How to Clean Laminate Floors Effectively

What You Need

• Microfiber mop: Be sure that you choose the right mop for your floors. Microfiber mops easily pick up dirt and pet hair as they glide across the floor. Plus, they use less water which will help prevent your floors from warping. Using a swivel head makes it much easier to maneuver across your floors.

• Cleaning solution: There are many cleaning solutions that you can purchase in a store, be sure to read the label and make sure it is for laminate floors. You may also make your own cleaning solution. Whichever you choose, you will need to a spray bottle.
  

Instructions

1. Begin by dry mopping or vacuuming to pick up dust bunnies and hair.

2. Get the microfiber pad damp with water and spray your cleaning solution onto the area you are cleaning.

3. Mop the floor.

4. When your mop gets too dirty, rinse in fresh water and continue the process listed above.

5. After you are done mopping, rinse the microfiber mop and toss into the washing machine.

REMINDER: Laminate floors can warp with too much water. When cleaning laminate floors avoid using large amounts of water. Also, avoid using sponge mops and string mops as they use more water and may leave streaks.

Watch this video to get a clearer idea of how to clean laminate floors:

Make the Solution

There are two solutions you can make with vinegar and water for effective cleaning:

Solution #1:

• Use a 30 to 32 oz spray bottle.

• Pour ¼ cup vinegar into the bottle.

• Fill the bottle the rest of the way with water.

• Shake well.

Solution #2:

• Use a mop bucket.

• Pour 1/3 cup vinegar into the bucket.

• Put three squirts of your favorite dish liquid into the bucket.

• Put 1 gallon of warm water into the bucket.

• Swish with your hand or mop.

Both solutions will effectively clean your laminate floors. After you have made the solution, both need to be in a spray bottle that allows you to spray the solution onto the floor. You never want to dump large amounts of liquid onto your laminate floor.

Clean Your Floors

• Spray a one square foot area at a time. The mixture will dry before you get a chance to clean it if you spray the whole floor at one time.

• Immediately wipe up the solution with a terry cloth or microfiber mop.

• If the floor still has a bit of liquid on it, dry it up with a dry microfiber cloth.

• Blood stains can be easily cleaned by immediately using a window cleaner and a damp, non-abrasive cloth. Microfiber and terry cloth work the best.

• The easiest way to clean chewing gum off your laminate floors is by using a plastic knife. After you have scraped off the gum, use a damp cloth with mineral spirits to clean away any residue.

• Easily clean soda, wine, crayon and ink marks with a damp microfiber cloth. Use mineral spirits for waxing crayons and ink remover or detergent for ink stains. After the initial stain has been removed, use a bit of your cleaning solution with a damp cloth to wash the area.

• Use an acetone nail polish remover to get rid of all stains of nail polish, shoe polish, and tar. Put a small amount on a microfiber cloth and wipe over the stain. Then, wipe up the area using a clean, damp cloth.

• Use a pencil eraser to clean up marks from shoes.

• Freeze the grease with an ice pack or package of frozen vegetables. Once its frozen, use a plastic knife to remove the grease. Use a small amount of window cleaner and damp cloth to wipe away any grease residue.