06/01/2025
Laminate Flooring: Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Laminate flooring consists of planks, often called boards, available in various widths and lengths, made with layers of wood-derived materials.
It's no surprise that laminate flooring has become a favorite for homes and apartments. It offers easy installation and maintenance, excellent cost-effectiveness, enhances interior decor, and is very simple to clean.
While cleaning is straightforward, it’s important to do it the right way. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide on how to clean laminate flooring.
How to Clean Laminate Flooring
The first step in cleaning laminate flooring is to remove dust and surface debris. You can do this by sweeping with a soft-bristled broom or using a vacuum cleaner.
Next, it’s time to mop. Fill a bucket with 1 liter of warm water and add two tablespoons of disinfectant. Believe it or not, that’s all you need for effective cleaning!
To avoid scratching the laminate surface, use a microfiber cloth or mop. Follow these steps:
Dip the cloth into the water and disinfectant solution, ensuring it’s damp but not soaking wet. Wipe the floor along the grain of the laminate boards.
Rinse the cloth, dip it in the solution again, and wring it out well. This time, your goal is to dry the first layer of solution you applied. Wipe again along the grain.
Repeat the process until the floor is clean and dry.
How to Make Laminate Flooring Shine
Disinfectant can already give laminate flooring a nice reflective finish. However, for an extra shine, you can use furniture polish.
After completing the cleaning steps above, dilute two tablespoons of furniture polish in a bucket with 1 liter of water.
Dip a clean cloth in the solution and wipe the floor along the grain of the laminate boards.
Then, use another cloth, well-wrung, to remove any remaining moisture. And there you go—shiny laminate flooring in no time!
How to Clean Stubborn or Dingy Laminate Flooring
If your laminate floor has become dull or dingy, add 100 ml of liquid alcohol to the mixture of warm water and neutral detergent.
Follow the same mopping technique as described earlier. Depending on the level of dirt, you might need to repeat the process a few times.
Just ensure the floor doesn’t stay too wet during cleaning, as excess moisture can cause the boards to warp or swell.
How to Remove Stains from Laminate Flooring
For stained areas, you’ll need a bit more effort.
Apply neutral detergent to a soft sponge and gently scrub the stained area using the soft side of the sponge. Continue until the stain is removed.
Afterward, follow the cleaning steps in the “How to Clean Laminate Flooring” section.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, consider using a product specifically designed for laminate flooring and follow the instructions on the label.
5 Tips for Maintaining Laminate Flooring
Now that you know how to clean laminate flooring, here are additional tips to ensure its longevity:
Dry the Floor Quickly: As mentioned earlier, drying is crucial. Don’t let the floor stay wet. If it does get wet, dry it immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
Choose the Right Products: Avoid using wax, silicone-based products, vinegar, or baking soda—commonly recommended in DIY cleaning recipes.
Steer Clear of Abrasives: Abrasive products, like bleach or hard-bristle brushes, can damage laminate flooring and should be avoided.
Try Alpes' Perfumed Cleaners: With odor-control technology and alcohol-based formulas, Alpes cleaners ensure quick drying, making them perfect for laminate floors. Plus, their fine-fragrance-inspired scents leave your home smelling fresh for up to 30 hours.
Protect with Rugs and Mats: Use soft rugs and place doormats at entry points to minimize dirt being tracked inside.
by DMS RENOVATION.
