February 1, 2021 by Mulberry Maids
Laminate floors are extremely popular these days owing to the staggering designs and less cost compared to most other types of flooring. You can even learn to lay them by yourself and save additional labor costs. When properly maintained, laminate floors will last for years!
However, many people treat laminate flooring the same as other types of flooring. Improper cleaning methods wreak havoc on the life and appearance of laminate floors. If you are wondering how to clean your laminate floors without damaging them, read on-
5 Easy Ways to Clean Laminate Floors
- For regular cleaning
Every time you walk on your laminate floor that has a fine build-up of grime and dust, you’ll slowly but surely be wearing it out. Grime is abrasive. A regular cleaning schedule will ensure that any grime will be removed. For regular cleaning, water and/or any cleaning solution is not recommended as they can damage the floor in the long run.
A vacuum cleaner with a soft bristle attachment will do the trick. You can also use an electric spin mop or any mop with a microfiber head for dry cleaning the floor every day. The microfiber picks up dust and grime efficiently without letting them rise. A broom though, however good it may be, is not recommended as it will raise dust and allergens.
- For a more rigorous cleaning
Rigorous cleaning of your laminate floor is essential every once in a while. You should read the manufacturer’s guidelines before undertaking the task. For thorough cleaning, you can use plain water or water mixed with a mild cleaning solution. An electric spin mop or a microfiber mop can be used.
The key to using water to clean your laminate floor is to ensure that you use as little as possible. The mop head should be barely moist before you use it to wipe. Making your floor too wet will reduce its life. If you are diligent with your regular cleaning, a rigorous cleaning is required only rarely.
- For liquid spills
Liquid spills must be dealt with as soon as possible. The longer it sits on your laminate floor, the more damage will it do. Use a dry cloth to wipe away the spill. Next, use a damp (not wet) cloth to remove any stubborn remnants. Lastly, wipe with a clean dry cloth to dry the spot thoroughly. A microfiber mop also works well as microfiber is highly absorbent.
- For spot treatment of different kinds of common stains
Chewing gum: Use a sharp plastic object like an expired credit card or a plastic knife to scrape off the gum. You can remove any remaining bits with a soft cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Avoid using a metal object to scrape away the gum. It will easily scratch your laminate floor.
Blood: Apply a few drops of window cleaner on the stain and wipe with a warm, damp cloth. The earlier you attend to it the easier will it be to clean.
Grease: Use an icepack to harden the grease and then scrape it off with a plastic knife. Put a few drops of window cleaning fluid on any residue and wipe with a soft, damp cloth.
Ink, soda, or wine: Use a mildly damp soft cloth to wipe away the stain. For more stubborn stains, use a mild detergent or ink remover. Ensure that you re-clean the spot with a cloth soaked in warm water and dry it thoroughly.
Nail polish: Use a little acetone on your spinning mop to clean. Finish by re-cleaning with a damp mophead and drying the spot thoroughly.
Heel marks and scuffs: Go easy on them. It is difficult to remove heel marks and doing too much cleaning will ruin your floor. Use a soft, damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe the mark away from the surface and dry thoroughly.
- For intense cleaning
If you have bought a house that has extremely dirty but redeemable laminate flooring, you need to subject it to a one-time intense cleaning. This is a task where an electric spinning mop comes into its own. For this task, start off with a dry clean with a vacuum or a spinning mop with a microfiber head.
Then, use hot water with a mild cleaning solution. The mophead should be damp and not wet. Finally, use plain water to reclean and dry the floor rapidly. The reason why an electric spinning mop is recommended is that it allows you to finish the task quickly. Remember, the longer the floor is wet, the more prone to damage will it be.
To wind off
The above cleaning ways are gentle on your laminate flooring. A regular dry cleaning schedule will mean that you need to use other, more damaging cleaning options only rarely. Be sure to spot and clean up any spills immediately. Try to avoid harsh chemicals, heat, and moisture as much as possible and you’ll enjoy your laminate flooring for many years.