How to Clean Laminate Wood Floors
Cleaning of floor sounds difficult sometimes, but the floor laminate wood is very simple to clean. It is easy to keep protected and stunning.
Cleaning your laminate wood floors is relatively easy. You should avoid using any acidic cleaners, but there are a few things you can do to keep your floors clean. Some of the most common mistakes are avoiding scented cleaners and using Swiffer mops. You can also try diluted vinegar or Murphy's oil to clean your floors. Then, let them air dry. It should be safe to use these methods in small amounts and allow them to air dry.
Avoiding acidic cleaners
If you have a laminate wood floor, you must avoid using any type of acidic cleaner. This includes acetic acid, citric acid, rubbing alcohol, and similar substances. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including vinegar, which can be a great cleanser for wood floors. Use only a small amount, rinse well with clean water, and dry thoroughly. For more information, see the link below.
The best way to clean your laminate floor is with a soft-cloth mop. Try not to use abrasive tools like steel wool or scouring powder, because they can scratch your floor. If you want to use a carpet, use one with a vinyl base. Pet nails can ruin your laminate flooring. To avoid scratching your flooring, wear slippers and remove shoes when entering and exiting the room. For extra protection, place doormats around the room to keep dust and dirt from coming into the house.
Using Murphy's Oil
Using Murphy's Oil to clean the laminate floors requires careful dilution. You should use only one-fourth cup of Murphy Oil per gallon of warm water, and use a microfiber towel to dry afterward. Using Murphy's Oil on laminate floors is not a good idea for people with sensitive skin, as the product can leave a milky or cloudy residue.
If you have a vinyl floor, you can use the Murphy Oil Soap on it. This water-resistant soap is safe for use on vinyl floors. Use it with a clean, wrung-out mop and blot excess water with the mop. You can also use Murphy Oil Multi-Use Wood Cleaner Spray on cabinets, countertops, and furniture. It is not recommended for use on unfinished wood surfaces, such as hardwood floors.
Avoiding Swiffer mops
The first step in cleaning a laminate floor is to remove loose debris and stains from the floor. A standard broom and dustpan will be your best friend here. However, you should not use a heavy vacuum cleaner as it can chip off the wear layer on the floor. If you must use a wet mop, choose one that is made of microfiber cloths and requires very little liquid. This will help you get deep into the grooves of the floor without leaving residue or scratching the surface.
To prevent stains on laminate floors, avoid using too much water when cleaning. Too much water can actually warp or stain the surface. When cleaning laminate floors, you should always use a mild solution of water and white vinegar. You can also use dry mop the floor thoroughly using this solution. When mopping, remember to start in the center and work your way out. Another technique is to work from the exterior to the center, so you can start in the center and walk out of the room.
Using diluted vinegar
To clean your laminate floors with a homemade solution, mix one-third cup of white vinegar with three squirts of liquid dish detergent. Pour this solution into a spray bottle and add warm water. Spray the floor in small sections, one-foot squares at a time. Do not spray the entire floor in one go, as this could wear away the protective coating. Alternatively, use a dust mop to remove dirt, grime, and debris from the floor.
Whether you have a water-based or vinegar-based solution, this natural cleaner works wonders on most hard surfaces. This versatile cleaning solution can even be used on carpets. Follow a four-step process to thoroughly clean your floors. First, vacuum the floors to remove dust and dirt. Be sure to avoid any sharp objects and other debris, as these can scratch and damage your laminate floors. If the water seeps into the gaps between boards, it can also cause streaks and discoloration.
Avoiding wet cleaning methods
Although there are some wet cleaning methods, avoiding them can help you maintain your laminate flooring's natural shine. Using a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water will make your laminate floor cleaner. Just be sure to use a mild detergent. You can spray the mixture directly onto the floor with a rag or mop. To avoid damaging the laminate surface, use only mild detergent and work in sections.
Steam cleaners are an excellent choice for cleaning your grout, but should not be used on laminate flooring. Steam cleaning can leave streaks, which are nearly impossible to remove. Avoid using wet mopping on laminate floors if you can. A dry mopping method is an excellent choice for laminate floors. You can also use a vacuum on the lowest setting to pick up large particles. A vacuum with an attachment is helpful when cleaning in hard-to-reach places.
Mopping laminate floors regularly
If you have a laminate wood floor, you probably don't need to mop it very often. You don't want to use abrasive cleaners on your floors, and you should avoid using steam mops as they can void your warranty. Soap also clogs the water supply, dulling the finish of your floor, and can cause streaking. Here are some tips to keep your floors looking beautiful.
Before you begin mopping, remember to dry-mop your floor. Dirt particles can act like sandpaper between rags and laminate surfaces, causing damage. If you do mop your floor frequently, you will be able to do it without damaging it. You can also use a microfiber broom head to collect the dirt that is tracked across your floor. Microfiber heads are easy to clean, and you can wash them several times if necessary.