The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Laminate Floors

When it comes to laminate flooring, there is a thin line between very clean and a big mess. It looks good, feels nice to walk on, and costs less than wood, but laminate does not take well to cleaning errors. One wrong move with a wet mop or mean cleaner, and boom—your great floors will start warping. I have put together the best do's and don'ts to help keep your laminate floors looking top-notch with no worry.

Vinyl flooring has a similar care routine, so many of these tips work well for both laminate and vinyl flooring.

The Do's:

1. Sweep or Vacuum Every Day:

Why it's important: Dirt, grit, and dust work like sandpaper on your feet, slowly making scratches and wearing out the shiny top of your laminate. Sweeping or vacuuming every day stops these small damages.

• Use a soft broom or a vacuum with a setting for hard floors (no beater bar).

• Try to do this each morning—it takes just 5 minutes!

Pro-Tip: Keep a small, soft duster close by to clean corners where brooms miss. Trust me, your floors will be happy.

2. Use a Damp Mop (Take Out Extra Water!):

Why this is key: Laminate floors don't like too much water—it gets into the cracks, making them swell and warp. A damp mop can clean well without too much water.

• Put warm water and a bit of mild, pH-neutral cleaner in a bucket.

• Dip your mop in it, wring it well until it's close to dry, and then move it across your floor.

• Wash the mop a lot to stop the spread of dirty water. A proper cleaning routine like this helps extend the life of your flooring and avoids the common cleaning mistakes many homeowners make.

Pro-Tip: Pick a microfibre flat mop, not a sponge one. Microfibre soaks up spills well and uses less water, so there's less chance of harm.

3. Wipe up Spills Right Away:

Why it’s key: Spills will happen—morning coffee, evening wine, or a knocked-over vase. The quicker you dab, the less time the liquid has to soak in deep.

• Grab a soft cloth or paper towel fast.

• Dab softly (no rubbing!) to take in the liquid and keep the mark small.

Pro-Tip: Have a stack of cloths or paper towels close to the kitchen and meal spot. When things go wrong, you can jump into action at once.

4. Use Floor Protectors:

Why this is key: Dragging chairs and tables can mark and spoil your floors. These small scratches get worse over time.

• Put soft pads or felt under the legs of your chairs and tables.

• Look at them often—if they look dirty or used up, change them.

Pro-Tip: To keep marks from shoes away, put a mat at every door. If rain and mud bother you, get a tough mat with a rough top. It'll catch dirt before it hits your floors.

5. Use Cleaners the Maker Says to Use:

Why it's key: Strong stuff (like bleach or stuff with ammonia) can take off the top wear layer that keeps your laminate safe, making it look less shiny and more open to harm.

• Stay with cleaners that are pH-balanced or made just for laminate.

• Don't use home-mixed cleaners unless you're sure they won't hurt.

Pro-Tip: If you’re not sure, try it on a small, hidden spot. Put the cleaner on, wait a bit, then wipe it off. If it looks the same and there’s no harm, you're set to clean!

The Don'ts:

1. No Water Puddles:

Why it's bad: Laminate can't stand water; too much water makes the planks big, bent, or even pop up, mainly at the sides where water can sneak in.

• Don't use a very wet mop.

• Dry up any spills fast with a dry rag. Long-term exposure to moisture is just one of several issues that can compromise the condition of your laminate floors. Knowing all possible causes helps you avoid costly damage.

Pro-Tip: If you must do a big clean, use a cleaning kit that's okay for laminate and uses little water. No steam mops—they are bad news for laminate due to high heat and wetness!

2. Don't Use Rough or Harsh Cleaners:

Why it is important: Stuff like bleach, ammonia, or big cleaners hurt the top layer, making your floors look dull, hurt, or color-changed.

• Stay away from any cleaner with acetone, things made from oil, or very strong acids.

• Keep off harsh rough stuff or scrub pads—they will scratch the top.

Pro-Tip: For hard stains (like ink or paint), pick a cleaner made just for laminate floors or use a light mix of rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth. Just rub softly—don't scrub hard!

3. Don’t Drag Furniture Over the Floor:

Why this is key: Pulling a big couch or shelf over your laminate can make deep, ugly marks. These can build up and wreck the nice, smooth look.

• You should pick up big things when you move them.

• Ask for help if one person can't lift the load on their own.

Pro-Tip: Use small slides or bits of cardboard to move big items without hurting the floor. They don't cost much and are a big help when needed!

4. No Wax or Polish:

Why it's key: Laminate isn't like real wood; it has a built-in top wear layer. Using wax or polish adds a tacky layer, dulling the look and drawing dirt.

• Don’t use polish; it's not made for laminate and will just annoy you.

• Use things made just for it to keep the clean shine.

Pro-Tip: If the laminate is dull, spray on a refresher made just for it. It brings back the shine without any sticky mess.

FAQs:

1. Can I put a steam mop on laminate floors?

No way! The hot steam and wetness can make the laminate bend or peel. Use a slightly wet mop with a soft cleaner instead.

2. How can I get rid of hard stains like ink or paint?

Use rubbing alcohol or a cleaner made for laminate. It breaks down the ink and paint but keeps the top of the laminate safe. Put a bit on a cloth and rub the spot softly until it's gone. After, clean the spot with a wet cloth and dry it well.

3. How can I stop my laminate floor from losing color in direct sun?

Cover it with things on your windows. UV rays can make the color of your laminate dull over time. Put up light-blocking curtains, blinds, or UV-cutting window film to cut down on direct sun. Switch around rugs and chairs now and then to keep the color even.