Products And Cleaners That Are Safe For Laminate Floors

Laminate is one of the best flooring options for homes with children and almost any household seeking a low-cost, low-maintenance material underfoot. That said, it's important to be kind to it. This involves regular sweeping or vacuuming to keep dirt from building up, as well as mopping every month or so. Make sure you use products it can handle, which can help prevent damage to its protective top layer. Suitable homemade cleaning agents typically contain water and a gentle acid like vinegar or a vegetable-based surfactant like castile soap. Laminate-safe retail offerings — for example, Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner — often combine water-diluted solvents such as isopropylidene glycerol with mild surfactants such as caprylyl glucoside.

For day-to-day removal of dirt and crumbs, a soft-bristled broom or dust mop is a solid choice. A vacuum cleaner is also fine if you don't use the beater bar, which can scratch laminate floors. Whether sweeping or vacuuming, move in the direction that the floorboards were laid, not across them. This dislodges particles that have collected between the floorboards.

When it's time to mop, make sure your tools are a good match for laminate. Most of the best mops to consider for your laminate floors feature microfiber, which is nonabrasive but durable. The O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Mop is an Amazon bestseller that comes with a bucket and built-in wringer. Another option is spot-cleaning with a spray mop like the Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit. By minimizing how much liquid is used, this type of mop prevents moisture from collecting under the floors, which can cause warping and promote mold growth. Dry the floor with a soft cloth right after mopping it. 

Though lots of laminate looks like oak or maple, it can't tolerate all of the cleaning solutions you can use on hardwood floors. Avoid products that might compromise its protective sealant, such as floor waxes, polishes, and oil-based cleaners. Other cleaners that can damage laminate floors contain bleach, ammonia, acetone, or abrasive particles. Cleaners made specifically for laminate floors are a safe bet because they shouldn't be too scratchy or acidic. Many are also formulated to dry quickly and prevent streaks. Zep Industrial Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner is designed to remove spots while restoring your flooring's shine, and Black Diamond Laminate Floor Cleaner comes in a spray bottle that helps you use just the right amount. Instead of spritzing it on your laminate floors, spray it on a mop or cloth. Pine Sol and some other multi-surface cleaners are safe for this type of flooring when properly diluted. Aim for ⅛ cup of Pine-Sol per gallon of water.

If you're seeking an eco-friendly option for your laminate flooring, consider a product such as Better Life Floor Cleaner, which contains no petroleum-based solvents. You can also go gentle on the planet by making a simple DIY cleaner that helps your laminate floors sparkle. One recipe calls for 2 cups of warm water, 2 cups of white vinegar, and 5 to 10 drops of essential oils.