Tips on Cleaning Laminate Flooring

While laminate flooring is easy to maintain, it is not maintenance-free. Dirt build-up can lead to fine scratches which will make your floor look dull and unsightly.

You can use an ammonia and water mixture, vinegar or any other window cleaning product for cleaning laminate flooring. Most flooring manufacturers will provide cleaning recommendations, and many make their own laminate floor cleaners.

Follow these tips and your flooring will look just like new:

• Minimize dirt by stationing floor mats and foot brushes at all doorways.
• Add glides or cushion protectors under chair and table legs to prevent scratching.
• Sweep or vacuum your laminate flooring on a regular basis.
• When damp mopping, do not saturate the floor and avoid standing water. Use warm water as it will evaporate more quickly and change it often to keep it clean.
• Never use wax products or floor polish for cleaning laminate flooring as they will leave a film on the floor. The resulting footprints and streaks will attract more dirt.
• Don’t use steel wool, scouring powder, soap-based cleaners or citrus oil products as they will damage the decor layer and finish of your laminate flooring.
• Never sand, refinish or lacquer laminate flooring surfaces.

Here are some solutions to common stain dilemmas encountered when cleaning laminate flooring:

• Candle wax or chewing gum: Harden the stain with ice, then scrape gently. Use warm water and a clean cloth to wipe up the remainder.
• Rubber heel marks, tar, permanent marker, oil or paint: Use alcohol, a neutral cleaner or a nail polish remover that contains acetone with a clean light colored cloth.
• Wine, beer, soda, pasta sauce, juice, blood: Use a neutral cleaner or warm water with a light colored cloth.