How to clean laminate floors
LAMINIATE flooring can get dirty very easily.
Its shiny surface shows every speck of dust an dirt very cleanly, so you'll want to clean it properly and thoroughly.
It's important to protect laminate floors from damage, so knowing what to use and what to avoid is a must - here's everything you need to be aware of.
How to clean laminate floors
Cleaning your laminate floors may be not be at the top of your list of priorities right now, but it's important to look after them as dirt on the surface can cause scratches to appear.
It's important to approach the job properly so they don't get sticky or damaged after mopping.
But thankfully we've got some great cleaning hacks to share with you to get your laminate floor sparkling again.
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Vacuum or dust
You should start by vacuuming or dusting, and make sure you don't use a wet mop as this can spread grit across the floor, according The Spruce's website.
If you choose to use a vacuum cleaner, use one that has a hard floors setting, this is because models with rolling brushes can damage to laminate flooring if used over time.
Pick a cleaning solution
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Choosing the right cleaning soloution can make a massive difference.
You can either use a commercial floor cleaner and follow their instructions, or make your own cleaning mixture.
One mixture you could try is made up of:
- 2 cups of distilled white vinegar
- 2 cups of warm water
- 5-10 drops of an essential oil, this could be: orange, lemon, lemon eucalyptus etc.
Put this in a bottle with a spray top and apply it to the affected areas.
Cleaning expert Mrs Hinch says if you have got time to fully scrub your floors, The Pink Stuff is great at removing tough grime and dirt.
Mop the floors
Swelling can easily occur when water seeps between your laminate boards, so try to keep the amount of water you use to a minimum during the cleaning process, and also be sparing with your use of the spray.
Make sure the mop is wrung out before use and is only slightly damp.
You don't want any excess water left behind after mopping, and the surface should be dry one or two minutes after you've finished.
It's important to remember that you shouldn't polish or wax laminate floors, according to the cleaning pros at Good Housekeeping this could cause damage.
Laminate flooring often has a static electricity problem so it helps to use an electrostatic-free cleaner like a Swiffer.
Buff it dry
Then all you need to do is get an absorbent cloth or a microfibre mop head and buff the surface dry.
Rub the area in a circular motion until each section is done.
How to protect laminate floors from damage
So, now that you've got it sparkling clean again, how do you ensure it's protected from damage?
The first thing to do is consider getting entrance mats, and not wearing shoes in the house.
Make sure that any spillages that do occur are wiped away in timely fashion so it can't seep into the flooring.
A good rule of thumb is to vacuum your floors weekly, you can deep clean laminate wood floors by dry mopping them monthly or every two months.
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You can also make sure the furniture in your home has floor pads to prevent them from scratching the surface, especially if it's lightweight furniture as it can be bumped around more easily according to the pros at Leader Floors.
Also be aware that over time laminate can be damaged by direct sunlight, so close the blinds during periods of intense sunlight and when you're out.
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
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