How to Clean Laminate Flooring: An Ultimate Guide

Laminate floors are durable, stylish, and, most importantly, low maintenance, making them an excellent choice for homes and offices. Here’s our guide on how to clean laminate flooring.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring option that replicates the appearance of wood. It is a popular and cost-effective alternative to hardwood without compromising appearance. It is mostly low maintenance, but it requires special attention while cleaning.

Laminate floors can be sensitive to harsh chemicals and excessive water. Excess water seeps into the seams, causing the planks to warp or swell.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products

You cannot use everyday cleaning supplies for laminate floors. There are specific cleaners and tools for these floors.

pH-neutral CleanersAlways select a pH-neutral cleaner as they are gentle on the surface and also safe for your babies and pets. These are effective in removing dirt and do not leave harmful residues as well.
Non-abrasive CleanersAvoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, and tools like steel wool and nylon scrubbing pads that can scratch and erode the protective layer of the laminated floors.
Use microfibre mopFill a bucket with warm water and white vinegar instead of soap-based cleaners, as they can leave a dull finish. Dip the microfibre mop and wring it out to remove excess water. Then, mop out loose dirt and dust from the floor.

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

We have listed essential maintenance instructions to clean and protect your floors.

Daily Sweeping or Vacuuming

Always use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum that has a setting for hard floors. This removes any kind of debris and prevents scratches that might be caused by tiny particles. This ensures that the surface of the laminate floors stays polished.

Spot Cleaning

It is recommended that you immediately spot clean stains and spills to prevent damage. This is essential as liquids easily get absorbed into the floor surface, which can cause water damage.

Biweekly Deep Clean

Cleaning floors every day is not recommended as it can do more harm. To remove hidden dirt and debris from the laminate floor, you can conduct a deep clean every two weeks.

Deep Cleaning and Sanitising

Every time you deep clean the floors, follow these steps:

Use high-quality cleaning products designed for laminate flooring to protect the floor’s upper layer.
Clean one area at a time with a microfibre mop so that there is no spreading of dirt and dust.
Ensure the cloth is lightly dampened and not soaked in water, as too much water can ruin your entire floor.
You can occasionally use sanitising solutions to remove germs without harming the floor to keep your space hygienic and fresh.

Treatment Methods for Spills and Marks

Quick actions from your end can save your laminate flooring from permanent stubborn marks.

For liquids like juice, wine, or grease spills, use a microfibre cloth as a mop to gently wipe it away. Do not rub it vigorously, as the spill can spread and leave a stain.
In a home with toddlers and pets, always keep a nail polish remover or any alcohol-based solvent handy. Using it over tougher marks like crayons or nail polish cleans it without damaging the original colour.
If gum or wax gets stuck on the floor, use a hair dryer first to loosen the substance. Then, use a suitable cleaner and wipe it away with a cloth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Laminate floors come with their own set of challenges, but you can easily solve them with some tricks.

You can use a non-slip coating to improve the grip and prevent accidents.
If your floors appear dull, clean them with a microfibre mop and a gentle solution.
You can remove small marks from furniture with a scratch remover. However, for larger marks, it is best to consult a professional for repairs.

Maintenance for a Long-Lasting Laminate Floor

Once you have clean floors, you can use the following recommendations to keep them durable over time.

Avoid wearing shoes with heels and spikes indoors that can scratch or dent the floor.
Use felt pads under large furniture legs to prevent scraping when moving them.
Use rugs and mats in high-traffic areas to reduce the wear and tear of the floor.

Conclusion

Cleaning laminate floors is simple if you use the right supplies, tools, and techniques. With the right combination of these three things, you can keep your floors like new even after years of wear and tear. By maintaining a balance between regular cleaning and proper maintenance, your floors will elevate the look of your space.

For expert cleaning solutions, trust Harmony Clean, the leading commercial cleaners in Christchurch. We are dedicated to providing consistent and high-quality cleaning services.