Laminate flooring offers the allure of real wood while being more affordable and easier to maintain. To maintain their beauty and prolong their life, regular cleaning is essential. However, cleaning laminate wood floors requires specific care to prevent damage and maintain their luster. This is why knowing the right procedure for how to clean laminate wood floors is key.
Cleaning wood laminate floors involves a few key steps like removing loose dirt and debris with a gentle broom or vacuum, using a damp (not wet) microfiber mop with a suitable cleaning solution to wipe away grime, and finishing by ensuring the floor is thoroughly dry.
In this article, I will walk you through a step-by-step process for effective cleaning. Hope, this would be beneficial to preserve the natural charm of your laminate wood floors.
Gather the Necessary Materials and Tools:
You’ll need the following tools and materials for cleaning laminate wood floors:
- Soft broom or vacuum with a soft brush attachment;
- Microfiber mop;
- Bucket;
- Microfiber cloths or pads;
- Soft towels;
- Protective furniture pads;
- Laminate-specific or pH-neutral cleaning solution;
- Clean water.
Time: 15 To 30 Minutes
Cost: $20 to $60
10 Steps To Clean Laminate Wood Floors Like A Pro:
Follow these simple yet effective steps to ensure your laminate wood floors maintain their pristine appearance and longevity. With proper care and attention, you can easily keep your floors looking their best for years to come.
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
Before going into the main part, ensure that the area is completely clear of furniture, rugs, and any other obstacles. This will allow you to navigate the space easily and thoroughly clean all corners of the room.
Step 2: Remove Loose Debris
Start by using a soft broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently sweep or vacuum the floor. This step removes loose dirt, dust, and larger particles that could scratch the floor during the cleaning process.
Step 3: Mix The Cleaning Solution
In a bucket, dilute a laminate-specific or pH-neutral cleaning solution according to the instructions. Avoid using excessive amounts of cleaning solution, as this can lead to streaks and residue.
Step 4: Dampen The Microfiber
Mop Dip the microfiber mop into the cleaning solution, then wring it out until it’s damp but not dripping. Excess water can cause damage to laminate floors.
Step 5: Mop The Floor
Starting from one corner of the room, gently mop the floor using even strokes. Work your way across the room, overlapping each stroke slightly. The microfiber mop will capture dirt and grime without leaving excessive moisture.
Step 6: Address Stubborn
Spots For stubborn spots or stains, place a little cleaning solution directly onto a microfiber cloth or pad. Gently rub the spot using circular motions. Avoid abrasive scrubbing, which can damage the laminate’s finish.
Step 7: Rinse The Mop
If the mop becomes too dirty during the process, rinse it thoroughly in clean water, wring it out, and continue mopping.
Step 8: Dry The Floor
After mopping, allow the floor to air dry for a few minutes. If necessary, use soft towels or cloths to gently blot any remaining moisture. Make sure the floor is completely dry before walking on it.
Step 9: Place Protective Pads
To prevent furniture legs from scratching the laminate surface, attach adhesive felt or rubber pads to the bottom of chairs, tables, and other furniture.
Step 10: Return Furniture
Once the floor is completely dry, carefully move your furniture back into place. Lift and set down furniture instead of dragging it to avoid potential scratches.
8 Tips To Best Clean Laminate Wood Floors:
Laminate wood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but to keep them looking their best, proper cleaning is essential. Here are some tips to help you effectively clean and maintain the natural allure of your laminate wood floors.
Tip 1: Use The Right Cleaning Tools:
Opt for a cleaning solution that’s specifically formulated for laminate wood floors or a pH-neutral cleaner. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can strip the protective layer and damage the laminate’s finish.
Tip 2: Avoid Excessive Water
Laminate floors are sensitive to moisture. Use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop to prevent water from seeping between the planks, which can cause warping and swelling. Wring out the mop thoroughly before use.
Tip 3: Regular Dusting And Sweeping
Frequently dust and sweep your floors to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can cause scratches over time. A soft broom or vacuum with a soft brush attachment is ideal for this task.
Tip 4: Minimize Cleaning Solution
Less is more when it comes to cleaning solutions. Dilute the solution as per the manuals and use it sparingly. Excessive cleaners can leave streaks and residue on your floor.
Tip 5: Gentle Mopping Technique
When mopping, use gentle and even strokes. Avoid excessive pressure, as too much force can push dirt around and potentially damage the floor. Allow the microfiber mop to do the work.
Tip 6: Blot Spills Immediately
Spills should be addressed promptly. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to blot up the liquid, and then clean the area with a slightly dampened cloth. Quick action prevents moisture from seeping into the laminate.
Tip 7: Use Microfiber
Cloths for Spot Cleaning For small, localized stains, use a microfiber cloth dampened with a cleaning solution. Gently rub the affected area in a circular motion. Avoid abrasive scrubbing, which can harm the laminate.
Tip 8: Prevent Scratches
Place protective felt or rubber pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches when moving chairs or tables. Lift furniture when moving it, rather than dragging it across the floor.
Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Laminate Wood Floors With Swiffer:
Swiffer is a popular cleaning tool known for its convenience and ease of use. However, when it comes to cleaning laminate wood floors with a Swiffer, certain mistakes should be avoided. This practice helps to prevent potential damage and maintain the floor’s longevity.
- Using Wet Swiffer Pads:
One common mistake is using wet Swiffer pads on laminate wood floors. Excessive moisture can seep into the seams and cause the planks to swell or warp. Instead, opt for dry or dampened pads, and avoid oversaturating the floor during the cleaning process.
- Neglecting Dusting And Sweeping:
Using a Swiffer alone may not be sufficient to deep clean laminate wood floors. Neglecting regular dusting and sweeping can lead to dirt and debris accumulation, which, when combined with Swiffer usage, may cause scratches on the laminate surface.
- Not Checking For Abrasive Particles:
Before using a Swiffer, ensure that there are no abrasive particles like sand or grit on the floor. If not removed, these particles can scratch the laminate surface during cleaning.
- Not Changing Pads
Using a dirty or saturated cleaning pad can spread dirt around and potentially damage the floor. Change the pad when it becomes visibly soiled to ensure effective cleaning.
- Overusing Cleaning Solution
Some Swiffer models come with disposable wet pads that are pre-soaked with a cleaning solution. However, using too many solutions or repeatedly going over the same area can leave residue on the floor. Follow the instructions and use the recommended number of passes.
- Not Testing In An Inconspicuous Area
To test a new cleaning solution or method, it’s a good idea to do so in an inconspicuous area first. This way, you can ensure that it doesn’t cause discoloration, damage, or other adverse effects on your laminate flooring.
- Scrubbing Too Hard
Pressing down too hard or scrubbing vigorously with the Swiffer can damage the protective layer of the laminate and lead to premature wear. Instead, let the cleaning pad’s design and gentle pressure do the work.
- Ignoring Spills
Allowing spills to sit on the floor can lead to staining or damage. Clean up spills promptly with a slightly damp cloth, and then dry the area thoroughly.
Related Questions:
Can You Steam-clean Wood Laminate Floors?
Steam cleaning is generally not recommended for laminate wood floors. The high heat and moisture from steam can cause warping, swelling, and delamination of the laminate layers. It’s best to avoid steam cleaning and choose methods that use less moisture.
What To Use To Clean Wooden Laminate Floors?
To clean laminate wood floors, use a combination of a damp (not wet) microfiber mop or cloth along with a cleaning solution specifically designed for laminate floors or a pH-neutral cleaner. This approach effectively removes dirt and grime without risking damage to the laminate’s protective finish.
Avoid using excessive water or harsh chemicals, as they can lead to warping, swelling, and discoloration of the laminate. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for both the cleaning solution and the mop, ensuring a safe and effective cleaning process.
What Can You Clean Laminate Wood Floors With?
You can clean laminate wood floors with a damp (not wet) microfiber mop or cloth paired with a cleaning solution formulated for laminate floors or a pH-neutral cleaner. These options effectively remove dirt and grime without using excessive moisture or harsh chemicals that can harm the laminate’s surface.
It’s crucial to avoid steam cleaning, excessive water, or abrasive cleaners, as they can cause damage to the protective layer and compromise the appearance of your laminate wood floors.
Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Laminate Wood Floors?
Using vinegar to clean laminate wood floors is generally not recommended. Vinegar is acidic, and its use can potentially damage the protective layer and finish of the laminate. This could lead to discoloration, dullness, and a compromised appearance over time.
It’s safer to select a cleaning solution specifically designed for laminate floors or a pH-neutral cleaner. These options provide effective cleaning without the risks associated with vinegar or other acidic substances.
Are There Companies That Clean Wood Or Laminate Floors?
There are companies that specialize in cleaning and maintaining wood and laminate floors. These professional cleaning services have the expertise and proper equipment to effectively clean and care for your flooring. They can offer deep cleaning, polishing, and protective treatments that help extend the life and beauty of your wood or laminate floors.
When seeking such services, ensure that the company is experienced in handling wood and laminate floors specifically, as different types of flooring require different cleaning methods and products.
How Often Should You Clean Laminate Wood Floors?
Regular maintenance is key to preserving the beauty of your laminate wood floors. A general guideline is to clean them once a week using a damp microfiber mop or cloth. However, the frequency can vary based on foot traffic and household conditions.
High-traffic areas might require more frequent cleaning, while low-traffic areas may need less attention. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose dirt and debris is also recommended.
Conclusion:
With the right approach and proper care, cleaning laminate wood floors can be straightforward. You can easily clean by following the guide on how to clean laminate wood floors given above. Regular dusting and sweeping, combined with gentle yet effective cleaning solutions, will help maintain the beauty and shine of your laminate floors for years to come.