How to Clean Wood Laminate Floors
Most laminate floor planks include a few layers of paper (which is where the wood design is printed). Although this paper is protected with a high-tech coating, it still requires special care to ensure it maintains its beauty and durability through the years. Most wood laminate floor companies do not recommend using cleaners like regular floor cleaners (such as the pine scented style on your supermarket shelf) or Murphy’s Oil Soap on laminate floors.
So how do you clean a wood laminate floor? Follow these basic guidelines:
Step1: Sweep it with a broom. Although these styles of floors are very durable, it is possible to scratch them with a small pebble or sharp object. Because of this, dry mops with metal edges can actually leave marks on a laminate floor. Opt for a plain plastic or bristle broom, and sweep lightly to avoid scratching rocks or stones across the surface of the floor. Remove all major debris and dirt from the floor this way before moving onto the next step.
Step 2: Dust it. These days, companies are making “mops” that are essentially nothing more than a disposable dusting cloth on the end of a long plastic stick. (You can find non-disposable versions that use soft, reusable cloths in your local home or hardware store.) These “mops” are perfect for cleaning up any small bits of dust and dirt that may be clinging to the floor after you’ve swept it. Carefully dust the floor, then switch to a new cloth, which you’ll need in Step 4.
Step 3: Spray it. Specialty wood laminate floors cleaners can be purchased in many home improvement stores, retail stores that sell flooring, and online. Some supermarkets and discount department stores also stock this specialty cleaner. Choose only a cleanser marked safe for laminate flooring. Otherwise, you could end up with a soapy cleaner that will leave a streaky residue or film on your floor. Spray the cleaner lightly across the entire floor.
Step 4: Mop it. Use your “dust mop” to mop the moisture of the cleaner across the floor. Apply pressure, but not so much that you leave a scratch across your flooring. Gently use the mop to “buff” the floor as you clean it.
That’s all it takes! Caring for your wood laminate floor is a relatively simple process, although you will need to be cautious so you don’t scratch the floor with the rough edges of any mops or brooms. With proper care, your laminate floor should remain attractive and durable for many years.
