Laminate floors are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are affordable and easy to maintain. However, if they are not cleaned properly, they can become stained and scratched. In this blog post, we will discuss how to clean laminate floors using simple and effective methods. Keep your floors looking beautiful for years to come by following these tips!
What is Laminate Floor Made of?
Before we get into how to clean laminate floors, let’s take a look at what the material is made of. Laminate flooring consists of several layers that make up its core:
The top wear layer protects your floor from scratches and stains caused by daily use such as walking or furniture moving across it. This layer also gives each plank its color and pattern.
The inner core is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), which provides strength and stability to the flooring.
A moisture barrier protects your floor from moisture damage, while a balancing layer helps ensure that the flooring expands and contracts evenly with changes in humidity levels.
Lastly, the bottom layer is a glued-down locking mechanism that holds the entire floor together.
Cleaning Tools You’ll Need To Clean Lamnate Floors
Now that you know what laminate flooring is and how it’s made, we can discuss the different tools that are needed for cleaning. Here are the essentials:
Mop – use a damp mop to clean any sticky or wet messes. Be sure not to saturate the floor with water, as this can damage the core layers and cause warping.
Baking Soda – baking soda can be used to remove grease stains and other hard-to-remove dirt from your floors. Sprinkle a small amount onto the stain before wiping up with water or another cleaning solution.
Vacuum Cleaner – Use a vacuum cleaner on laminate floors, especially if they have debris such as food crumbs or hair that needs to be removed.
Soft Rag – A soft rag can be used to remove dust and other particles from your laminate flooring without scratching the surface or damaging any of its layers in the process.
Vinegar – This liquid is not only great for cleaning, but it also has antibacterial properties that will help keep your laminate floors germ-free!
If you don’t have these items, you can purchase them at any local grocery store or home improvement center.
How To Clean Laminate Floors?
Now that we’ve covered the tools needed for cleaning laminate floors let’s discuss how to clean them! Here are some tips:
Vacuum Or Sweep Laminated Floors Regularly
If you want to keep your floors looking clean and shiny, it’s important to vacuum or sweep them regularly. This will remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated on the surface. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or a broom, depending on what is most convenient for you. To avoid scratching the surface when vacuuming, do not use a hard-bristled attachment like those on traditional upright vacuum cleaners.
Wipe Up Spills Immediately
To prevent stains from setting in and causing permanent damage to your laminate flooring, it’s important that you wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. You can use a wet or dry cloth, whichever is more convenient. Be sure to use caution when cleaning up any liquids as they can damage the floor if it’s saturated with water. This is especially true for laminate floors that have been installed over concrete subfloors (as opposed to wood subfloors).
Here’s how you should go about cleaning up a spill:
Use a dry cloth or paper towels to blot at the liquid until there is no longer any standing water on top of your flooring. Be sure to press down firmly on the cloth to help soak up as much of the liquid as possible. If there is any remaining residue or dirt, use a cleaning solution (such as vinegar) and a damp cloth to wipe it up.
Dry floors thoroughly with another dry cloth or paper towels.
If you’re still seeing spots on your laminate floors after this process, try using a cleaning solution like vinegar mixed with water to help remove them. Be sure not to saturate any area of the flooring when wiping up spills as it may cause permanent damage! To finish, dry the floor with a cloth or paper towels.
This is the process you should follow for any type of spill, whether it’s liquid, food, or dirt.
FAQs about Cleaning Laminate Floors
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about cleaning laminate floors.
What is the best way to clean laminate floors?
The best way to clean laminate floors is with a damp mop. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage this type of flooring material.
What not to use to clean laminate floors?
Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners when cleaning your laminate floors as they can damage the surface.
Should you mop laminate floors?
It is best to mop laminate floors with a damp mop. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage this type of flooring material.
Conclusion
As you can see, cleaning laminate floors is not a difficult task! By following the tips and instructions in this post, you can keep your floors looking clean and shiny for years to come. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you!