Cleaning 101: How to Clean Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is durable, waterproof, and resistant to most signs of wear-and-tear. While cleaning is easy, laminate flooring requires a different method of cleaning than other types of flooring. Read our guide to learn how to clean laminate floors so you can keep them looking shiny and new longer.

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For a Standard Weekly Clean
How to Deep Clean Laminate Flooring
How to Clean Spills & Stains
How to Clean Scuffs & Scrapes

How to Protect Your Laminate Floors

For a Standard Weekly Clean

Review these steps to establish a consistent cleaning routine that preserves the quality and shine of your laminate floors.

Step 1: Vacuum

The best preventative care for laminate flooring is a weekly vacuuming to remove the dirt, debris, and pet hair that cause scratches over time. Use a vacuum equipped with a soft brush attachment, or opt for a dry dust mop. Avoid stiff bristle brushes, as these can scrape and dull the laminate surface.

Tip!

Sweep in the direction that the laminate was laid to get better access to the nooks and crannies of the floor.

Step 2: Wash

When it comes to regular maintenance, water is the safest option for laminate wood floors. Avoid using soap, pine, lemon, or ammonia-based cleaners, as these harsh chemicals will damage the protective layer and leave a streaky haze. Simply dampen a microfiber mop in hot water and wring it out thoroughly until it is barely damp. This prevents large puddles from seeping beneath the baseboards and causing water streaks.

Step 3: Dry

Once you finish mopping, use a clean microfiber cloth or a fresh dry mop to wipe down the surface. Microfiber is an ideal material because its gentle fibers protect the floor from scuffs or scratches. Drying the floor immediately is crucial to prevent standing moisture from discoloring or warping the planks over time.

How to Deep Clean Laminate Flooring

When your floors require a deeper clean to remove built-up grime, use a flathead microfiber mop paired with a specialized laminate floor spray cleaner.

• Apply the cleaner: Spray the laminate cleaner directly onto the floor in small sections, then wipe it up using a damp microfiber mop.
• Follow the grain: Mop in the same direction that the laminate was laid to avoid leaving streaks behind.
• Dry the surface: Follow up immediately with a dry microfiber cloth to pick up any leftover moisture.

Tip!

If you wash your microfiber mop covers in a washing machine, avoid using fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves a coating on the fibers that will create a streaky haze on your laminate the next time you clean.

How to Clean Spills & Stains

Wipe up spills immediately with a clean cloth to prevent stains or long-term liquid damage to your laminate floors. If you are dealing with stubborn or set-in spots, follow this tip to safely lift stains from laminate flooring.

Lifting Tough Stains

• Mix a gentle solution:* Dilute 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle.
• Treat in sections: Spray the mixture over a small area and wipe it up immediately with a clean, damp cloth.
• Avoid oversaturating: Use a light misting to protect the laminate layer from moisture damage. Once the stain is gone, dry the area completely with a fresh cloth.

Removing Sticky Messes & Ink

• Wax & Gum: If candle wax or chewing gum hardens on your floor, place a plastic bag filled with ice cubes directly over the spill. Once it freezes and becomes brittle, gently scrape it off using a plastic knife.
• Ink & Crayon: To clear away ink or crayon smudges, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Blot the spot gently until the mark lifts, then wipe the area clean with a dry microfiber cloth.

How to Clean Scuffs & Scrapes

Daily life can take a toll on your flooring, but minor cosmetic blemishes are easy to fix. Use these simple steps to erase existing marks and protect your laminate floors from future damage.

Erasing Existing Scuffs

• Use a pencil eraser: Rub a clean pencil eraser gently over rubber heel marks or shoe scuffs to lift them from the surface instantly.
• Wipe away residue: Brush away any eraser crumbs with a dry microfiber cloth to keep the area clean.

How to Protect Your Laminate Floors

To keep your floors shiny and free of scuffs and scratches, take these preventative measures to keep your floors looking new.

• Don’t wear shoes in the house. Place them on a tray by your front door and wear slippers around the house.
• Put a mat under your pet’s water and food bowls as well as your baby’s high chair.
• Keep pet’s nails trimmed.
• Use area rugs.

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