How do you clean laminate floors that are not waterproof

There's a reason just about every designer on popular home TV shows ends up installing laminate floors. (We see you, Bobby Berk.) It's made out of wood composite — a.k.a. materials like sawdust pressed together — but looks just like solid hardwood flooring. Plus, it's often costs less, installs more easily, and comes with a clear protective layer on top.

But just like any other floor in your house, it still requires regular care. Here's everything you need to know about maintaining your laminate floors, according to Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab.

How should you clean laminate flooring?

Regularly run a canister vacuum over the surface to remove dirt and debris from cracks and crevices. The Institute likes the Miele Complete C3 Vacuum, which is also backed by our GH Seal. This machine comes with a Pure Suction Floorhead designed for use on all smooth flooring and it stood up to all the criteria in our tests, including debris pick-up, weight, and ease of use. Of course, if you only have an upright model, you can still use that too. "Turn off the rotating brush to keep the bristles from scratching your floors and scattering dirt," Forte advises.

About once a month, damp-mop the floor for a thorough deep cleaning. Kitchens and spaces that see a lot of foot traffic might need it more frequently. Grab a mop with a washable, reusable microfiber head, like the ones made by Bona, or one with disposable pads, such as a Swiffer. Spray with a laminate floor cleaner (see below) sparingly, so you don't oversaturate the floor, and then wipe with the mop.

To prevent damage, do not polish or wax a laminate floor. Also, skip abrasive cleaners, scouring powder, and steel wool. They have the potential to scratch the floor and damage the protective finish.

What is the best cleaner for laminate floors?

Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner works well on laminate floors and carries our GH Seal. Black Diamond's Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner also scored high in our tests, and the spray bottle makes spot cleaning as easy as a spritz and a wipe, especially on scuff marks. Bona makes a separate cleaner for stone, tile, and laminate floors too. It comes in a spray bottle or a jug you can use to refill spray mops.

Skip adding any extra fragrances or essentials oils to the bottle or bucket. These cleaners will impart a good smell as is, and additional ingredients may damage the protective coating.

Can you use a wet Swiffer on laminate floors?

Yes, you can use a wet Swiffer or Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors. "The wet Swiffer is best for quickly cleaning small spaces," Forte says. "The WetJet with its battery-operated spray and on-board cleaning formula is better suited for large areas." Bonus: The disposable pads also mean there are no messy mops to store.

Can you use a steam mop on laminate floors?

"It’s best not to use them," Forte says. "The flooring manufacturers caution against them and it may even void your warranty." While the steam mop brands may claim they're safe, check what the care guidelines are for your floor first. Today’s laminates are more resistant to moisture and spills, but the steam can still cause warping and other damage.

Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.

Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From 2015 to 2019, she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and dreams of the day Northwestern will go back to the Rose Bowl.  

7 tips to help your laminate floor look great and last longer

Modern laminate floors – such as those supplied by Mannington – can add a stunning new dimension to your home. They are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes, enabling you to pick the perfect flooring to compliment your unique internal decoration. However, to keep your laminate flooring in top condition, you’ll need to treat it with care. For example, don’t drag heavy furniture over it, and don’t walk on it in stilettos. Crucial in the maintenance of laminate flooring is understanding how you should clean laminate flooring.

These seven tips will help ensure your cleaning routine helps to maintain your laminate flooring so that it looks great and lasts longer.

Tip #1: Read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions

Not all laminate floors are the same. Different brands make specific recommendations about how you should clean laminate floors. Make sure you read these and follow them.

Tip #2: Use the right equipment

Though durable, laminate floors are also fragile. You’ll need to use soft cleaning tools to maintain them well. We recommend using a vacuum (without the beater bar or rotating brush) to pick up grit and remove allergens, though a broom with soft bristles may also be used.

Invest in a good-quality microfiber mop for the final clean.

Tip #3: Don’t let liquids linger on laminate

Liquids can damage laminate flooring, so try to avoid them in areas where you have laminate flooring. However, accidents happen – especially in family homes. If juice, coffee, wine or any other liquid is spilled on your laminate floor, wipe it up immediately to avoid staining.

Tip #4: Save water!

Laminate flooring is not waterproof. If you mop using water as you would other floor surfaces, the water will infiltrate the seams and eventually damage the flooring. Instead, use a slightly damp microfiber mop.

Tip #5: Never use bleach

Bleach will soak into porous laminate flooring. It is likely to remove the shine. It can also fade or change the colour of your laminate pattern. Avoid using bleach and cleaning solutions that contain bleach when cleaning a laminate floor.

Tip #6: Choose cleaning solutions wisely

The usual cleaning solutions can leave your laminate floor looking streaky. They may even damage the surface. There are many cleaning solutions specifically made for laminate floors. These should be used sparingly, and applied with the microfiber mop (or a microfiber cloth if working on a small area) – never pour cleaning solution directly onto laminate flooring.

Our favored cleaning product for use on laminate floors is Mannington Ultra Clean. It is a water-based, non-toxic cleaning solution that leaves no residue. It can also be used on hardwood floors.

Tip #7: Tackle tough spills with household products

If your laminate floor suffers a spill and tough stain (such as candle wax, nail polish, or ink), you will find that the best cleaning solution is at hand. Such tough stains can usually be removed by dabbing a cotton ball soaked with non-acetone polish remover on them. If your laminate floor suffers a scuff mark, try using a pencil eraser.

In summary

If you use the right products and treat your laminate floor with respect, you’ll find that it will stay looking great and last longer. By vacuuming regularly and mopping using a microfiber mop and a little Mannington Ultra Clean, you’ll help keep the shine and remove grit that can damage laminate flooring.

Avoid tools and products that might scratch the surface of your flooring, and remove spills immediately.

Finally, to avoid damage to your laminate flooring from everyday use, put furniture pads under chair and table legs, use floor rugs, and place mats for people to wipe their shoes when they enter – or, better still, make it a house rule to remove shoes.

For more tips, or to ask about our floor cleaning services,  contact Porter's today.

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