Laminate flooring is a popular option over carpet and other forms of flooring thanks to its durability and low maintenance. Although it’s a lot more resistant to stains, laminate does need some cleaning every now and then to get rid of dirt and scuffs. Laminate can also be vulnerable to build-up from cleaning products or swelling from excess water. Luckily, cleaning your laminate flooring isn’t a difficult task if you know how.
In this guide, we’ll provide our expert advice on how to clean laminate flooring effectively, so you can keep it looking as good as new for years to come. We’ll cover:
- The dos and don’ts of cleaning laminate flooring
- The best way to clean laminate floors (Vacuuming laminate floors, Mopping laminate floors)
- Can you steam-clean laminate floors?
- How to get stains out of laminate flooring
- How to remove scratches from laminate floor
- How to care for laminate flooring
Article by: Laura Walker , Product & Design Specialist, EGGER UK
The dos and don’ts of cleaning laminate flooring
When it comes to cleaning laminate flooring, there are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind. We’ll go into more depth on how to clean laminate flooring further down.
Dos:
- Sweep regularly: Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust, dirt, and debris regularly.
- Use a damp mop: When mopping, dampen the mop with water or a specially formulated laminate floor cleaner. Ensure it's not overly wet as excessive moisture can damage the laminate. Wring out excess water thoroughly.
- Clean spills immediately: Standard laminate flooring is not waterproof, so it's crucial to clean up spills promptly. Use a slightly damp cloth or mop to wipe spills and dry the area thoroughly to prevent water damage. If you’ve opted for a waterproof laminate, your flooring will be protected from spills.
- Use mild cleaning solutions: If you need to use a cleaning solution, opt for one specifically designed for laminate floors or a mixture of mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the laminate surface.
- Protect from furniture: Place felt pads under the legs of heavy furniture to prevent scratching when moving or rearranging items.
- Use area rugs or mats: Place mats or rugs at entryways and high-traffic areas to trap dirt and prevent it from scratching the laminate surface.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidelines: Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions for your laminate flooring .
Dont's:
- Avoid excess water: Never use excessive water or allow standing water to remain on laminate flooring. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause swelling, warping, and damage to the materials.
- Avoid abrasive tools: Do not use abrasive tools such as steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads as they can scratch the laminate surface.
- Skip waxing or polishing: Laminate flooring does not require waxing or polishing. These products can leave a residue which can make the floor slippery and attract more dirt.
- Avoid steam cleaners or excessive heat on standard laminate: Steam cleaners can force moisture into the seams of basic laminate flooring, causing damage over time. If you have waterproof laminate, this can be cleaned with a steam cleaner.
- Don't drag heavy items: Avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the laminate floor to prevent scratches and damage to the surface.
The best way to clean laminate floors
Cleaning laminate flooring requires gentle methods to protect the integrity of the surface. The best ways to clean your laminate floors are with a vacuum cleaner or broom and a damp cloth or mop.
Vacuuming laminate floors
Start by removing loose dirt, dust, and debris from the floor using a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. The soft bristles won’t scratch the laminate surface during the cleaning process, but rotating brushes could damage your floors and should be removed. Try to vacuum at least once a week. You may need to do this more frequently in high-traffic areas like hallways, or if you have pets.
Mopping laminate floors
For a deeper cleaning of your laminate flooring, often all you need is a damp mop or cloth. Opting for microfibre is advisable as it can provide a thorough clean while being gentle on your laminate surface. Do not use any abrasive cloths, scourers, hard-bristled brushes, or harsh cleaning solutions to clean your laminate floors, as these can scratch and damage the top protective layer. Similarly, avoid waxing or polishing your laminate flooring.
When mopping your laminate floor, ensure that the mop or cloth isn’t too wet to avoid oversaturating the flooring, which can cause it to swell. You can rinse your mop pad or cloth under warm water and ring it out thoroughly before use. Alternatively, fill a spray bottle with warm water and spritz as you go to better control the amount of water you’re using. Be sure to wipe in the direction of the floorboards too for best results. After cleaning, dry your flooring with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. You should mop your laminate floors at least every two months.
You can also watch our instructional video below to learn the best way to clean your laminate floors and take good care of them.
Maintenance and Care tips for your EGGER Laminate Flooring:
Watch the video below for some useful information to keep your laminate flooring looking as good as new.
How to get stains out of laminate flooring
Water should be enough to clean your laminate flooring, but you may choose to add a cleaning agent to remove tough stains. However, it’s important to use the right cleaners, as some may build up over time to form a film.
Particularly stubborn stains such as coffee, red wine, or grease may need a mild acidic cleaner, which you can buy in the supermarket or make yourself at home. To get stains out of your laminate flooring try mixing a vinegar solution made from equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. You can add a couple of drops of dish soap too.
Alternatively, you could try a specially made laminate cleaner which is designed to be gentle on this type of flooring. Our Egger Clean-it cleaner has been formulated to clean and protect laminate flooring as well as prevent static.
For especially stubborn stains like paint, you can use a commercial stain remover or organic solvent like white spirit which won’t damage your laminate flooring. However, this should always be used as a last resort and never applied directly to your flooring. Instead, add a small amount to a soft cloth and apply it to the stain. Make sure the area is well-ventilated as you do this. Once the stain has gone, neutralise it with water and dry the surface with a clean, dry, microfibre cloth.
Can you steam-clean laminate floors?
It is not recommended that you steam-clean laminate floors. This is because standard laminate flooring is made by compressing layers of materials and although it has a protective top layer, it can be sensitive to excess moisture and heat. Cleaning with a steam cleaner can loosen the layers over time and cause damage.
That being said, if your laminate flooring has our EGGER Aqua+ Technology , it can be cleaned with a steam cleaner as the Aqua+ layer is more resistant to water swelling. However, when doing so, we recommend you keep the steam cleaner moving constantly to prevent oversaturation.
How to remove scratches from laminate floor
Although laminate flooring is renowned for its durability, scratches can still occur from general wear and tear. The best way to remove scratches from your laminate floor is with a specially-made repair kit, which can be bought from the manufacturer of your flooring, such as our EGGER Mix & Fill paste . These contain a repair paste, colour chart, and pigment, so you can create the exact shade to match your flooring decor .
Start by cleaning the scratched area, then simply tape it off, mix your paste, and apply it to your flooring. Leave it to dry for five minutes before removing the tape and wiping the area clean. Avoid walking on the repaired spot for at least an hour.
For a full step-by-step tutorial on removing scratches from laminate floors, take a look at our video.
How to care for laminate flooring
A regular cleaning routine can help protect the integrity and finish of your laminate. To ensure its longevity, there are a few other steps you can take to care for your laminate flooring. When in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions for your flooring .
- Vacuum at least once per week and mop your laminate floors at least once every two months.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent them from seeping into the floor and causing warping or swelling. Use a damp cloth or mop to clean spills and dry the area thoroughly afterwards.
- Lay rugs and mats in high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways, to help protect your laminate flooring from scratches, dents, and wear caused by foot traffic. When placing rugs and mats on laminate flooring, use non-slip rug pads underneath to prevent them from sliding or shifting.
- Place felt pads under the legs of furniture to help avoid scratches and dents.
- Always lift furniture when moving or rearranging on laminate flooring.
- Keep pets' nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching or damaging the laminate when walking or playing.
Once you know how to clean laminate flooring, it can be relatively easy to maintain compared to other flooring options. Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional damp mopping are typically all that's needed to keep our laminate floors looking their best.
EGGER laminate flooring
is made to the highest quality, ensuring your floors not only look good but stay that way for years to come. Durable, hygienic, and easy to install, laminate floors are the perfect choice for anywhere in the home. To find out more, take a look at our laminate flooring resource hub for advice on how to lay laminate flooring and more. Alternatively, head over to our
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