Cleaning Laminate Floors

Laminate Floors Cleaning

Many homeowners choose laminate floors as an alternative to hardwood floors because the laminate flooring is durable and easy to maintain. However, to protect your laminate flooring read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before cleaning. Cleaning laminate floors is not difficult if you use the right process and products. It is always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations to keep your laminate floor looking its best.
General Laminate Floors Cleaning Tips
The number one caution found on all laminate floors cleaning tips is to avoid using too much water when cleaning laminate wood floors. If you apply too much water when cleaning laminate floors it can cause warping or streaking damage to your floor. Steam cleaning laminate floors is also not a good idea. Steam cleaning laminate floors can also result in warping at the seams of your flooring.

Do not apply wood wax after cleaning laminate floors. The wood wax will not penetrate the laminate and will leave streaks on the floor.

Keep your laminate floors free of dirt and dust to avoid scratching the surface. In between cleaning the floors with a cleaner you can protect your floors by sweeping off the dirt and dust with a soft vacuum cleaner attachment or a dry mop.

Commercial Laminate Floor Cleaners

There are many commercial brands of cleaners manufactured specifically for cleaning laminate wood floors. You can find reviews of most of the popular cleaners on the internet. Some popular commercial manufacturers of laminate floor cleaners include Bona, Armstrong and Bruce.

Never pour a commercial, concentrated cleaner directly onto a laminate floor. First dilute the cleaner following the directions on the cleaner container and then apply the cleaner with a spray bottle or put a small amount on a damp mop.

Before making a choice of cleaners check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Different cleaners work better with different laminate finishes. Also check the specifications of the commercial cleaners some are made for general cleaning of laminate wood floors and others are specifically made to remove stubborn stains. Your supplier is also a good source of advice about cleaning products and processes for your specific laminate floor. It is always a good idea to try any cleaning product in a small out of the way area before using it on the entire floor to check for any unwanted results.

Green Laminate Floor Cleaners

If you do not like the commercial laminate flooring cleaners try vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaner for removing dirt from your floors. Rubbing alcohol is also good for cleaning laminate floors. If you like you can combine equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Some homeowners like to dilute their vinegar or vinegar and alcohol cleaning solution with water. You should apply your homemade cleaning solution with a damp mop either by dipping a mop into a bucket of the cleaner and then wringing out the mop or by spraying the cleaner onto the mop. You can store left over cleaning solution in a spray bottle or a pour bottle.