3 Tips to Ensure You Clean Laminate Floors the Right Way

How to Clean Laminate Floors With Vinegar and Dish Soap

Use a flat microfiber mophead or a mop wrung almost dry to help prevent too much moisture from seeping into the cracks and causing the floor to warp.

You can follow these steps and substitute a commercial laminate floor cleaner for the vinegar-based solution if you wanted, too.

1. Remove Grit and Dust

   Use a dust/dry mop or a vacuum cleaner daily to remove loose grit and dust that scratches the surface of the laminate. If using a vacuum cleaner, disengage the beater bar that can dent or scratch the laminate.

2. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   In a bucket, mix a solution of 1 gallon of hot water, 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. Fill a second bucket with plain water or use a sink to rinse out the mop as you work.

3. Mop the Laminate

   Dip the mop head into the vinegar solution and wring until it is slightly damp and not dripping. Start in one corner and work in a grid to make sure you cover every area of the floor.

   Rinse the mop head frequently to remove soil and wring until just damp. If the floor doesn't dry within one or two minutes of mopping, you are using too much solution.

   Use a dry mophead or microfiber cloths to absorb excess moisture from the floor.
   

   Cleaning Tip

   The solution can be transferred to a spray bottle and applied in a light mist to the floor. Use the mop to remove the solution and soil.

How to Remove Stains From Laminate Floors

Spills, especially those with dark or red coloring, should be cleaned immediately to prevent excessive staining on the laminate flooring.

For stubborn spots, mix lukewarm water and a splash of vinegar. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution, wring until it is not dripping, and gently scrub the stained area. Use a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture.

How to Remove Scuffs From Laminate Floors

Scuff marks should be removed as soon as they appear and always before mopping the floor.

To tackle scuff marks, use a hand vacuum to gather loose grit or dust to prevent more scratches. Then, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff away the marks. You can also use an art gum eraser or tennis ball to remove the scuff.

Tips to Protect Laminate Floors 

• Dust mop or vacuum laminate floors daily and mop at least once a month.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool, melamine erasers, straw brooms, and vacuums with beater bars or stiff rollers.
• Do not use harsh cleaners like chlorine bleach or ammonia that can dull the finish or waxes that will build up and make the laminate floors sticky.
• Never soak the floor with water and wipe up spills, messes, and plant watering overflow immediately
• Use protective floor pads on the bottom of chairs, couches, and tables to prevent scratching.
• Direct sunlight can cause damage to laminate floors over time. Draw the shades or blinds during intense direct sunlight and when you are not home.
• Trim pet's nails and institute a no-shoes policy to eliminate dirt.