How to Shine Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring

Laminate floors are a great alternative to traditional hardwood floors due to the fact that they are durable, affordable and low-maintenance. These floors are made of thin sheets of compressed wood panels covered with a decorative paper layer, which is then coated with a clear protective finish. The laminate flooring looks like wood because the paper topping layer is actually a photograph of real wood grain. These floors are surprisingly easy to clean, and with regular maintenance, will last for many years. Here are a few practical guidelines for keeping your floors looking polished.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Dust pan
• Furniture coasters
• Bucket
• Water
• Laminate cleaner
• Mop
• Rags

Instructions

1. Sweep the room thoroughly, removing any surface dirt and debris. Pay special attention to corners and entrances, where dust and dirt tend to accumulate.

2. Use furniture coasters or carpet squares to move any furniture that you want to clean behind. This will prevent the furniture from scratching the laminate.

3. Add a small amount of laminate floor cleaner to a bucket of water. Laminate floor cleaner is available at hardware stores and most grocery stores.

4. Dip your mop into the cleaning solution, then squeeze all excess water out of the mop. Clean the floor in smooth, even strokes that go with the direction of the wood grain.

5. Use a dry mop or rag to dry the floor after you have cleaned it. This will remove any dirt that is left behind while preventing any remaining water from damaging the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• A Swiffer duster is a great tool for keeping your laminate floors clean into between mopping.

• Never use a very wet mop to clean these floors. If too much water is present, it can seep into the floor and ruin the finish.