Laminate flooring is a popular choice among homeowners and renters alike as it is an elegant and affordable way to modernize any home. It requires no demolition and is easily installed. Laminate flooring is durable, and regular light maintenance will keep your laminate floors looking shiny and new for years to come. So whether you already have laminate flooring or are thinking of installing it, here is Hoover’s advice for how to clean laminate flooring - the right way.
It is important to always check with the manufacturer of the laminate flooring and follow their care instructions. As a general rule of thumb, it is not recommended to use harsh products on laminate flooring as they could damage the finish. Practicing daily and weekly maintenance is the best way to keep your laminate floors looking their best.
Vacuuming: The best option
Although laminate flooring is not as prone to scratches as some other types of flooring, scratches can happen, especially in areas with high foot traffic. One way to avoid this is by regularly vacuuming or sweeping your laminate floors. Making sure to vacuum or sweep daily, or after crumbs or dry material has fallen, is one of the best ways to keep them looking their best.
The good ol’ broom and dustpan will do if you have no alternative, but vacuuming is by far the best option as it is much more effective at picking up dust and dirt. When vacuuming, it is important to avoid using abrasive tools that could also scratch the surface of the floor. When using vacuums on laminate floors, make sure they have a Hard Floor mode like the Hoover HF9. The Hard Floor mode is perfect for hard floors like laminate flooring because the brush bar spins more slowly to clean delicate surfaces as the double suction power gently lifts dust and debris. The standard speed of brush bars can scratch laminate flooring, so check your vacuum before you start cleaning. Be sure to vacuum in the direction the floor is laid so that you can get any dust or dirt stuck in the interlocking cracks.
Spot cleaning or damp mopping
Although vacuuming with a hard floor vacuum is the best way to clean laminate flooring, sometimes we may encounter messes that a vacuum cannot handle. As laminate flooring is sensitive to moisture, it is recommended to spot clean any messes or try to clean spills as soon as they happen. If spot cleaning and wiping is not enough, you can also use a damp mop across the floor. This is probably best done once a week or once a month. Be careful not to overly wet the mop and never dump buckets of water onto laminate flooring.
Just plain old hot water is usually enough to clean laminate floors. Simply wring out the mop to eliminate excess water and mop the floor. However, if you opt for a cleaner, use a mixture of neutral detergent and water or a mixture of vinegar and water. Never use wax, bleach, pine, lemon, ammonia-based cleaners, or acrylic products as they can permanently damage the laminate floor’s surface.
Dry mop
After damp mopping or wiping up any especially dirty areas, dry the area with a dry mop or a microfiber cloth. Microfiber is a great material because it is soft and will not scratch or scuff the floor over time. It is very important to eliminate any remaining standing water or moisture to avoid any warping or swelling of the laminate boards.
Removing stains
Sometimes we just can’t get to spills right away, or they happen in difficult-to-see areas, leading to stains. It’s always best to use neutral products on laminate flooring or products specifically designed for them. Here are some products you can try to remove different types of stains:
- Rubbing alcohol: Can be used to remove many common stains like ink, crayon, nail polish, and shoe polish.
- Vinegar: is a powerful disinfectant and cleaner. Always dilute vinegar before using it on laminate floors. Use it in a spray bottle for stains or in the mop bucket.
- Pencil eraser: Try using a pencil eraser to eliminate scuff marks from shoes and heels.
- Ice and scrape: If gum or candle wax has fallen onto your laminate floor, have no fear! Simply take a bag of ice and put it on the gum or wax to harden it. Then use a plastic knife or spatula (never metal!) to gently scrape off the gum or wax. Voila! Disaster avoided.
How to Protect Laminate Flooring
To avoid stains and scratches on laminate floors, it is also a good idea to take some preventative measures.
- Rugs and mats are a great way to avoid contact with liquids and prevent stains. A mat or rug near the kitchen sink is a great way to avoid water spillage onto the floor.
- Pads under the feet of furniture are also a great way to avoid scratches caused by sliding furniture like chairs and tables across the floor.
- Take off your shoes! Shoes are the leading cause of dirt, stains, and scratches on flooring. Take them off at the door and wear slippers inside the house.
- Keep pets’ nails trimmed
- Put mats under pets’ food and water bowls as well as under the baby's high chair or other areas that are prone to spills.
Conclusion
Proper care and maintenance are key to keeping your laminate flooring looking great and damage-free. Regular vacuuming with a Hard Floor vacuum, along with prompt spot cleaning and occasional damp mopping with warm water, are key. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your laminate floors for many years to come.
