What is the best way to clean laminate floors?

Laminate is a popular alternative to wood flooring because the material looks similar in appearance, is more affordable, and is relatively low maintenance. While laminate doesn't need to be polished or resurfaced, it does require some attention to ensure it stays in peak condition. Laminate flooring can be damaged by certain chemicals and excess water, so knowing how to clean the material is an essential part of upkeep. But with the proper cleaning supplies, your laminate floors will look their best for years to come.

• Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations of Two Maids
• Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company

How Often to Clean Laminate Floors

Floors quickly build up with crumbs, dirt, and other debris throughout the day. Spot cleaning and sweeping daily will keep laminate shining and free of debris that may scratch the surface, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. In addition to daily maintenance, you should also deep clean your laminate floors every two weeks.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your laminate floors.

• Vacuum cleaner
• Soft-bristled brush
• Microfiber mop
• Bucket
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hot water
• Mild dish soap
• Microfiber towels

How to Clean Laminate Floors

Avoid over saturating your floors with water is essential when cleaning laminate, as it can damage the surface. Also, be sure to use a microfiber mop, not a sponge mop. "A sponge mop pushes dirty water into grout lines, making them harder to clean later," says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid.

1. Use a soft-bristled broom, a dry microfiber mop, or a vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment to remove dirt and debris.
2. In a bucket, mix a solution of 1 gallon hot water, 1 cup vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap.
3. Using a microfiber mop, mop the floor from back to front. Assess the room and follow a path that ensures you end at an exit.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove stubborn dirt, or in high traffic areas.
5. Dump out the mixture and refill your bucket with clean water.
6. Mop the floor again using the clean, damp mop to remove any residue.
7. Allow the floor to dry thoroughly and ensure there is no standing water on the surface.
   

How to Remove Scuffs From Laminate Floors

Scuffs on floors are typically easier to remove when they’re fresh. "For scuffs and small marks, you can use a microfiber cloth and buff it out in circular motions," says Cohoon. "Be sure to sweep away debris, hair, and dust before buffing so you don’t accidentally scratch the floor."

How to Remove Stains From Laminate Floors

While laminate is naturally stain-resistant, if you encounter any stubborn spots, you can remove them with a mixture of vinegar and water, says Cohoon.

1. In a bucket, mix a solution of lukewarm water with a splash of vinegar.
2. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring it out well.
3. Use the cloth to buff away any stains.

How to Maintain Laminate Floors

Although laminate floors are low maintenance, there are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure they stay in peak condition.

• Avoid getting laminate floors overly wet as it can warp the flooring and cause damage over time. "If you have a lot of laminate flooring make sure you get a mop for laminate that won’t hold too much water," says Mock.
• Don't use harsh chemicals like bleach to deep clean floors or get rid of stains. "These are often too strong for laminate and can damage the flooring as well," says Mock.
• Upkeep is the best way to keep laminate floors looking great and feeling clean, says Cohoon. To do so, be sure to spot clean and sweep regularly, as well as treat stains and spills right away to avoid longterm damage.
• Don't use too much of your cleaning agent when caring for laminate floors. "Avoid using wax or polish as well as both will create residue," says Cohoon.

Wondering how to clean laminate flooring and keep it looking as great as it did upon installation? Even though your laminate wood floors may look as good as hardwood floors, that doesn’t mean you should clean them the same way. The best way to clean laminate flooring is not the same method you would use to make those hickory planks in your living room shine.

Photo: Olga Zarytska/Getty Images

Laminate planks need special care because, unlike hardwood floors, the surface can’t just be refinished if stains, scuffs, or other types of damage occur. To avoid pricey repairs and replacements, it’s critical to maintain the flooring material and treat it with care—especially in high-traffic areas. (Wearing stilettos around the house is one way to increase wear and tear!) But don’t worry, keeping your floors looking good doesn’t take a lot of time, work, or elbow grease.

“Regular sweeping or vacuuming, with occasional mopping, will extend the life of your floor and keep it looking as good as the day it was installed,” says Jennifer Meska, director of merchandising at LL Flooring, who mentioned that laminate tends to be less expensive than real wood, so its become a go-to option for many homeowners and builders.

Whether you have new laminate or vinyl floors or simply want your existing surface to look like a new flooring installation, here are the best laminate flooring tips, and the mistakes to avoid.

1. Do read the cleaning instructions that come with your laminate flooring

Before you get cleaning, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your floors. The brand may have specific recommendations based on the materials used. Most companies have detailed product guides and instructions on how to clean laminate floors on their websites. Read carefully as using harsh or abrasive cleaning products can null the warranty.

2. Don’t let stains sit on the floor

“If something spills, clean it up immediately,” says Steve Evans, cleaning expert at Memphis Maids. “Use a dense microfiber cloth or a sponge and gently blot until you absorb whatever has spilled.” Tackle stains pronto. Even if your laminate flooring is water-resistant, if you leave liquids for too long, they can potentially damage or discolor the surface.

3. Don’t use abrasive tools

Technology has made a lot of recent laminate flooring materials scratch-resistant, but that doesn’t mean you should reach for abrasive (steel wool, for example) items. You’ll want to use a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to sweep up debris. If you’re vacuuming, be careful to use an attachment without a beater bar or rotating brush, which could scratch the surface.

4. Do (carefully) mop the laminate flooring every two months

Photo: energyy/Getty Images

To keep laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate flooring. If you’re going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it’s almost completely dry.

5. Don’t use too much water

“The number one factor to keep in mind is that laminate floors do not get along with water,” Evans says. “At least, with excessive water. Keep water and liquids to a minimum whenever you’re cleaning these floors.” Even if the flooring material is water-resistant, you don’t want the water to pool or seep through the top layer, which could potentially lead to extra installation costs that come with replacing the laminate planks. That said, a traditional mop bucket is a no-no for laminate floors. If you forget to pick up all the water it can also cause staining or fading.