How to Clean Laminate Floors Quickly and Easily
Laminate flooring is so nice and easy to care for – until it starts to look dull and grimy. But don’t worry, these few simple steps can get your floors looking fresh and clean in no time.
Use the Right Tools for the Job
Before we get to scrubbing, it’s important to know what not to use on laminate floors. Stay away from anything too harsh or scratchy like steel wool pads or stiff brooms. Those will definitely damage and scratch your floors.
You also want to avoid steam mops and super strong chemical cleaners, which can strip off the protective finish.
The good news is there are plenty of items that are gentle enough for laminate flooring. For basic cleaning, you’ll want a microfiber mop, soft broom, vacuum (preferably canister style), and microfiber cloths or towels.
When it comes to cleaning solutions, stick to mild options specifically made for laminate floors, or make your own simple homemade recipe (more on that later).
#1 Start By Clearing Away Any Loose Dirt or Debris
Before any wet mopping, it’s smart to just do a quick dry sweep over the floors. This gets all the obvious stuff – crumbs, dirt, pet hair, etc. – up and off the surface. You can use a broom, vacuum, Swiffer duster – whatever you have on hand.
Pay special attention to corners and along baseboards where gunk likes to accumulate.
#2 Mix Up a Safe DIY Cleaning Solution
No need to buy anything special. Just mix up one of these simple homemade solutions:
- 1 gallon hot water + 1 cup white vinegar + a squirt of dish soap
- 1 gallon water + 1 tbsp dish soap + 1 tsp isopropyl alcohol
- 1 gallon water + 1 tbsp dish soap + squeeze of lemon
The small amount of dish soap helps cut through grease and dirt. But don’t go crazy with it or you’ll leave a film. Vinegar, lemon, and alcohol help disinfect. Use lukewarm water, and avoid anything too hot as that can damage the laminate over time.
Here’s a little trick to really get your floors looking brand new. Before mopping, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda all over. The baking soda offers just enough grit to loosen up dirt and grime so your mopping solution can really get in there and clean. But it’s soft enough that it won’t scratch or scuff the floor.
#3 Time to Mop!
Dip your microfiber mop into the solution and wring it out well so it’s not sopping wet. Working in small sections, gently mop up the baking soda residue along with any lingering dirt. Make sure to rinse and wring out the mop frequently.
You want the floors clean but not flooded. Always work your way from the far corner of the room backwards towards the door so you don’t mop yourself into a corner!
For sticky spots or really stubborn stains, try these tricks to break through the gunk:
- Use a plastic putty knife to carefully scrape up dried paint, tar, or grease.
- Gently rub scuffs with a tennis ball to make them disappear.
- Spray fresh juice, wine, or coffee stains right away with a vinegar/water solution and wipe up.
- Work in a little squirt of dish soap on oily garage or driveway stains.
#4 Dry ASAP!
It’s really important to thoroughly dry the floors when you’re done mopping. Lingering moisture can seep through the seams and damage the base layers over time. Go over the floors again with a dry terry cloth towel or more paper towels. Make sure to get into corners and along baseboards where moisture likes to hide.
Tips for Keeping Laminate Floors Clean
To keep your floors looking tip-top in between deep cleanings:
- Sweep every other day to keep dust and grit from building up
- Keep a hand vac nearby for quick dust bunny duty
- Ask everyone to take off their shoes at the door
- Immediately wipe up any spills or splatters
- Trim pets’ nails to avoid scratches
- Shake out area rugs outside regularly
With just a little care, your laminate floors will look beautiful for years to come!
Tackle It Yourself or Call In The Pros?
For routine cleaning, doing it yourself is quick, easy, and affordable. But for dealing with significant stains or damage, calling in professional laminate floor cleaners can be worth it. They have industrial-strength tools, like floor buffers, that can really revive dingy floors.
And they know tricks for removing stains that are impossible to get out otherwise. If hiring a cleaning service seems indulgent, consider that a thorough professional cleaning often starts around $200. And you get back hours of your valuable time!
FAQs
Will static electricity ruin my laminate floors?
Luckily, static electricity is not strong enough to cause any damage to laminate flooring. The protective top layer is designed to resist scratches, scuffs, and shocks from everyday life. So don’t worry about a little static!
Are laminate floors really waterproof?
The top layer is water resistant, but water can still seep into the seams and damage the core over time. It’s fine for spills to sit for a few minutes, but you’ll want to dry the floors thoroughly as soon as possible. Definitely avoid flooding or standing water.
Can I use lemon essential oil to clean my floors?
It’s best to avoid essential oils, as they can leave an oily residue. For a citrus-fresh scent, use real lemon juice in your cleaning solution instead of the concentrated oil.
Will sweeping scratch my laminate floors?
Gentle, daily sweeping is a great way to maintain laminate floors. Just make sure to use a soft-bristle broom or dry dust mop. Avoid stiff brooms with thick bristles that could scuff.
How can I revive cloudy laminate floors?
If your floors are looking dull and cloudy, try mopping with a mix of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and a drop of dish soap. The vinegar will help dissolve any built-up grime that’s causing the cloudy haze.
Are scuffs permanent on laminate flooring?
Many scuffs can be removed by gently rubbing with a tennis ball. Be sure to get a soft, fuzzier ball rather than a brand new hard ball. You can also try attaching an old tennis ball to a mop head for convenient scuff removal.
Can I wax my laminate floors for extra shine?
Skip the wax, since it can leave a buildup that actually dulls the floors over time. For extra shine, look for laminate floor cleaners that contain acrylic. This helps enhance the floors’ luster between deep cleanings.