Laminate floors can be a great investment in your home. These hard surface floors are easy to take care of and keep clean compared to carpet. However, they do still get very dirty from time to time. Proper care and maintenance of these floors are important if you want them to last for the long haul. What can you use to clean laminate floors?
If you feel overwhelmed by all of the different information and ways to clean your laminate floors, you are in luck! There are a few simple products and tools that you can use to get started right away.
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What Can You Use to Clean Laminate Floors? The Right Tools
Your floors see a fair amount of traffic each day, even if you abandon your shoes at the door. They are thick with dirt, dust, oil, and grime that needs to be wiped away. To do so, you need to make sure that you have the right tools and cleaners at your disposal. Before we dive into the cleaners you can use to make your laminate floors sparkle, let’s take a look at the tools you need.
The first and most important thing will be a microfiber mop. This mop typically has replacement pads on the rectangular head that are held on by Velcro. Microfiber pads are fairly easy to find at any big box store or online. You will need several pads so that you can replace them as they get dirty while you clean.
If you choose to use a concentrated cleaner on your floors, you will also need a bucket of some type. When using concentrated cleaners, you might want to use a string mop with a bucket that allows you to wring out some of the water. Standing water on a laminate floor can cause the seams to bubble and swell.
What Can You Use to Clean Laminate Floors? Store-Bought Products
Once you have all of the tools that you need to effectively clean your laminate floors, it is important to find the right cleaner. There are a lot of options available from big box stores and online retailers. However, they will each fall into one of three distinct categories:
- Typical Cleaner: The typical cleaner comes pre-mixed in a spray bottle or a refill jug. You simply have to spray it on the floor and mop it up with a microfiber pad. You do not need to mix it with water or rinse the surface after using it.
- Concentrated Cleaner: This type of cleaner typically comes in larger containers, but it also gets mixed with water. This allows the cleaner to stretch further than your typical cleaner, but it requires extra work on your part. You will need a bucket or some other container to mix the cleaner each time.
- Plant-Based Cleaner: Some people prefer not to use harsh chemicals in their homes for a variety of reasons. If this is the case, then you should look for natural options including plant-based cleaners.
You may have to try a few different kinds before you settle on the type and name brand that you like best. To give you a good idea of what options are available to you, here is a breakdown of the six best products. What can you use to clean laminate floors? Take a look!
1. Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner Spray
When it comes to cleaning your laminate floors, you want something that is going to be simple to use and good for your floors. Like most of the top products used on laminate floors, Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner Spray (on Amazon) is already mixed and ready to go. You can save time by not pulling out your buckets, measuring the ratio, and pouring in the water. Everything is conveniently mixed and bottled into a common spray bottle.
This water-based cleaning formula is safe for you to use in your home around small children and pets. It is GreenGuard Gold certified because it has very low VOC emissions, proving just how safe it can be. You won’t have any headaches from an overpowering smell that can accompany some popular cleaners.
One of the perks is that it tends to dry very quickly, allowing you and your family to walk over your freshly mopped floor without leaving footprints. It ensures a streak-free finish each time.
Also, this bottle of cleaner can be used for more than just your laminate floors. It is great for any type of hard surface including luxury vinyl and laminate. If you can’t find this particular bottle for sale, you can always choose their more specific cleaner, the Bona Laminate Floor Cleaner.
2. Black Diamond Wood and Laminate Floor Cleaner
What can you use to clean laminate floors? There are so many products available on the market that are begging for your attention. The Black Diamond Wood and Laminate Floor Cleaner is a top choice for many homeowners because it promises not only to clean but also to protect. It comes with their revolutionary Poly PS3 Shield (triple-action poly shield), designed to help prevent dirt from sticking to your floor in the future.
This cleaner is another no-rinse formula that is safe for use around the home. It is non-toxic and biodegradable. The formula is even hypoallergenic for those who are sensitive to certain types of cleaners being used around the home.
Using this water-based formula is relatively easy. You will need to head out to the store to purchase an empty spray bottle. Fill it up with this cleaner from Black Diamond and spray it liberally on the floor. Then, mop it up with a microfiber pad. You get a streak-free finish each time with little to no effort on your part.
It can clean up some important things such as:
- Food and beverages
- Dirt
- Oil
- Footprints
A 128-ounce jug of this cleaner might seem like it costs a little bit more than the single spray bottles sold by other companies. However, it will last you longer. A little bit of this cleaner goes a very long way which also helps you to save a few dollars.
3. Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner
Many people prefer to stick with major name brands that they know and recognize. Bruce is a leading manufacturer of solid and engineered hardwood floors, as well as laminate products. It makes sense that their Bruce Hardwood and Laminate cleaner would also be one of the leading products on the market.
The Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner is ideal for no-wax finish floors. You can use it on any urethane finish to gently remove dust, dirt, and debris. It safely cleans without being harmful to your home or the environment.
This product does come in a half-gallon-sized jug so you will need a refill bottle to pour it into. You cannot pour from the gallon container directly onto the floor. This can cause over-saturation and damage your laminate floor. Instead, you must spray the product lightly on the surface and mop it up with a clean microfiber pad. Never use any water to rinse the product off.
Keep in mind that this package deal contains a lot of cleaner when looking at the price. You receive a 64-ounce container and a 32-ounce spray bottle. Given the amount of cleaner you receive and the name brand recognition, this is a great deal.
4. Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
What can you use to clean laminate floors if you want to take a more natural approach? While some people turn to home remedies like distilled white vinegar or essential oils, Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner is a great store-bought alternative. Many prominent publications feature it including REAL Simple magazine, Shark Tank, and even Oprah. It was created by two dads who wanted to prove that natural approaches can be equally effective.
Their products are completely plant-derived, meaning that they never contain any of the following ingredients:
- Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates
- Petroleum solvent
- Parabens
- Ethoxylates
- Synthetic fragrances
- Alcohol
- Ethers
- Dyes
This cleaner comes ready to use with a wonderful citrus mint aroma that comes from grapefruit, peppermint, and bergamot extracts. All you have to do is squirt it directly on the floor and mop it up with a microfiber pad. You don’t need to rinse or use water at any stage with this particular cleaner.
The Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner can be used on more than just laminate products. It cleans and restores shine to hardwood, ceramic tile, stone, bamboo, and other types of sealed floors.
Animals do not serve as test subjects.
Although natural products are often more expensive than their chemical counterparts, this product is still very affordable. It comes in a two-pack for the best value so that you can always have some on hand for touch-ups or a deep clean.
5. Pledge Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner
If you don’t mind a little bit of mixing, the Pledge Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner is a powerful option to keep in your cabinet. You can use it on any number of surfaces as long as they are finished and sealed. When used in the proper ratio of water to cleaner, you do not have to rinse. It leaves behind a streak-free finish without residue so that your floors sparkle and shine.
One of the main reasons why people like this cleaner is because of its fresh scent. It can easily fill your whole home with the calming fragrance of fresh rainfall.
You should keep in mind that this gallon-size bottle is actually pretty economical. It costs just a few dollars more than the Bona Spray bottle, but it can make so much more. A 32-ounce bottle of this cleaner can make up to sixteen gallons of cleaning product.
Of course, it is a bit of a hassle to have to pull out your bucket and mix up a batch of this cleaner. However, homeowners who do not mind may find that they like this option from Pledge.
6. Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash Concentrate
Some people prefer knowing that their laminate floor cleaner comes from all-natural sources. They want a guarantee that it is going to be safe for their kids and pets to be exposed to it for a long period. If this describes you, then it may be time for you to consider investing in Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash.
This cleaning concentrate mixes with water to safely break down dirt, food, grease, and grime. It is perfect for cleaning a messy kitchen or wherever else you may have laminate flooring. Of course, it is also great on other sealed surfaces including hardwood, ceramic tile, bamboo, and vinyl. It packs a powerful punch for all areas of your home with this one single investment.
While you do have to mix it with water to effectively use it, there is no rinsing required. Aunt Fannie’s will leave no residue or streaks behind as it dries.
How can you rest assured that this cleaner is safe? It has been awarded the highest health and safety rating for cleaning products by the Environmental Working Group. This foundation commits to testing products for their eco-friendliness and it approves Aunt Fannie’s gentle formula.
This cleaner contains vinegar and plant-based cleaners. However, that does not mean that the pungent aroma of vinegar will permeate your home. It also contains essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, or mandarin to make your home feel relaxed and more inviting. It should smell clean instead of like chemicals.
The best part of this plant-based cleaner is the price. For a single 32-ounce jug of concentrated cleaner, you will pay just a bit more than you would for a 32-ounce spray bottle of some of the other leading cleaners.
What Can You Use to Clean Laminate Floors?
No matter what you are cleaning up, there are a lot of products that can help you to tidy up your home and scrub those laminate floors. Most of the products listed here do not even require rinsing. Cleaning your laminate floors has never been as easy as it is right now!
FAQ
What is the best cleaner for a laminate floor?
There are a lot of different cleaners on the market. Decide whether you want something pre-mixed, a concentrated cleaner, or something plant-based. The Bona Hard Surface Cleaner and Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaning Vinegar Wash are both excellent choices.
Will cleaner damage my laminate floors?
No, the right cleaner will not damage your laminate floors. However, you should avoid oversaturating them with water. Standing water can cause your laminate floors to bubble and swell.
How can I deep clean my laminate floors?
Start by sweeping or vacuuming your laminate floors and then use a store-bought cleaner to get rid of dirt and grime.
What tools do I need to clean my laminate floors?
Most cleaners will require a microfiber mop and pad. If you are using a concentrate, you might prefer a string mop that can easily wring out in a bucket.
Last update on 2024-04-23 at 21:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
