Q&A for How to Clean Laminate Floors

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use Future Wax on my laminate floors?
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    Laminate floors will not soak in the wax, since it is a plastic material. There are solutions that will add luster to the laminate and cleaners that will help shine them up.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of a stain on a laminate floor?
    Mark Spelman
    Construction Professional
    Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
    Construction Professional
    Expert Answer
    You can try and use some lacquer thinner or acetone. Gently scrub with a rag.
  • Question
    Can I use vinegar in water to clean my floor using a sponge mop?
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Expert Answer
    Yes, vinegar and water are a good option for cleaning your laminate floors. However, you only need to use vinegar when your floors are very dirty, not every time you clean. If you're doing a regular cleaning and your floors aren't dirty, you can mop with just warm or hot water. If you'd like a little more cleaning power, add a little mild dish detergent.
  • Question
    How do I get a red wine stain out of laminate floor?
    Michelle Driscoll, MPH
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
    Founder, Mulberry Maids
    Expert Answer
    First, wipe the stain with a damp microfiber cloth. If the stain is still there, spray it with vinegar, then dab it with a damp microfiber cloth. If the vinegar doesn't work, apply mineral spirits to the stain and dab with a damp microfiber cloth. This should get the stain out.
  • Question
    Can I use furniture polish on laminated plastic floors?
    Community Answer
    No. It will streak to no end and look awful. Murphy's Oil is very mild, and those who say not to use it have not looked into it. It is perfect for laminate, because the soap is totally non-abrasive. It protects and shines, but you can't pour it on there. Just like you can't pour water or anything wet. You need to use damp dry method and spray the cloth or mop. Never spray the floor directly. Keeping too much moisture from penetrating the wood is the secret.
  • Question
    Can I use a Swiffer cleaner?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that will work well.
  • Question
    Could I use an iRobot Roomba to clean laminate flooring or do I have to use a dry dust mop?
    Community Answer
    I have used a Roomba 570 on my laminate floors for years and it does a pretty good job at keeping them clean. It hasn't left behind any scratches either.
  • Question
    Can I use Murphy's oil soap diluted in water to clean laminate floors?
    Community Answer
    Sure. It won't harm the floor at all, though it may be slippery if not rinsed well.
  • Question
    Can a steam mop be used on laminate floors?
    Community Answer
    No. It damages the floor by forcing the steam into the cracks, thus warping each board. Steam mops are not recommended at all for use on laminate floors.
  • Question
    How do I get Liquid Nail off of laminate flooring?
    Community Answer
    Try a plastic knife to gently and carefully scrape it off once it has hardened.
  • Question
    How do I get rid of the smell of cat urine on wood laminate flooring?
    Community Answer
    Wipe the accident with a dry paper towel, then spray the area with an enzyme-based cleaner designed to clean cat urine (ie: Nature's Miracle). Let the spray sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a clean paper towel.
  • Question
    How do we prevent feet marks on the floor?
    Community Answer
    Wear socks. There is sweat, dampness, and or dirt/sand on the bottom of you feet, so it's best to wear socks or bedroom slippers.
  • Question
    I used water on my laminate floors, and they warped. What should I have used?
    Community Answer
    Water is fine -- you put way too much on the floor, especially if it was not the waterproof laminate.
  • Question
    My laminate flooring shows footprints immediately after it has been dried. I use Simple Green to clean the floor. How can I make my floor shiny again and not show foot or dog prints?
    Community Answer
    Try a Norwex mop! There are pads for dusting and mopping. They are quality made and you only use water and the mop pad, so there is nothing left on the floor to attract dust and dirt. Floors stay cleaner longer. The mop pads even have a warranty.
  • Question
    What cleaning products are safe to use on laminate floors?
    Community Answer
    It's recommended to use baby shampoo, two tablespoons of shampoo to a gallon of water, but you need to make sure you dry it.
  • Question
    Can I use a diluted ammonia solution on laminate floors?
    Community Answer
    No, because if you don't remove the excess solution it will start to deteriorate the laminate.
  • Question
    How do I remove gloss buildup on laminate floors?
    Community Answer
    Put a few teaspoons of vinegar in a bucket of water. Use a sponge mop and wring it out well.
  • Question
    How do I remove built up dirt that is black because nobody has cleaned the floors in a long time?
    Community Answer
    You can get it out with acetone, but it will require a lot of scrubbing on your hands and knees.
  • Question
    Can I use eucalyptus oil with hot water to clean laminate flooring?
    Community Answer
    No, as it will leave the floor very slick which can be dangerous.
  • Question
    Can I use Bonn on my laminate floors?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Get the one marked for laminated floors. Make sure your mop pad is damp with water, and then spray Bonn on the pad. Do not soak the pad in either Bonn or water, or you will warp the laminate.
  • Question
    What else will work aside from vinegar water?
    Community Answer
    You can use cleaning liquids like Green Works. I use a toothbrush because it scrubs better.
  • Question
    How can I remove drag marks and white stains from laminate floors?
    Community Answer
    Use WD-40. It works for any scuff marks and light scratches, and it will even remove super glue.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article