How to Clean laminate flooring

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Many people are choosing laminate flooring instead of hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring is easy to install, and is usually cheaper than hardwood flooring. It's made from wood that has been compressed onto a backing. Adhesives used during installation must be cleaned immediately. Here are a few tips to clean and maintain laminate flooring after installation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Vacuum the floor regularly with a stick type vacuum cleaner. Make sure the vacuum cleaner you use doesn't have a beater bar because it can scratch the laminate flooring.
Step 2

Use a large dustmop or Swiffer type sweeper to clean your laminate flooring when you don't vacuum. Don't use a broom to sweep the laminate floor because it can get scratched.
Step 3

Wipe up spills immediately, especially if they can stain the floor. Use a paper towel or soft cloth to wipe up the spill, then clean with a damp cloth. Spills that aren't wiped up can cause the laminate floor to fade.
Step 4

Mop the floor with a light solution of liquid soap and warm water. Don't use too much soap as it can leave a film or sticky surface on the laminate floor. Avoid using a mop and shine product, wax or a vegetable oil based product to clean the laminate floor; they can leave a dull surface on the laminate floor.
Step 5

Read the warranty from the laminate flooring manufacturer to determine the correct cleaning method for your floor. Some manufacturers recommend ammonia or vinegar, be sure to read your own manufacturer recommendations so the warranty stays in place. Some manufacturers also offer floor cleaning supplies specific to your brand of laminate flooring. If you decide to use the manufacturers product, call them to find out where you can buy it locally.

Comments

nancydotslash said

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on 8/18/2009 Many websites say not to use soap at all, it can leave streaks and a sticky residuue. Many advise using vinegar/water solution. I did this and my laminate floor looked like it was stripped, it was completely dull. I've used a special spray cleaner just for laminates, it gave me sort of a greasy finish that highlights every footprint on it. Any other ideas? This is certainly a problem for me, and was told laminates are "supposed" to be carefree!