Laminate flooring is less expensive since it is composed of compressed particleboard or wood fibers. Laminate flooring is a combination of wood materials compressed into a hard surface and covered with a layer of transparent resin to provide a “finished” look, whereas hardwood floors are made from genuine wood cutting. Water can degrade the fiber layer by soaking through the top layer and causing it to become mushy and twisted. Boards will eventually start to break and buckle.
Use a microfiber mop to remove filth and debris as you clean, and be careful to use a little quantity of water and make sure your flooring is completely dry. Here’s how to maintain the luster of your laminate floors.
Read also: How To Wax Wood Floors To Restore Shine
How Often to Clean Laminate Floors
Floors are one of the areas in the house that collect dirt and crumbs the fastest. Spot cleaning and daily sweeping can help keep your laminate floors free of particles that could cause scratches and scuffs that can leave the surface looking dull. To disinfect, protect, and shine your laminate floors, consider deep cleaning them every two weeks with a soft microfiber mop.
Before you begin
make sure you have the right tools. Avoid using a hard-bristle broom; a soft-bristle broom is kinder to floors and won’t scratch them. Additionally, avoid steam cleaning laminate floors. These flooring may eventually bend, peel, or come free due to the heat and moisture, which can also weaken the adhesive used to install them.
How to Clean Laminate Floors And Protect Its Shine
Remove Dust And Loose Debris
For success, this stage is essential. It is crucial to make sure that the normal layer of pet hair, crumbs, and other undesirable particles has been eliminated. If not, you’ll just be relocating your dirt instead of getting rid of it. You have two options for doing this: You can either use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a good old-fashioned elbow grease and a high-quality soft-bristle broom to sweep the area you intend to clean. Because the beater bar might occasionally harm flooring, it is not advised to use a carpet vacuum head on laminate or hardwood floors.
Spot Clean Visibly Dirty Areas
First, take care of the “big jobs” first. If there is a spot that needs special attention, start with the squeaky wheel that gets the grease and scrub it with a soft microfiber cloth and laminate cleaning solution. See our tips for removing stains below.
Mop the Entire Floor
Now that you have taken care of your major stains, you can move on to the rest of the floor. The simplest way to clean your floors is to use a dry mop or Swiffer with a wet pad attachment and a spray bottle of laminate cleaner. This will allow you to lightly coat the floors without soaking or dousing them.
Keep in mind that the objective is to use as little water or solution as feasible. After spraying a portion of your floor, carefully distribute the solution around the floor with your microfiber mop (or Swiffer) to remove any remaining dirt and grime.
You can build your own DIY laminate cleaner if you don’t want to purchase one:
- In a gallon of boiling water, stir in a teaspoon or so of clear dish soap.
- Pour this mixture into a spray bottle that is empty. If you don’t have one on hand, apply a tiny bit of the solution straight to the floor and proceed as described above.
Dry the floor
Make sure your floors are thoroughly dry after cleaning them by keeping a close eye on them. If you see a spot that’s taking a little too long, soak up extra water with a clean, dry cloth or a dry mop. Turn on your fans, dehumidifiers, or heaters for more protection.
How to Maintain Clean and Shiny Laminate Floors
Regular cleanings can keep your flooring looking their best. Clean up spills and stains right away, and remove dirt and debris often to help avoid surface damage. As is commonly known, the key to maintaining laminate in good condition is avoiding excessive water. Making sure the cleaner you choose is suitable for laminate is another crucial factor.
Not every cleaning is effective: You should never wax or polish laminate because oil-based cleaners can leave behind streaks that might be tough to get rid of. Your floors lose the sheen you’ve worked so hard to attain as a result of those procedures, which cloud the top layer of the laminate. Avoid using strong cleaning agents like bleach as they can harm the floor’s surface.
How Laminate Floor Streaks Can Be Removed
The secret to a floor free of streaks is selecting the appropriate cleaning. Use only a tiny amount of cleaning that is made especially for laminate floors. It should take a minute or two for a spotlessly clean floor to dry. You’re using too much solution if it takes longer.
Avoid using all-purpose or shine-enhancing cleansers since they may leave a residue that makes your flooring look streaky or unclean. To avoid streaks, use a gentle cloth to buff the floor after it has dried.