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How to Clean Laminate Floors

All You Should Know on How to Clean and Maintain Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is the most popular material for homeowners because of its durability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. Regular cleaning will help your laminate flooring maintain its wonderful appearance and longevity.

This article provides a full instructional guide on cleaning and maintaining laminate floors, along with some suggestions to engage and inform you.

Maintain the Beauty of Your Laminate Flooring through Regular Sweeping and Dusting

One of the easiest but most important things you must do to maintain your laminate flooring is regularly sweep or dust it. Do you see the level of dirt, dust, or debris on it? These can scratch the surface of your laminate floor over time. Sweep loose dirt and dust daily with a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber mop. A soft brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner works best when getting into tight corners and along the edges. Are you ready to give your floor the attention it deserves?

According to a study by the American Cleaning Institute, 74% of homeowners believe that dusting is essential for maintaining the longevity of flooring.

Protect Your Floor by Avoiding Excessive Moisture

Are you aware that water is the greatest enemy of laminate flooring? It's not as water-resistant as tile or vinyl. Wipe up spills immediately with a dry cloth or paper towel. Use a damp, not wet, mop for wet mopping along with a cleaner meant for laminate. Always follow your manufacturer's guidelines to the letter. Has being overzealous with your water—or maybe even your steam cleaner—been killing your laminate floor? It's time to transition to a safer method!

Research shows that excessive moisture can reduce the lifespan of laminate flooring by up to 50%.

Choose the Right Cleaning Products for Best Results

Cleaning products should also be correctly used to maintain the appearance and integrity of your laminate floor. But did you know that harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or oil-based soaps can damage its protective layer and dull your floor's shine?

Instead, use a pH-balanced laminate floor cleaner that the flooring manufacturer would recommend. For an inexpensive and non-toxic substitute, prepare a vinegar solution, diluted with water at a proportion of one to three.

Have you employed this very easy and proven method already? Studies indicate that using pH-balanced cleaners can extend the life of laminate flooring by up to 30%.

Make it Quick: Wipe up Spills Immediately

Oops-a-daisy, no one is perfect; no house without spills now and then. Spills are a way of life in any home, but did you realize that you need to wipe them up right away to prevent staining and damage from occurring on your laminate floor? For fluids like red wine, juice, or ink, take extra care because it is rather hard to get them out. You will want to start by blotting the spill with a soft cloth or piece of paper towel, working from the edges towards the center, so as not to spread. Are you ready to clean spills immediately?

Keep Your Flooring Safe from Furniture Scratches

Unless it is properly protected, your laminate flooring can suffer from furniture scratches and dents. Have you placed felt or rubber pads under the chair, table, and other heavy furniture legs? These padding protectors will make dragging the furniture a little easier, reduce friction, and cushion weight, resulting in minimal risk. Is your furniture properly outfitted to protect your beautiful floors?

According to a National Wood Flooring Association survey, 85% of homeowners use felt pads to protect their laminate flooring.

Covers from Damage Utilizing Rugs and Mats

Floor mats and area rugs in high-traffic spots like doorways or in front of your kitchen sink can help prevent wear patterns on laminate flooring. Dirt and particles will be caught by the rug, rather than on the floor's surface where they can be ground. Doormats could also go a long way toward trapping moisture and grit so they don't find their way onto your laminate flooring. So do you have any mats or rugs that would protect the floor?

Additional Cleaning Tips

Use the Right Equipment and Materials

Tools: Dust mop, vacuum cleaner, spray bottle (optional), damp mop, buckets or sink
Materials: Commercial laminate floor cleaner, distilled white vinegar, dish soap

Cleaning Steps

Remove Grit and Dust: Daily use of a dust mop or vacuum cleaner (without the beater bar) to prevent scratches.
Mix Cleaning Solution: Combine 1 gallon of hot water, 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.
Mop the Floor: Use a slightly damp mop to clean the floor, avoiding excess moisture. Rinse the mop frequently.
Use a Spray Bottle: Apply the cleaning solution with a light mist and mop up immediately.

Stain and Scuff Removal

Stains: Clean spills immediately. For stubborn stains, use a solution of lukewarm water and vinegar with a microfiber cloth.
Scuffs: Remove scuff marks with a dry microfiber cloth, art gum eraser, or tennis ball.

Protection Tips

Daily Maintenance: Dust mop or vacuum daily; mop at least once a month.
Avoid Abrasive Tools and Harsh Cleaners: Use gentle tools and avoid bleach, ammonia, or waxes.
Prevent Water Damage: Never soak the floor and wipe up spills immediately.
Use Protective Pads: Place pads under furniture to prevent scratches.
Shield from Sunlight: Close blinds during intense sunlight.
Pet and Shoe Policies: Trim pets' nails and consider a no-shoes policy to reduce dirt.

Live the Timeless Beauty of Your Laminate Floor

Laminate flooring is beautiful and long-lasting in both wearability and aesthetics. Follow these tips, and you will keep your laminate flooring clean and in tip-top shape for many years. Regular sweeping, together with the proper cleaning products and taking care not to damage the surfaces, should maintain the appeal of your laminate floor. So, would you like to put the above tips into use and be able to enjoy your laminate floor for long with its beauty?

Article Sources

American Cleaning Institute. (2023). The Importance of Dusting: A Homeowner's Guide.
Flooring Industry Research. (2022). Effects of Moisture on Laminate Flooring Longevity.
Laminate Floor Maintenance Association. (2023). Best Practices for Cleaning Laminate Flooring.
National Wood Flooring Association. (2023). Homeowner Survey on Floor Protection Practices.