Laminate floors require frequent cleaning to remain shiny. High traffic areas of your house covered with laminate flooring are put to the test daily.
This type of flooring looks wonderful when clean but requires steady upkeep. If you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease you’ll have no problems sprucing up your laminate flooring and your home’s presentation.
By using a combination of cleaning techniques you can prevent scratching, warping and other side effects of ware. Mopping, sweeping and spraying vinegar on the surface makes this popular flooring choice among homeowners easier to manage.
Mop the Floor
Using a mop to clean the floor picks up any loose dirt and debris.
Mop outward from the center of the laminate floor. Consider mopping from one side of the room across to the other side if this approach seems easier to you. Avoid working from the corners of the floor to the center. This technique forces you to walk over freshly mopped areas.
Lightly dampen the mop to clean your floor effectively. Wring and soak the mop a few times during the cleaning for a more thorough, comprehensive washing.
Use Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent for laminate flooring. Mix about 32 ounces of water with a ¼ cup of vinegar for an effective ratio. Vinegar helps you to remove stubborn mud stains and shines up dull or faded areas of your floor.
Never use vinegar by itself. The solution is too abrasive unless you mix it with water.
Consider adding a few drops of liquid dish washing detergent to this cleaning mixture.
Use a spray bottle to apply the cleaning solution. Cover an area of a 1 foot square at a time. Never spray the entire floor at once as doing so will lead to staining. You should wipe up the solution immediately for the best results.
Pick up Any Spills Quickly
Sponge up spills immediately to prevent staining. No liquid should remain on the floor for a sustained period of time. Liquids eat away at the protective layer of flooring.
Make sure to add moisture to the cloth or sponge in order to pick up the liquid spill. Doing so makes it easier to clean the laminate floor.
Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture from the spill area. Leaving any moisture can cause permanent staining and floor damage.
Frequently Sweep the Floor
Use a dry dust mop to sweep the floor regularly. Use this method every 2 days to clean your laminate floor. Consider using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment if sweeping with a mop is a bit too much work for you or if you want to change things up.
Hair and dirt can build up to cause scratches unless you keep your floors free of this debris. Regular sweeping sessions remove any particles which may damage the surface.
Avoid using standard floor brushes as these may scratch your floor.
Check out the direction in which the tiles are laid. Brush in that direction to collect particles from in between the tiles.