The laminate flooring option is a great one to consider. Its durability, budget-friendly, and easy-to-install features make it popular.
But they need regular maintenance and care to keep them looking fantastic. Without proper cleaning, dirt and grime can accumulate, creating a dull, dingy appearance.
You may not know that, if you don’t give them proper attention, they can lose their luster quickly.
Now you think: how to clean laminate floors?
Well, laminate flooring is cleaned with the right tools and techniques. Also, it can be a quick and easy process. Use the appropriate cleaner for your floor.
Plus, regular sweeping and vacuuming are essential to keep laminate floors looking their best.
In this article, we will explore some helpful cleaning hacks for your laminate floors. These tips and tricks are not only going to make your life easier but also help your flooring last longer. Let’s get started.
Best Tools and Supplies for Laminate Floor Cleaning
Soft-bristle Broom or Dust Mop
Soft-bristle brooms and dust mops are the best options for regular cleaning of laminate floors.
Because, while sweeping away dust, dirt, and debris, they keep your floors scratch-free. As a result, laminate floors stay clean and attractive for years.
Microfiber Mop or Cloth
The best way to clean laminate floors is with a microfiber mop or cloth. These nifty tools trap dust, dirt, and debris while being gentle on your floors. Also, you can rinse microfibers with water or a pH-neutral laminate floor cleaner.
Vacuum Cleaner with a Soft Brush Attachment
A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment is an effective way to clean laminate floors. Using the soft brush attachment, you can clean the laminate floor gently of dirt, dust, and pet hair.
Non-abrasive Cleaning Solutions
The best way to clean laminate floors is to use a non-abrasive cleaning solution. Clean laminate floors with a pH-neutral cleaner. They remove stains, dirt, and debris without damaging your floors or leaving a residue.
Cleaning Solutions
- Homemade Solution: Homemade solutions typically include water, vinegar, or dish soap. Laminated surfaces can be damaged by excessive water and acidic substances like vinegar.
- Commercial Cleaning Products: Commercial cleaning products designed for laminate floors are also available. These products remove dirt, stains, and grime without damaging the laminate floor. Their ready-to-use spray or solution form makes them easy to use.
7 Best Laminate Flooring Cleaning Hacks
#1 Vinegar and Water Solution
If you’re looking at natural cleaning, a vinegar and water solution is good for laminate floors. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and you’re good to go.
Pour 60 ml of white vinegar into a 940 to 1000 ml spray bottle. Shake well the rest of the bottle with plain water. Try the solution in an inconspicuous area before spreading it.
But, don’t add too much vinegar, and keep things fresh and dry. Excessive moisture can harden the protective layer of your laminate.
Plus, do a little test in a hidden spot first to make sure it’s all good. Your laminate floors will shine with this gentle approach!
#2 Tea for Shine
Tea time for your laminate floors! Brew up a strong batch of black tea and let it cool. Take a spray bottle, spray that tea on your floor, and then gently wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
It’s a natural way to give your laminate a lovely shine without any harsh chemicals. Enjoy the clean, fresh look!
#3 Ice for Chewing Gum
The ice cubes in a plastic bag will help you remove chewing gum stuck on laminate flooring. Once the gum has hardened, carefully scrape it off with a plastic scraper or credit card. Do not scratch the laminate surface, and wipe off any residue.
#4 Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Stains
Got some tough stains on your laminate floors? Rubbing alcohol is your secret weapon. Use a clean cloth or sponge with some alcohol and gently rub those stains away.
Alcohol helps break down the stains and lifts them off the surface. If there’s any leftover residue, give it a final wipe with a damp cloth, and your laminate will be spotless!
#5 Baking Soda for Odors
Baking soda is a reliable way to remove odors from laminate flooring. Mix it with water to create a thick paste. Then use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub away those stains on your laminate floors.
The affected area can be sprinkled with a generous amount of baking soda overnight. At overnight baking soda absorbs the odor.
It’s an easy, natural solution that’s effective and easy on your floors. Keep it with you for quick and chemical-free cleanup!
#6 Microfiber Mop for Pet Hair
A microfiber mop’s electrostatic properties effectively attract pet hair. Simply sweep the mop over the floor to collect it. Regularly cleaning your laminate floor with a microfiber mop will help keep it clean. Keep laminate flooring dry when cleaning.
#7 Avoid Rubber-backed Rugs
Be careful of rubber-backed rugs or mats! These can lock in moisture and stifle airflow, which is a bad idea for laminate floors.
When moisture is trapped, it can cause discoloration, warping, and even mold growth. Choose rugs and mats with a non-slip, breathable backing instead. You’ll enjoy the fresh air and a longer life for your laminate.
Common Laminate Floor Cleaning Mistakes
- Using excessive water or moisture: Moisture can cause the laminate to warp or swell if exposed to excessive moisture. Also, you can prevent standing water from entering laminate floors by using a damp cloth.
- Choosing the wrong cleaning products: When you clean laminate floors, use a cleaner that is designed for laminate floors. Acidic or ammonia-based cleaning solutions can destroy the laminate’s protective layer. Cleaning products can easily be used to clean them.
- Ignoring regular maintenance and cleaning schedules: Laminate flooring maintenance and cleaning schedules are often ignored. It is important to maintain your floors to prevent dirt, debris, and scratches. Maintain your laminate floors by vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning them regularly.
- Allowing excessive sunlight exposure: Laminate floors’ color fades easily when exposed to sunlight. When cleaning curtains or blinds, be careful not to neglect them. Direct sunlight may fade laminate flooring over time. Using window treatments that block sunlight.
- Neglecting to remove spills promptly: Laminate flooring can become stained or damaged if improperly cleaned. A wet cloth or mop should always be used to clean laminate surfaces after spills.
3 Best Commercial Cleaning Products
Goo Gone
In my quest to keep my laminate floors spotless, I’ve relied on Goo Gone Laminate Floor Cleaner for its powerful cleaning action.
This cleaner is specifically formulated to tackle tough stains, spills, and residues on laminate flooring.
I’ve found it to be particularly effective in removing sticky messes, grease, and grime without leaving behind any residue or streaks. It’s easy to use and leaves my floors looking clean and refreshed.
Must See: The Best Way to Use Goo Gone on Laminate Flooring
Bona
Bona Laminate Floor Cleaner has been a trusted companion in my cleaning routine, ensuring my laminate floors remain pristine.
Its gentle yet effective formula is specially designed to clean laminate flooring without dulling the finish or causing damage. I’ve found that it effortlessly removes dirt, dust, and other debris, leaving my floors sparkling clean and streak-free.
Plus, it dries quickly, allowing me to resume normal activities without delay.
Murphy’s Oil
Murphy’s Oil Laminate Floor Cleaner has been a reliable option in my cleaning arsenal for maintaining the natural beauty of my laminate floors.
Its gentle, non-toxic formula effectively cleans and nourishes laminate flooring without leaving behind any dulling residue. I’ve found it to be particularly useful for removing dirt and grime while enhancing the luster of the floors.
Plus, its pleasant scent adds a touch of freshness to my home.
Must See: Can You Use Murphy’s Oil Soap on Laminate Floors? (Answered)
Read More on Laminate Floors
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