damage, use a damp mop with minimal water and a pH-neutral cleaner.
• Clean spills immediately to prevent stains from setting.
• Use furniture pads and mats to protect against scratches.
• Avoid excessive water exposure to prevent warping and other moisture-related damage.

General Cleaning for Laminate Floors

Regular Sweeping and Vacuuming

Regular sweeping and vacuuming are the foundation of effective cleaning laminate flooring. Dirt and debris can act like sandpaper, scratching the surface if not removed regularly. For the best results, use a vacuum without a beater bar to avoid damaging the laminate. Sweeping daily or as needed ensures that your floors remain dust-free and grit-free, maintaining their original shine and appearance.

Vacuums with beater bars have become less popular; however, some great new alternatives composed of softer materials reduce any possible damage.

Use a Damp but Not Wet Mop

The best way to clean laminate floors is with a damp mop and a laminate floor cleaner. However, avoiding too much water is crucial, as excessive moisture can seep into the seams and cause the laminate to warp or swell. A microfiber mop is ideal; it cleans without leaving excess water behind. Remember, the mop should be damp, not wet.

Excessive Water is the Enemy: Excessive moisture can cause warping, swelling, and other forms of damage. After mopping, dry the floor immediately to prevent water from seeping into the seams. This approach is crucial for protecting your floors and maintaining their appearance from long-term damage.

Immediate Spot Cleaning

Accidents happen, but how you deal with them can make all the difference.

• Immediate cleaning on the spot is vital to preventing stains and damage.
• Use a soft cloth or a slightly damp microfiber mop to wipe up spills as soon as they occur.
• This quick response will prevent liquids from penetrating the laminate.

Stain Removal and Laminate Floors

• For tough stains like grease, ink, or nail polish, use a small amount of acetone or nail polish remover on a cloth.
• Gently rub the stain, being careful not to scrub too hard, as this could damage the finish.
• Always test in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure no adverse reaction.

This technique will keep your laminate floors looking flawless.

Premium Floors Quick-Step Impressive 8 mm

Best Cleaning Products, Tools & Accessories

Best Cleaner for Laminate Floors

Using the best floor cleaner for laminate floors is essential to preserve the finish and longevity. A pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for laminate flooring is ideal. These cleaners effectively remove dirt without causing damage or leaving streaks.

Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, which can strip away the protective layer and dull the surface. The best laminate cleaning solution will keep your floors clean while maintaining their shine.

Our Overall Pick Laminate Floor Cleaner

It may be less accessible in Australia than your average over-the-counter hard flooring cleaner, but it’s worth the hunt. Black Diamond laminate and hard floor cleaners are designed for laminate flooring (but are safe to use with other flooring types).

Here are the main reasons why we picked it: 

• Specifically designed for laminate flooring
• pH Neutral solution
• Biodegradable substance
• Hypoallergenic (great for homes with allergies)
• Streak free drying

Runner-up Floor Cleaner

We couldn’t finish this article without mentioning All Floors pH Neutral Cleaner by Premier Cleaning Products, an Australian company. Although the packaging may not blow you away, this is an effective and cheap pH-neutral product perfect for laminate and suitable for other complex flooring types. We also like that all containers can be returned and refilled, adding to a growing list of sustainable and eco-friendly flooring options.

Combined with the mop shown below and proper microfiber wringing, it becomes the perfect budget laminate cleaning solution. It is also great to support local Australian businesses like ours.

Best Mop for Laminate Floors

Choosing the best mop for laminate flooring is crucial for maintaining the floor’s appearance and durability.

• Microfiber mops are the best for laminate floors because they are gentle yet effective at picking up dirt and dust.
• They also use minimal water, which is vital for preventing moisture damage.
• Ensure the mop head is clean and well-maintained to avoid spreading dirt around the floor.

Expert Insights From Levi Saunders

Online Retail Specialist & Flooring Content Creator

The best microfiber mop I have used is the Vileda Easy Wring & Clean Spin Mop & Bucket Set because it is super easy to use with its hands-free foot wringer to achieve the correct dampness for laminate flooring.

Due to the design of the mop head, the product is perfect for tight-to-reach spaces like corners, but it can also cover bigger spaces quickly. The mop and bucket set is also very competitively priced, even against stand-alone microfiber mops.

Can You Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Floors?

A common question is, “Can you use a steam mop to clean laminate floors?” The answer is no. Steam mops generate high heat and moisture, which can cause the laminate to warp, swell, or even delaminate.

Instead, stick to a damp microfiber mop with a pH-neutral cleaner for safe and effective cleaning. Using a steam mop on laminate floors can lead to costly repairs or replacement, so it’s best to avoid them entirely.

Furniture Pads

Protecting your laminate flooring from scratches starts with using furniture pads. Applying felt pads to the legs of your furniture can prevent scratches and scuffs when moving items.

For heavier furniture, always lift rather than drag it across the floor. This simple measure can significantly extend the life of your laminate flooring, keeping it looking new for longer.

X-Protector Premium Felt Furniture pads are a great option because:

• They stick to furniture well
• They come in many different sizes
• The felt is thick, providing a good protection barrier
• There are different colour options
• There are many different packages available to suit any home furniture sets

Door Mats

Placing door mats at all entryways is another effective way to protect your floors. They trap dirt, grit, and moisture before they reach your laminate floors, reducing the risk of scratches and water damage. Ensure the mats are clean and debris-free to maximize their effectiveness. This is an essential part of laminate flooring maintenance that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Keep Your Flooring Looking New for Years to Come!

Regular cleaning and preventive care are vital to preserving the beauty and durability of your laminate floors. Sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping with the right products can maintain their pristine appearance.  Incorporate preventive measures like furniture pads and entrance mats to extend the life of your floors further.

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