Laminate flooring should be cleaned with care, even if it’s waterproof.
This post will explain how to clean waterproof laminate flooring without causing irreversible damage in five easy steps.
Our simple process starts by sweeping the dirt.
All you need to do is get a safe cleaning solution and dedicated tools to mop the floor.
Finally, dry any excess water with an absorbing cloth.
Let’s break down each step in detail.
1. Sweep the Floor
First, sweep away dry dirt, dust, and pet hair.
This will minimize the amount of water needed for mopping. Choose a flared broom with soft bristles, a microfiber dry mop, or a vacuum cleaner.
When sweeping, go along the natural grain of the wooden planks to avoid scratching them.
If you prefer vacuuming, choose a low-setting vacuum with a soft attachment.
Avoid using rotating beater bars and rollers intended for carpets.
Next, remove any hardened spills on the floor with a soft, dampened cloth.
It’s better to do this step regularly once you notice the spills to avoid staining the floor.
If you struggle with tough greasy spots, top them with an ice pack for several minutes, then carefully rub them.
2. Mix a Cleaning Solution
An effective laminate floor cleaner should dry quickly, keep the floor’s shine, and extend its life without leaving waxy traces behind.
You have two options here:
- a commercial product
- a homemade solution
Some of the best formulas in the market are chemical-free and don’t need to be rinsed.
Avoid ammonia, wax, and oil-based formulas.
On the other hand, DIY laminate floor cleaning solutions are popular because they’re easy to prepare with natural components.
Water is used to dilute the solution and make it less harsh for everyday use.
Any of the following solutions is safe on laminate floors:
- Equal parts rubbing alcohol and water
- One teaspoon of dish soap on every water gallon, plus drops of baby shampoo
- Equal parts rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and water
3. Mop the Floor
You can use a regular mop and a bucket or opt for a fancy tool dedicated to laminate floors.
If you go regular, make sure to ring out the mop to the point of near dryness to avoid excessively damping the floor.
We recommend investing in a refillable spray mop.
These mops spritz a thin layer of cleaner without messing the floor, and they suit all floor types.
You can do daily quick mopping with warm water or use your cleaning solution for deeper cleaning.
You can also use a steam mop for deep cleaning every six months if needed.
Make sure to thoroughly dry out the floor afterward.
4. Dry the Floor
Laminate floors are designed to withstand surface wetness, but you need to deal with it immediately.
Damage can quickly occur if fluids leak through the seams into the locking system.
If left long enough, fluids at the center of the planks can also potentially soak into the wood.
After mopping, remove any traces of wetness with a dry mop or a microfiber cloth.
This will ensure no moisture stains remain behind and that water doesn’t build up under the planks.
If, by mistake, you ended up with a large spill, don’t direct it with a cloth towards the seams.
Instead, place the fabric on the spill and give it time to absorb the water.
Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the floor faster.
5. Use a Cleaning Solution to Remove Any Remaining Moisture Stains
Moisture stains occur when water is left long enough to get absorbed by the surface, causing faded spots.
This can be caused by concentrated cleaners or water mineral deposits.
After mopping and drying, use a cleaning cloth with a cleaning solution to remove those stains.
If the stains are caused by concentrated cleaners, use a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to remove the built-up film. Mop the floor and immediately dry afterward.
Another effective option is to use a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water.
Apply the paste to the stained area with a microfibre cloth or a toothbrush.
Let it dry, then gently scrub the paste.
Finally, wipe with a microfibre cloth and dry well.
Likewise, you can use vaseline or mayonnaise and scrub after drying.
Alternatively, apply mineral oil or spirits with a cloth and clean it after 24 hours.
Another solution is to iron the stained area after placing a top.
Can You Clean a Laminate Floor With Vinegar?
Yes, vinegar is safe on laminate floors. It’s one of the best homemade cleaning ingredients because of its antiseptic and deodorizing qualities.
Moreover, it gives an attractive shine to any cleaned surface.
Use a few drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the vinegar’s smell.
It will fade away quickly after drying.
Here are the steps to cleaning laminate floors with vinegar:
- Mix one-part distilled white vinegar with three-part warm water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. You can use a 1:1 ratio if your laminate floor is dull and needs more shine.
- Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the floor, or use a soft towel or sponge and squeeze the excess solution out.
- Use a laminate mop to clean the floor.
