What is the best way to clean expensive laminate floors?

Joann
by Joann
The floors have just been installed.
  16 answers
  • Shirley Shirley on Jun 21, 2016
    My laminate isn't expensive and I hated cleaning it until a friend suggested a different mop. Its a long handle with strips of microfiber (hard to describe). The problem I was having prior was with streaks. If you use this mop and plain water sprayed or Bona sprayed on lightly, there will be no streaks. So much better. No cleaner, no vinegar, very little moisture.
  • Larry Larry on Jun 21, 2016
    Warm water and white vinegar!
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 21, 2016
    Ok so having used every product on the market,I finally found a solution. It is the Laminate floor cleaning system by Bona. No Streaks.
  • You really need to know the manufacturers suggestion- to keep your warranty valid. Do not use steam mops, water, or strong cleaners this will dull and ruin the floor. Cleaner for laminate flooring- there are a few on the market and testing to see what gives you the best results- but keeping the floor swept/dusted is important too so you do not grind dirt and dull the finish. good luck
  • Barbara underwood Barbara underwood on Jun 22, 2016
    I agree with Larry. White vinager and water. Natural and company recommended.
  • Jo Wittman Jo Wittman on Jun 22, 2016
    Never, never use water on your laminate floor! I am a decorator by trade and have sold laminate flooring for years. Always use what is recommended for your brand of flooring. I can tell you from experience that if you ever have a problem with your floor and a sales rep looks at it, the first thing they will ask is what you cleaned it with. They're going to blame what ever you used if you aren't using their product. Go back to where you bought it and ask for the proper product. Are we really talking about laminate here or one of the new luxury vinyl planks that are so popular now. If it's vinyl plank, any ph neutral cleaner is recommended. Hope this helps.
  • Susan Susan on Jun 22, 2016
    You can use Bona available at BB&B or lowes or water and vinegar and when you use your mop please make sure you squeeze out as much water as possible. Water and wood are enemies. (Former operations mgr. of a flooring company.)
    • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jun 22, 2016
      everything I read when we installed our laminate in one room (from floor mfg) is vinegar should never be used on laminate
  • Ilona Wever Ilona Wever on Jun 22, 2016
    Damp mop with COOL vinegar water. I prefer to mop like my grandma, on my hands and knees using a soft cloth (a wash cloth) that way I won't get the floor too wet just clean.
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jun 22, 2016
    go the mfg website and ask them some of the companies will void the warranty if you use products that damage the floor vinegar should never be used on laminate floors
  • Peggy Peggy on Jun 22, 2016
    Home Depot and Lowes sell products that are specifically for laminate floors. Also a microfiber mop is a must.
  • Susan Susan on Jun 22, 2016
    Ok this is a general rule and every rule has exceptions. First and foremost, read your warranty and manufacturers guidelines. Do what they say and the floors should be clean. For the most part hard wood and laminate wood floors are different. Both can be mostly well maintained by dry dusting in a regular basis. If the floors get something wet spilled on them then they should be wiped/dried immediately. Sometimes a high traffic area just gets dirty. If you don't know who installed the floors or if there's any question "most" manufacturers and installers will suggest an almost dry "damp" mopping with a mixture of very warm water and vinegar. Bona is also an excellent product and wasn't even available a few years ago unless you purchased it from a flooring installer. If anyone is uncomfortable with this may I suggest starting in a coat closet or pantry to see if there at any adverse effects from whatever way you choose to clean your floors. If your floors were just installed then you know the manufacturer and the installer. They will advise you accordingly. Might I add they appear to be a beautiful walnut or hickory plank and they are indeed gorgeous.
  • Joy Brenner Joy Brenner on Jun 23, 2016
    DAMP NOT WET rag or mop To much water will loosen glue! Most manufacturers say to use just water....a touch of vinegar will not hurt it!
  • Stacy Letner Garbrick Stacy Letner Garbrick on Jun 23, 2016
    I clean for a living , we use water with a touch of Dawn dishwashing liquid . Just make sure your mop is wrung well . I recommend the Libman wonder mop .
  • Lyn2398900 Lyn2398900 on Jun 23, 2016
    I've had my Pergo floors for 20 yrs. in the kitchen . Recommended by Pergo was a little vinegar in warm water. Also check with the manufacturer, as the new floors could have different instructions. Mine still look very good!
  • Kari Roberts Kari Roberts on Jun 24, 2016
    I soak citrus peels in distilled vinegar spray on floor them mop with micro fiber. No streaks or harmful chemicals or harm to floor.
  • Patricia Downs Patricia Downs on Dec 24, 2016

    never use a floor steamer on them.