How To Care For Laminate Flooring

If you have, or are interested in, laminate flooring, you may already know its many benefits. For instance, it can look like hardwood but comes at a fraction of the price while still being a durable flooring option. However, just because laminate flooring looks like wood, tile or stone doesn't mean you clean it the same way. Laminate has its unique care requirements. 

Although it has specific cleaning guidelines, another pro of laminate flooring is that it's easy to maintain. It doesn't require much time, work or elbow grease! But before you start mopping away, we've got several simple and easy-to-follow tips and tricks on how to maintain and clean laminate floors to keep them looking new and pristine.

Materials Needed 

Before you start cleaning, ensure you have all the right tools ready: 

• Soft-bristled broom or brush 
• Vacuum cleaner
• Microfiber mop or towel 
• Bucket
• Hot water
• Mild dish soap, floor-cleaning solution or distilled white vinegar

How to Clean Laminate Floors

Although laminate flooring has a layer to protect it from scratches and to resist stains, that doesn't mean it won't require cleaning — it just makes the process easier. Here is how to make laminate floors shine naturally. 

Clean Spills Quickly 

As soon as a spill happens, clean it immediately. Use a dry microfiber mop or towel to absorb the excess moisture. Once done, ensure the area is completely dry. If left untreated, the liquid will damage and stain the laminate flooring, which can be more challenging to clean later. 

Remove Debris Regularly

Prevent dirt buildup and remove any debris on your laminate flooring regularly. You can either use a soft-bristled broom, vacuum cleaner or a dry microfiber mop to remove dust, dirt, dander and other debris from the floor. If you're using a vacuum cleaner, ensure it either has an attachment specifically for laminate flooring or a feature to turn off the rotating brush. This is to avoid potential scratching and gouging the laminate. 

Deep Clean Occasionally

The time will come to deep clean your laminate floor, or in other words, mop it. Laminate flooring can go for a month or two without any mopping — depending on your household. Your first step is to always perform a maintenance clean. This involves absorbing any missed spills or drops and removing debris like crumbs, dust and hair from the floor. 

Next, damp-mop the laminate. Dampen your mop with warm water and your chosen cleaning solution. Ensure it's not saturated with water, as excess moisture may cause planks to swell or may seep into the joints under the floor. The damp mop will catch dirt buildup that the maintenance cleaning couldn't. 

If the damp mop couldn't remove the remaining buildup, spot-treat problem areas using a dedicated laminate floor-cleaning solution. Ensure you follow the instructions carefully. Stick to using a damp microfiber cloth or towel instead of an abrasive tool. 

Spot Treat Stains

While laminate floors are stain-resistant, a stain or scuff may require some extra effort. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions regarding special care instructions. In general, here's what to do with common stains: 

• Grease, juice, wine and other beverages: Use a nonabrasive cleaner or a soap-free household cleaner diluted with warm water. Clean and buff it out with a microfiber cloth in circular motions. 
• Asphalt, nail polish, paint or crayons: For these tougher stains, use a denatured alcohol or nail polish remover. Then, follow up with a soap-free cleanser diluted with warm water. Buff the stain out. 
• Gum and candle wax: Let the material dry. Then, use a plastic scraper very carefully to scrape off the residue. Finish off with a clean and buff. 

Clean spills as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming troublesome stains later on. 

How to Maintain Laminate Floors

Give your laminate flooring extra TLC with the following maintenance tips to keep it in peak shape: 

• Apply furniture pads: Add pads underneath your furniture's legs to prevent scratches and scuff marks. 
• Ditch the shoes: Remove shoes with hard cleats, heels or soles before walking on your laminate flooring. 
• Pick up objects: Don't slide heavy furniture or other objects on laminate — rather, ask someone to help you pick it up. 
• Place rugs or mats: Place mats outside your doors and area rugs within your home to clean extra dirt off. 
• Remove flower pots: Prevent possible condensation into laminate flooring by placing flower pots on other surfaces. 
• Trim pet nails: Regularly trim and maintain your pets' nails to prevent scratch marks. 
• Use appropriate products: Avoid commercial cleaners, polishes and waxes, and only use those specifically made for laminate flooring. 

Laminate Floor Cleaning FAQs

We also answer the most frequently asked questions on how to clean laminate floors. 

How Often Should You Clean Laminate Flooring?

Depending on your home, you may need to remove dirt more frequently and more so in certain areas. You could spot clean and sweep the floor daily to keep it consistently clean, or you could do a weekly clean if that better fits into your schedule. 

High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways and living rooms can quickly accumulate dirt. Whether short- or long-haired, pets can leave extra dander behind wherever they go. Certain home locations may accumulate debris easily, like having a house near the beach where sand can spread quickly. 

Can You Steam-Clean Laminate Floors?

No, it's best not to use steam to clean laminate floors. Although other flooring types can be steam cleaned, it may do more harm than good for laminate flooring. The high heat and excess moisture from this cleaning method may cause the laminate to swell, warp and even separate from the base. 

Using a steaming tool may also void the manufacturer's warranty. Instead, opt for other cleaning tools and techniques that won't cause damage. 

What Is the Best Mop for Laminate Flooring?

Microfiber is the best thing to mop laminate floors with. Microfiber mops are gentle enough to clean laminate surfaces but powerful enough to effectively clean dirt, debris and stains. Plus, they require a minimal amount of water to prevent moisture damage. 

What Is the Best Floor-Cleaning Solution for Laminate Floors?

Choose a cleaning solution that is pH-neutral and designed for laminate flooring. These solutions are specifically made to not damage the floor's protective finish. You can also make your own simple solution of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or white vinegar. 

Avoid any harsh chemicals, polishes or waxes. Also, the less water, the better — damp microfiber mops or towels will do the trick. 

Shop for Laminate Floors at Carpet & Tile Mart

Knowing how to care for laminate flooring properly can help it look as great as the day it was installed. Besides keeping your laminate clean, knowing how to maintain it may be important for keeping its warranty, depending on where you bought it. Always refer to the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions.

At Carpet & Tile Mart, you'll have peace of mind. When you shop laminate flooring with us and use our specialty installation services, you get a two-year installation warranty — something not offered by most companies. Plus, with installation within a week, you can enjoy your newly installed laminate floors as soon as possible. 

Shop our variety of laminate flooring today. We're available, affordable and at your service!