How to Clean Wood Laminate Floors

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

Wood laminate floors are economical, easy to install, and relatively easy to maintain. This popular flooring option mimics the look of hardwood floors. Unfortunately, dust and dirt can scratch wood laminate floors over time, so it is crucial to keep these floors clean. Cleaning your wood laminate floors includes daily cleaning, selecting the right cleaning product, and performing an occasional mopping. By doing a bit of regular maintenance, you can keep your wood laminate floor looking great for years to come.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Cleaning Daily

1
Sweep the floor. In order to maintain your wood laminate floor, you must remove any dirt or dust every day. Focus on high-traffic areas and locations near exits, where dirt can accumulate.^{[1]
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- Avoid using a traditional dry broom. The bristles could scratch the surface of your floors.
- Instead, opt for a dry dust mop or dry Swiffer.
2
Vacuum the floor. Alternatively, you can remove dust and dirt daily by using a vacuum. You must ensure that your vacuum does not have a “beater bar,” also called a “bristle bar,” that can damage your floor. Also, if possible, you should set your vacuum to a “wood floor” setting.^{[2]
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- A "beater bar" is a spinning bar with bristles.
- Look at the bottom of your vacuum to determine the presence of a "beater bar."
- Look for a vacuum with a wood floor setting.
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3
Clean spills right away. Moisture can damage your wood laminate floor. As such, you should clean any spills as soon as they happen. Use a soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel to clean spills.
- Soak up excess liquid with a dry cloth.
- Dampen a cloth or sponge to remove any remaining residue.
- Dry the area.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Choosing a Cleaning Product

1
Start with hot water. Most of the time, pure hot water will be the best choice for cleaning your wood laminate floor. This is the most gentle cleanser possible, and is least likely to damage your floors. Water is also the least likely to leave streaks on your floor.
2
Dilute vinegar. If you need something a little more powerful than plain water, try adding white vinegar to hot water. This can be a slightly more powerful (though still gentle) way to remove dirt and grime from your laminate floors.^{[3]
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- Add ½ cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of hot water.
- You can add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a nice smell.
3
Purchase wood laminate floor cleaner. Another option is to purchase the specific cleansing produce created for your floor. Often times, you can find the exact brand to match the brand of your flooring (such as Pergo or Quick Step).^{[4]
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- Wood laminate floor cleaners can be found at most home improvement stores.
4
Try baby shampoo. An inexpensive option for cleaning your laminate floors is to use baby shampoo. This is a great way to remove dirt or mud without damaging your floors.^{[5]
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- Add two Tablespoons of baby shampoo to one gallon of hot water.
- You can purchase baby shampoo at pharmacies, grocery stores, and big box stores.
- Do not try this with regular "adult" shampoo, as this will leave a residue on your floor.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Mopping the Floor

1
Fill a bucket. Once you’ve chosen the right cleaning product for you, it is time to actually mop your floor. Start by filling a big bucket with clean, hot water. If you will be adding any additional detergent or cleanser, add this to the water now.
- You should plan to mop your wood laminate floor around once per month, or anytime the floor gets really dirty.
2
Wring out your mop. Excess moisture can damage your wood laminate floor, so you will want to choose a mop that can be effectively wrung out. Dip your mop into the water and wring out it as much as possible.^{[6]
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- Sponge mops are usually best for this task.
3
Wipe the floor. Carefully move your mop across the floor from one side of the room to the other. When your mop becomes too dry, return it to the water and wring it out again. Make your way across the room.
4
Dry the floor. Once again, moisture can damage your floors, and water should never be left to stand. Use as little water as possible while mopping. After mopping, use a soft towel to completely dry your floors.^{[7]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Removing Stains

1
Use a cleaner labeled for use on laminate floors for best results. Apply the product directly to the stain. Then, wipe up the cleaner using a mop or clean rag.
- Follow all of the instructions on the product label.
- Laminate floors are easy to damage, so it's important not to use harsh chemicals. Your best option is a floor cleaner manufactured by a company that sells laminate flooring. These products are specially made for laminate floors.^{[8]
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2
Make your own cleaning paste with baking soda and water. Pour your baking soda into a bowl, then add enough water to create your paste. Apply the paste only to the stain. After the paste dries, re-wet it and wipe away the residue with a clean, wet cloth. Finally, dry the area with a fresh cloth.^{[9]
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- You can add vinegar to your paste to make it stronger.
3
Create your own cleaner with vinegar and warm water. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar to 1 gallon (3.8 L) of warm water. Stir the ingredients to mix them. Use this solution to clean stains, but only apply it to the stain itself. Vinegar can dull your laminate floors if you apply too much or leave it on too long.^{[10]
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- Wipe the area down with warm water after the stain is gone. Then, pat the area dry with a clean rag.
4
Dab away stains like ink, nail polish, or lipstick with rubbing alcohol. Wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, then dab it directly onto the stain. Once the stain lifts, clean the area with warm water, then dry it. Make sure you only apply it to the stain itself, as alcohol can dull the finish of your laminate flooring.
- Acetone can be used sparingly for very stubborn stains.^{[11]
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5
Harden wax or gum with ice before scraping it off. Hold the ice against the wax or gum until it feels hard to the touch. Then, use a plastic scraper to pry it up. Be careful not to scratch the surface of your laminate.^{[12]
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- It's very easy to scratch laminate! Be careful when prying up the gum or wax that you don't dig into the laminate.

Community Q&A

Question

I have a Bissell steam cleaner. Is this good for my floor?

Donagan

Top Answerer

The important thing is not to let moisture penetrate into the cracks between the laminate boards. For that reason, it's best to use a wrung-out mop as described above.
Question

How do I remove cat litter from laminate floor?

Donagan

Top Answerer

With a broom and dustpan or a vacuum cleaner.

Warnings

Don't use bleach or ammonia on wood laminate floors, as these cleaners can damage the laminate.^{[13]
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Wood laminate flooring is not made from actual wood, so you shouldn't use wood oils, such as Murphy's Oil. These oils can leave large streaks on your laminate.^{[14]
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Check the labels on any store-brought products you use to make sure they don't promise a "shiny" surface. These products can leave a waxy buildup on your floor, which can be hard to remove.^{[15]
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Laminate can scratch very easily. Don't use abrasive cleaners or scrubs to clean your floors, as you may damage them.

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