Laminate flooring is functional and stylish. It’s also durable, so it’s great for homes with kids and pets. Installation of laminate flooring is also a good cost-conscious option for flooring. However, it must be properly cared for once installed. Here’s how to clean laminate floors properly, and check out our laminate flooring guide for tips on maintenance and best practices.
Sweeping and Vacuuming Laminate Floors
The most important aspect of cleaning your laminate flooring is regular care. First, consult your manufacturer’s instructions.
Beyond that, we recommend weekly sweeping or vacuuming to keep your floors from looking dirty. This will also reduce the need for harsher, deeper cleans. Be mindful of laminate’s top (or “wear”) layer. Made of plastic, this guards against pets, shoes, furniture, and other potential sources of damage. Though very durable, you should take precautions to protect this layer when cleaning your floors.
Always use your vacuum on the “hardwood” setting to prevent the beater brush from spinning, and always use the vacuum’s soft brush attachment. Never use steel wool or other abrasive materials on laminate flooring, as doing so will damage that top wear layer.
Mopping Laminate Floors
Laminate floors are not waterproof, and excessive moisture can cause major damage. Specifically, too much water can weaken the floor’s adhesive, causing bubbling.
That said, it’s perfectly safe to mop your floors if you do so with care. Use a slightly damp, not wet, microfiber laminate mop—a regular mop wrung out as much as possible also works, as does a spray mop. Wipe down the floors with a dry cloth after mopping to remove any excess water, and never let liquid pool on your floors. For best results, use a cleaning solution specifically made for laminate floors or a homemade option. (More on this below.)
While some may say it’s okay to steam clean your laminate floors occasionally, most experts agree that it’s a bad idea. Steam cleaning requires high heat and lots of moisture—two things that can damage laminate flooring.
Spot Cleaning Laminate Floors
Don’t worry if you spill on your laminate floors, just be sure to wipe up the mess right away. Paper towels, a microfiber wipe, or any other soft, absorbent cloth will work just fine, just don’t use anything coarse or abrasive.
For a tough stain, you can spot clean with a cleaning solution. Acetone—nail polish remover—is a good way to remove oily or colored stains like ink, lipstick, or marker, but spot-check an area first to ensure that this doesn’t discolor your laminate. Then, dab a small amount of acetone on the area and wipe immediately with a damp paper towel or rag. Repeat until the stain is gone.
Cleaning Solutions for Laminate Floors
There are plenty of cleaning solutions made specifically for laminate flooring, and you can find these wherever you buy cleaning supplies.
Learn More: The 4 Best Laminate Floor Cleaners
You can also make a cleaning solution yourself. A teaspoon of clear, unscented dish soap or a bit of baby shampoo or ammonia-free glass cleaner mixed into a gallon of water will do the trick. A solution of one part white vinegar and three parts water works great for spot cleaning and for larger areas. Avoid anything with ammonia—it’s harmful to that top wear layer. You should also skip any waxy or oil-based cleaners, which will leave streaks on your floors that are nearly impossible to get out.
Our Conclusion
Cleaning laminate floors is easy, but it’s important to do it consistently to keep your floors in good shape. Remember to avoid steam cleaning, using too much water, or putting harmful solutions like ammonia on your laminate flooring.