Laminate floors are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their attractive appearance, durability, and affordability. No matter if you’ve recently gotten laminate floor installation services or simply want to maintain floors that have been in your home for a while, we’ll walk you through the best practices on how to clean laminate floors without causing damage.

Why Proper Cleaning Matters

Laminate flooring is built to last. However, like all surfaces, it needs proper care to maintain its appearance. Harsh cleaning products, abrasive tools, and excessive moisture can damage the surface, causing it to lose its shine or even warp over time.

Laminate floors are made from a photographic layer sandwiched between durable protective coatings, which means they’re designed to mimic the look of hardwood or stone, but they can’t be refinished. For this reason, it’s important to use the right methods to keep them in top condition.

How to Clean Laminate Floors

Vacuum or Sweep Regularly

To keep your laminate floors looking their best, regular sweeping or vacuuming is key. Dust, dirt, and debris can cause scratches and dull the finish, so it’s important to remove them promptly. For the best results, use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to prevent any damage to the floor’s surface.

If you don’t have a vacuum with a soft brush, a microfiber mop or cloth can be a great alternative. Always sweep or vacuum along the direction of the planks to avoid pushing debris into the seams, which can be harder to clean. Regular maintenance will help keep your floors looking shiny and free of dirt buildup.

Damp Mopping with Care

While laminate floor products are resistant to moisture, too much water can cause damage. The key to cleaning laminate floors without damaging them is damp mopping rather than soaking them with water.

When you mop, use a microfiber mop and only a small amount of water. Always use a separate bucket for clean and dirty water to avoid spreading dirt and grime.

Avoid using too much water, as standing water can seep into seams and cause the laminate to swell. It’s also best to avoid steam mops, as the high heat can damage the protective layers of the laminate.

Use the Right Cleaning Products

When mopping, it’s important to use the right cleaning solution. Harsh chemicals, waxes, and acrylics can damage the laminate’s finish and leave it dull or sticky. Instead, opt for a laminate-specific cleaner or a gentle, DIY cleaning solution.

For a homemade cleaner, mix a small amount of vinegar with warm water. Vinegar is a natural degreaser and will help remove stains without leaving a residue. If you prefer store-bought cleaners, guarantee they’re safe for laminate surfaces and avoid those with ammonia or bleach, as these can damage the protective coating.

How to Handle Stains and Tough Spots

Dealing with Spills

One of the biggest advantages of laminate flooring is its resistance to spills. However, it’s still important to clean up any messes immediately to prevent stains or water damage. Use a damp cloth or mop to wipe up liquids as soon as they’re spilled. For sticky spills, such as food or drink residue, use a microfiber cloth with a gentle cleaner.

Removing Tough Stains

Some stains, like ink or nail polish, require more attention. For these stains, a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth can work wonders. Gently rub the affected area until the stain disappears, then wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it with a microfiber towel. Be sure to follow up with a dry cloth to avoid water buildup.

For tough stains like grease, mineral spirits can help remove the residue without damaging the floor. Simply apply a small amount of the solvent to a cloth and gently rub the area.

Avoiding Scratches

One of the most common issues with laminate flooring is scratches. To avoid this, make sure to place rugs or mats near doorways, under furniture, and in high-traffic areas. This will catch dirt and grit before they have a chance to scratch the floor. You can also add felt pads beneath furniture legs to prevent scratches from heavy objects moving around on the floor.

If minor scratches do occur, laminate repair kits are available that can help minimize the appearance of the damage. These kits typically come with a filler that matches the color of your floor and can be used to fill in minor grooves and scratches.

Best Practices for Long-Term Care

Use Area Rugs and Runners

To protect your laminate floors from heavy foot traffic, invest in area rugs and runners. These will absorb dirt, protect your floors from scratches, and add warmth to the space. Choose rugs with non-slip backing to prevent them from sliding around and causing accidents.

Keep the Floor Dry

Water is one of laminate flooring’s biggest enemies, so always make sure that your floor is completely dry after mopping or cleaning. Never allow standing water to sit on the floor for extended periods. If water does pool, wipe it up immediately with a microfiber cloth.

Protect from Sun Damage

While laminate is generally resistant to fading, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration over time. To protect your floors, use blinds or curtains to limit direct sunlight, especially in rooms with large windows. You can also use rugs or furniture to shield the floor from the sun.

Ready to Upgrade Your Floors?

Right Step Flooring delivers an extensive range of laminate flooring products to suit your needs and preferences. Our floors are designed to stand up to the demands of busy homes while maintaining their beauty for years. Moreover, our experience and knowledge allow us to guide you in selecting and installing your floors for the best results.

Furthermore, we make the entire experience as hassle-free as possible by offering next-day estimates and guaranteeing quick project turnaround.

Contact us today to get started!