When was the last time you deep-cleaned your laminate floors? This type of flooring looks fantastic in modern homes, giving the appearance of hardwood with less hassle and expense. However, if you leave these floors for too long, they can start to look dirty in no time. The truth is that many of us ignore this essential household chore. If that sounds like you, it's time that you learned how to clean laminate floors like a professional.
Whether it's been a week or six months since you last paid your flooring any attention, we've got you covered. Using the 'little and often' technique, you can ensure that your floors look brand new all year round. This quick guide will cover the best way to clean a laminate floor in 10 simple steps. Here's everything that you need to know.
1. Wipe up stains immediately
First up, let's talk about stains. Whether you spill red wine on the plank flooring or drop some food, you need to act fast. If you leave these marks for too long, they could stain your laminate flooring for good. When you spill something, you need to get a wipe and clean it up. You can use general floor wipes that you can find in most shops.
Beware of large amounts of liquid! For example, spilling an entire glass of water on a laminate floor could be a problem. These types of floors are renowned for being absorbent. If you leave the water on them, the material under the plank floor will start to soak it up. When that happens, you could have a warping situation on your hands.
2. Clean your laminate floor every month
How often do you clean your laminate floor? Most people tend to leave this chore for months and months at a time. If that sounds about right, you need to change your ways. Before we get into the best way to clean a laminate floor, you need a reminder to take care of this task often. As a golden rule, you should clean laminate floors every month. That way, you can stay on top of the task and make sure they shine like new.
3. Avoid using too much water
When you get around to cleaning your laminate flooring, there's one thing that you should keep in mind. You don't want to use too much water. While age-old wisdom may tell you that you can chuck a bucket of warm water on wood laminate, that is simply not the case. As we have already covered, this type of floor is highly absorbent. That means you shouldn't use too much water on it, or you could risk damage. Also, remember that the process you use when cleaning laminate floors is not the same as for hardwood floors!
4. Use a squeegee mop
To help with just that problem, you may want to use a squeegee mop. This mop allows you to squeeze out all the moisture before you start cleaning your laminate floor. You should find that it makes a significant difference to the way that you clean the floors. While there are plenty of different types of mops, look for one that is high quality and easy to use. It is worth paying a little more for this item that you will use again and again.
Armed with your squeegee mop, you should find that you have no problem wiping down the laminate floors. You simply need to dip the head of the mop into your cleaning solution (we will cover that in a moment!) and then squeeze out any excess. When you have done that, you can use the mop directly on your laminate floors to clean them thoroughly.
5. Grab some of the Pink Stuff
Next up, let's take a moment to talk about a cleaning solution that you should use. If you are looking for an excellent all-around cleaning product for your laminate flooring, there's one solution that you need to check out. The Pink Stuff All-Purpose Floor Cleaner is the answer. You can use this directly on laminate flooring and hardwood floors to get the desired results. The product removes grease and grime that has built up over time.
The 100% natural cleaner works for all types of floors. Try it out with a squeegee mop and see if it works. When looking for the best way to clean laminate floors, it's always wise to have a cleaning product that you can trust. You can't go wrong here!
6. Dry your laminate floors quickly
When you have finished cleaning your laminate flooring, make sure that you dry it quickly. You can use a clean microfibre cloth (or mop — if you have one!) to do the job. You should never let this type of floor dry naturally. If you do that, you might get some warping around the edges. For the best results, dry the floor as soon as possible.
7. Use ice to remove candle wax
Do you have wax on your floors? If you have dropped some candle wax, you may wonder how to clean it off. The first thing to mention here is that you should not panic. We have all been in situations like this one before now. You're not alone. Grab a pack of ice from the freezer and apply it directly to the area. The plan is to freeze the wax so it is extra hard and will snap off. After doing that for a couple of minutes, grab a plastic scraper and gently remove the wax from the laminate floor. Clean as above.
8. Get a rubber eraser for scuff marks
Scuff marks from shoes can be an absolute nightmare. Luckily, there's a simple way to clean them. Invest in a giant rubber eraser. You can rub away most of these marks in a matter of seconds. Whenever you notice the scuffs, work on them sooner rather than later.
9. Sweep up your floors in between
Now that you know how to clean laminate floors, let's talk about what you should do in between. Chances are, you're not going to be cleaning these every week. So, when you aren't going full Mrs Hinch on them, you can sweep them to keep them tidy. Make sure that you use a soft-bristle brush so that you don't damage your laminate flooring.
10. Protect your laminate floors
It's always essential to protect your laminate flooring. It will make cleaning the floor oh so much easier! Ensure you cut your pets' claws, avoid wearing outdoor shoes in your home, and use furniture pads too. Each of these tips will make an impact!
This guide has looked at the best way to clean laminate flooring. You don't have to spend loads of time on this household chore. However, if you stay on top of it, you will see that it is easier than you might imagine. So why not get started on it today?
Q&A
Did we miss something? Take a quick look at our frequently asked questions below. We've shared some expert answers just for you:
Can you steam a laminate floor?
While steam mops can be great on some surfaces, you may want to avoid using them on laminate flooring. These tend to hold a lot of moisture, damaging your floors.
Can you vacuum a laminate floor?
While you can vacuum your laminate floors, you might want to avoid doing so. You can easily scuff or mark your flooring using a vacuum cleaner. It is much better to sweep and learn how to mop laminate floors instead!
Can you put bleach on laminate flooring?
No! You should avoid using bleach — or any products that include bleach! — on laminate flooring. This type of chemical can damage laminate. Instead, you should go for a milder and more natural effect.
Can I use vinegar on laminate floors?
If you want to make your homemade cleaner, you can use vinegar. While this substance is acidic, if you mix it with some water, you should have no problem using it. However, remember that it can have a strong smell if you use it in your home.
Why does my laminate floor look dull?
If you haven't cleaned your laminate flooring for months, it will start to look dull. That is because there is a build-up of grime and grease. So give it a deep clean to make it shine!
Got a question? Leave a comment below!
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