Laminate floors are a popular option in many homes, as they’re more durable and less expensive than real wood. The scratch- and stain-resistant surface also means that you don’t have to take as much care while cleaning them. But even though laminate floors are relatively low-maintenance, you still need to know the best way to clean them.
Vinegar is a popular natural solution for cleaning laminate floors. Wipe the floor with a microfiber cloth and then use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to gently mop the floor. You should never use scouring pads, a steam cleaner, or excessive ammonia, all of which can damage the floors.
Let’s take a closer look at laminate floors, including what laminate actually is, which cleaning products are best for the floors, what to avoid, and a step-by-step guide to cleaning the floors with vinegar.
What Is Laminate?
Laminate is a material made from multiple layers of paper or fabric that have been infused with resin and then pressed together under heat and pressure. It’s a popular choice for floors because it’s cheaper than real wood, but also because it’s easier to look after — it’s resistant to moisture, scratches, and stains, and easy to clean if anything does happen to get on the floor.
Furthermore, laminate flooring is very customizable, with many different colors and patterns available. That means homeowners can choose exactly what they’re looking for. Hardwood, on the other hand, tends to be a little more limited.
Which Products Are Best for Cleaning Laminate Floors?
Laminate floors are more durable than real wood, so there’s a wider range of products that work well without damaging the floor.
Vinegar and Water
Vinegar (on Amazon) mixed with equal parts water is a great non-toxic solution that works well on laminate floors as an everyday cleaner. Vinegar is a popular choice for many different surfaces since it’s chemical-free and does a great job (though some people are put off by the smell).
Some other natural cleaners can also do a great job, such as baking soda and water or a squeeze of lemon juice. These are great alternatives for those who don’t like to use vinegar.
Microfiber Mop or Cloth
Sometimes all that’s needed to clean a laminate floor is a good microfiber cloth, as it can pick up all of the dust, dirt, and debris that may have collected on the floor. It’s a good idea to run one of these over the floor first before proceeding with a cleaning solution.
Laminate Floor Cleaner
Specific laminate floor cleaner solutions (on Amazon) are also on the market from brands that are formulated for that material and do a great job.
How to Clean Laminate Floors Using Vinegar
You can follow this step-by-step guide to clean your laminate floor using vinegar:
- Wipe the Floor With a Microfiber Cloth: The first thing you should do is remove any dust and debris from the floor. Microfiber is the best material for this as it will effortlessly gather up any dirt and dust, leaving the floor free of any particles that may interrupt the cleaning.
- Mop the Floor With Water and Vinegar: Mix together a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and use it to mop the floor. You can go in gentle circles and that should be enough to remove any dirt and stains that the microfiber cloth or mop couldn’t take care of.
- Go Over the Floor With Water: Next, go over the floor with just a little water to get rid of any of the solution. You can leave the vinegar and water solution to sit for a few minutes before doing this if there are any particularly stubborn stains.
- Dry the Floor: Next, go over the floor again to dry it. Once you’ve done this, your floor should be sparkling clean! If there are still marks on the floor or you feel like you haven’t done the best job, you can repeat the process, but you shouldn’t resort to using a harsher substance or scrubbing with an abrasive material.
What Shouldn’t Be Used on Laminate Floors?
Even though laminate floors are more durable than real wood, there are still some things you should avoid using on them as it can cause damage:
- Excessively wet mops, as the water can soak in
- Scouring pads, as they can scratch the laminate floor’s surface
- Wax and polish, which can build up over time and become difficult to remove
- Ammonia, which, when used in excessive amounts, can cause damage
- Steam cleaners, because the heat and moisture can also cause damage
When in doubt, stick to non-abrasive natural solutions or cleaners specifically formulated for laminate floors that have good reviews behind them. Not all cleaners are created equal, so even if one says it can be used on laminate floors, make sure to do your research and check out the reviews before proceeding.