The appeal of laminate flooring, a unique kind of flooring made to resemble wood or tile, is growing among those homeowners who aim to enhance the look of their floors. This rising popularity is due to its cost-effective nature and outstanding durability, provided it is appropriately maintained.
That said, you cannot clean wood laminate floors like wood or tiles and there's a specialized cleaning approach, and particular products to avoid a dull finish on the flooring.
We will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the best laminate floor cleaner, how to clean laminate floors and things to consider before purchasing a laminate floor cleaner.
The Best Laminate Floor Cleaner
The appeal of laminate flooring, a unique kind of flooring made to resemble wood or tile, is growing among those homeowners who aim to enhance the look of their floors. This rising popularity is due to its cost-effective nature and outstanding durability, provided it is appropriately maintained.
That said, you cannot clean wood laminate floors like wood or tiles and there's a specialized cleaning approach, and particular products to avoid a dull finish on the flooring.
We will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the best laminate floor cleaner, how to clean laminate floors and things to consider before purchasing a laminate floor cleaner.
The Best Laminate Floor Cleaner
1. Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner
- Ready-to-use, just spray and mop. No mixing or bucket required
- Waterbased cleaning formula dries fast, is residue-free, and...
- Formulated for hard-surface floors like linoleum, stone,...
- Meets the U.S. EPA product standards and is Safer Choice...
- Packaging may vary
Bona is a brand that has existed for over 10 decades and has mastered the art of engineering floor cleaning detergents that are effective without strong chemicals.
The Bona Hard surface floor cleaner is a water-based solution that is Greenguard Gold certified for air quality safety and releases very low VOC emissions. This solution also has a neutral PH, meaning that it will maintain the quality as you clean laminate floors.
This laminate floor cleaner is designed specifically for laminate floors, and is packaged with a spray bottle for ease of use. It also has affordable refill bottles.
If you want to prevent a dull finish on your laminate floor, Bona Hard Surface is one of the best cleaners, even for stone tile laminate floor.
2. Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- Versatile - Can be used on any finished hardwood surface,...
- Safe - Plant based ingredients that's safe for kids and pets to...
- Simple - Clean surface while also extending the life of your wood...
- Use On - Any finished hardwood, engineered hardwood, vinyl, and...
- Value Size - 1 Gallon
Weiman Hardwood floor cleaner is the one of the most affordable and effective cleaning solutions on the market. It comes with 128-ounce refill container. While it is considered an excellent hardwood cleaning products, it works well on vinyl and stone tile laminate floor.
So, if you are looking at saving some bucks, and achieving a streak-free, high-gloss and well-maintained laminate flooring, consider Weiman. The amazing thing is that all this is achieved without using harsh chemicals and in compliance with EPA safer product standards!
What else is in for you? Weiman hardwood cleaner will fade scratches on your floor surface through a micro-filling technology that prevents future damage.
3. Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
- Plant-Based Cleaning Agents: With biodegradable ingredients that...
- Powerful Clean, Naturally: Our Floor Cleaner combines plant-based...
- Dirt-Destroying!: Freshen up your hardwoods, Ale, marble, bamboo,...
- Worry-Free Mopping: No added dyes, synthetic fragrances, or...
- Cruelty Free: BETTER LIFE is a Leaping Bunny certified company...
If you are looking for a versatile and natural best laminate floor cleaner, Better Life got you covered. It is a multipurpose floor cleaner that works well on various flooring such as vinyl, bamboo, marble, hardwood floors, and tile.
The application mode of the Better Life is through a squirt-bottle container and you can dispense the product directly to your flooring.
The ingredients in this natural product include corn and coconut-based surfactants, vegetable glycerin and pure essential oil for a citrus-mint scent. It is free from synthetic fragrances, sulfates, dyes, parabens, and petroleum solvents. The products are packaged on recycled materials created to biodegrade faster than most cleaning product containers, with a goal to maintain the environment.
Better Life products are not tested on animals and you shouldn't expose your animals to this cleaning product. But it remains kids and pets friendly.
4. Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish
- EASY TO USE | READY TO USE: Quick and easy application - Apply to...
- USE FOR MOST FLOOR SURFACES: Specially formulated for use of...
- PROTECT AND RENEW: Adds a protective layer filling in...
- PREMIUM FLOOR CARE: Free from aluminum, ammonia, formaldehyde,...
- SAFER CHOICE: Recognized by the U. S. EPA Safer Choice Program -...
If you are looking for an easy to use and multipurpose floor cleaner that will give a shine like no other, Quick Shine should be on top of your list. It is manufactured in the US and you can be sure the quality standards are unparalleled.
This formula is designed to add a protective layer on your flooring, filling in scratches and resulting in an even floor surface.
The package comes with refill containers and squirt bottles for easy application and convenience. It is also certified by the EPA as a safer choice product as it doesn't contain ammonia, aluminum, ammonia, formaldehyde, parabens, fragrances, or phthalates.
5. Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer
- Fills In Scratches And Restores Shine To Wood Floors And All...
- Works On Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl, Tile, Linoleum, Terracotta...
- Easy Mop-On Application Provides Up To 50% More Traction | Dries...
- This Low VOC Floor Restorer is Perfect For Kitchen, Bathroom,...
- Perfect For Residential And Commercial Use Including Homes, Dorms...
Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer is one of the best laminate floor cleaners. As a complete polymer-based product, it is designed to fill in scratches and reseal flooring.
So, if your house has high-traffic, and thus susceptible to wear and tear, Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer would be an ideal solution.
This floor cleaner is also ideal on linoleum, vinyl, tile, terra-cotta, and hardwood floors. It is easy to use as you can directly squeeze it on the floor and within an hour of drying, your shine will be restored and scratches diminished.
Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer is safe to use and as it is Greenguard Gold Certified for low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
6. Black Diamond Stoneworks Laminate Floor Cleaner
- Provides a streak-free clean every time- No-rinse Hypoallergenic...
- Great on all types wood or laminate, engineered flooring.
- Bamboo, Cork, Pergo, Armstrong, Mohawk and more.....
- Removes spills, stains, dirt, dust, oil, footprints-easy to use...
- Safe around children and pets. Eco-friendly and biodegradable
Spills are common, especially in households with small children and some may forget to wipe immediately. Your laminate flooring may end up with tough stains that will compromise the attractive appearance of your floor.
You can resolve these tough stains, including oils, with Black Diamond to achieve a shiny streak. Besides the excellent work in stain removal, it is made from gentler ingredients, making it friendly to kids and pets.
Black Diamond can also e used on hardwood flooring.
Besides the spray bottle for spot cleaning, Black Diamond also offers large refill containers.
7. Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash
- People-friendly, Pet-friendly, Wellness-Inspired Homecare - for...
- Safely mop your floors clean with this multi-surface concentrated...
- EWG A-rated – earns the top safety rating from Environmental...
- Intended for use on sealed floors including hardwood, tile,...
- Dilute just a 1/2 cup solution per 2 gallons. Use with mop...
If you have pets in your home, you may be concerned about using harsh chemicals that may risk your pets' health. You can clean your laminate floor without exposing your pets using Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash.
This a plant-based, high-performance, organic cleaner that uses vinegar as an alternative to chemical cleaning products to kill bacteria. You need to dilute this product with water before using on surfaces.
Besides it being safe to use, it will give a streak-free appearance on your laminate floors, without emitting any strong chemical odors.
What to consider when Buying Laminate Floor Cleaning Products
You may be tempted to assume that all laminate floor cleaners deliver similar results and bypass the consideration stage. However, that shouldn’t be the case and there are a few things to keep in mind before purchasing a laminate floor cleaner.
1. Concentration
Using the traditional cleaning required a second step rinsing after initial cleaning. But most of the conventional cleaning products for laminate flooring requires a single step cleaning.
That said, when it comes to concentration, you’ll find either concentrated or diluted laminate floor cleaners.
- Concentrated cleaning products
These laminate floor cleaning products requires you to add water before using them. While this may inconvenient you and seem like lots of work, it can save you some money.
- Complete Laminate floor cleaners
This diluted product can be applied directly from the spray bottle, enhancing the ease of use. The downside is that it’s likely to be more expensive.
2. Chemical vs. Natural
There is an option of using chemical or natural laminate floor cleaning products. But what’s the difference?
- Chemical Laminate Floor Cleaners
Chemical elements in cleaning products gets the work done faster and deliver impressive results. On the flipside, chemical products have been linked to birth defects, asthma attacks and are considered carcinogenic.
That is why it is always necessary to wear gloves and masks while using chemical cleaning products. When you protect yourself, there shouldn’t be much risk when using the chemicals.
- Natural cleaning products
These are cleaning products made from organic/plant based products and contain no chemicals. However, just because a cleaning product has a label ‘natural’, it doesn’t not mean they are safe from harmful chemicals.
The best approach would be familiarize yourself with harmful chemicals that you don’t want to interact with. With that information, check labels to know the chemicals and choose the right product.
Another way is to look for products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safer choice label. You can trust such products to be gentle or your skin and lungs.
The major disadvantage of some natural laminate floor cleaners is in effectiveness and delivering great results.
3. Mode of Application
Laminate floor cleaners are sold in three different packages namely:
- Spray Bottles. Spray bottles have in-built nozzles that dispenses a cleaning solution on the laminate flooring. It works perfectly in cleaning small areas or spot cleaning.
- Refill Containers. These come in large quantities, to be transferred to fluid cartridge of a spray mob or spray bottle. You can also get concentrated cleaning solutions in refill containers.
- Squirt bottles are designed to release small amounts of cleaning solutions to be distributed by a mop. Ideal for those using mops
4. Multipurpose or Single Use
Before purchasing a cleaning product, you need to consider its versatility. For example, there are some incredible products that deliver impressive results on laminate flooring as well as wood and tile flooring.
Others are designed specifically to clean laminate floors and shouldn't be used for other floors. If your whole house flooring is laminate, it helps to buy the specific laminate floor cleaner.
However, to avoid changing cleaning products per room, it would help to get a multipurpose cleaning solution, that is versatile and will be effective.
5. Budget
You want to get value for your money and if you are constrained, you should check for a budget laminate floor cleaner. But you should not compromise on quality to save some money as it will be expensive in the long run.
You may choose an affordable products that deliver great results. Or even purchase a concentrated laminate floor cleaner to save some money.
Another way you can save money is buy in large quantities and enjoy the economies of scale.
6. The Nature of Your Household
Family set-ups are different and will affect the type of hardwood and laminate floor cleaners you choose.
For example, if you have many people in the house, there's increased possibility of wear and tear, stains and even spills. You want laminate floor cleaner that seal the floor and remove tough stains without affecting the flooring quality.
Also, if you have kids and pets, you want a cleaning formula that is friendly, without harsh chemicals and better still, organic-based products.
What is the Best Steam Mop for Laminate Floors?
Bissell Steam Mop 1806 Powerfresh Deluxe
- Every Bissell purchase helps save pets. Bissell proudly supports...
- Sanitize your hard floors to eliminate 99.9 percent of germs and...
- Powerfresh deluxe steam mop has an on board spot boost brush to...
- Leave behind a refreshing spring breeze scent as you clean. Power...
- Easily fill the water tank with the Included measuring cup
Laminate floors are made from compressed of wood composite and can be damaged by steam. As such, you want mop pads that have been designed specifically for laminate floors and this laminate floor mopping guide.
The best steam mop for laminate floors is Bissell Steam mop. It is designed to be lightweight, has digital smart steam controls for easy adjustment to meet your cleaning needs. The best thing about this steam cleaner is that it doesn't use harsh chemicals. It uses distilled or tap to clean and disinfect your floor against bacteria and germs.
The steam cleaners can be used on various kind of flooring, especially vinyl, hardwood and laminate floors.
It is designed with a lengthy cord to reduce unplugging and plugging and a swivel steering to make it easier to clean under the beds and chairs.
While using the spray mop on this laminate floors, turn on the low steam because it's sensitive and high pressure can dull the finish.
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What is the best way to clean laminate flooring?
If you want to maintain the longevity and quality of your laminate floors, the following tips will go a long way in helping you achieve that goal.
1. Read and Follow Cleaning Instructions
Every laminate floor that will you will buy comes with specific cleaning instructions. Based on the materials used, the manufacturer may recommend specific methods and cleaning products. You may also find cleaning and maintenance guides on the brand's website.
If the manufacturer instructs a damp mop, use just that.
2. Wipe Spills/Stains Immediately
You should minimize exposure to fluids on your laminate floors as they can cause irreparable damage. But when accidents occur, as they will sometimes, tackle the spills immediately, to prevent stains and ensure a well-maintained floor.
3. Use Soft, Non-Abrasive Tools
Laminate floors are sensitive to abrasive tools, as they cause scratches. Instead use dust mop or soft bristle broom to sweep off dirt and debris. If you should a vacuum cleaner, use an attachment without a rotating brush or beater bar to avoid scratches.
4. Mop Your Laminate Floor After Every Two Months
If you want to keep your laminate floor shiny and fresh, use microfiber damp mop once every two months. These microfiber mop is gentle on laminate floors and when your wring the mop until it's almost completely dry, it is safe and won't affect the quality of your floor.
5. Avoid Moisture at all Cost
Thinking of traditional mopping on your laminate floor? Just don't. Water penetrates the laminate flooring and can cause floor bubbling, swelling and pools of water will result in fading or staining.
This includes a wet microfiber mop.
6. Avoid General Cleaning Products
Given the sensitivity of laminate floors, you should only use cleaning solutions labeled as 'made for laminate'. Avoid oil based detergents including the DIY cleaning solutions. These are likely to damage the laminate flooring sealant or leave streaks or residues.
When using a laminate cleaner, sparingly apply on the mop head and avoid applying directly on the floor. You should also avoid hardwood floor cleaner, polish or even wax.
7. DIY Laminate Floor Cleaners
The best laminate flooring cleaner may be quite expensive but that doesn't mean your floor should remain unattended. DIY Options can get the work done.
You only need a gallon of hot water and a teaspoon of unscented, clear dish soap and the solution is ready to use. Pour it on the mop head and wring well before using.
If you've used wrong cleaning products and your floor has developed a waxy build up, you can reclaim your shiny floor at home. Mix a cup of white vinegar with hot water. Vinegar which is a natural and effective cleaning agent will remove the film without damaging the flooring.
8. Trim your Pets’ Nails
Cleaning a wood laminate floor becomes a little challenging when you have pets leave scuff marks with their long nails. While you can get cleaning products that can help seal the scratches, you cannot always be sure it will work and prevention remains the best option.
Trimmed nails of your cats and dogs will give you peace of mind as they walk around.
9. Be Creative and Careful When Cleaning Your Floor
While it is important to take care of your laminate flooring, do not overthink. You can use common household items to clean the floor.
For example, you can use a plastic knife to remove wax on the floor or use rubbing alcohol to deal with ink, nail polish or even paint.
10. Utilize Simple Preventive Measures
When it comes to laminate flooring, preventive measures go a long way in maintaining a streak-free, shiny and long lasting space.
Use furniture pads under the legs of chairs and tables that are moved frequently to prevent wear and tear.
Prevent outside dirt such as grit from entering your house. This may mean keeping your welcome mat at the door. The small debris and grit on the shoe bottom can scratch, dull or dirty your laminate floor.
Conclusion
Finding the best laminate floor cleaner and using it as recommended by the manufacturer is a great step in enhancing the longevity of your flooring. You should take your time to consider what cleaning options the market has to offer and what you want for your laminate floor. Follow this guide and enjoy a well-maintained and streak-free floor.
