How to Clean Pergo Hardwood Floors

Pergo flooring is a great alternative to actual wood, and, although it is fairly easy to keep up, it still requires regular care and maintenance. It's important to keep in mind that just as water can permanently damage wood flooring, plain water--which won't do any permanent damage to Pergo floors--can make the floor look dull and hazy. So an alternate method is needed for actual cleaning. Taking preventative steps and providing a little bit of regular maintenance will allow Pergo flooring to keep a shiny, clean look for years.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Protective entrance mats Dust mop Distilled white vinegar Water Cotton wet mop

1. Keep protective mats at entrances at all times. Also use a mat or throw rug in front of the sink. These mats will protect the floor from grit being brought in from outside and from grease, water and other spills around the sink.

2. Mop the floor regularly with a dust mop. The biggest damage to a floor comes from dust and grit, and dust mopping will help protect the finish.

3. Mix 1 cup of distilled white vinegar with a gallon of water. There are products made especially for the purpose of cleaning laminate floors, but they are expensive and don't work any better than vinegar and water.

4. Dampen a cotton wet mop with the vinegar and water solution and wring out till it is just damp with no water dripping from the mop.

5. Mop the floor using the damp mop. It is best to do the entire floor each time. If you need to do some spot cleaning, mix vinegar and water at the same ratio as in Step 3 in a trigger-spray bottle, spray the spot, and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Hot water always works better than cold water, but avoid using plain water as it will leave an alkaline haze on the floor. Protect Pergo floors by using felt pads on chair and table legs.
• There are several products that you should never put on a Pergo floor. Remember that glass cleaner is for glass, and any solvent-based material could cause the floor to delaminate. Commercial products that claim they clean and wax the floor all in one application should also be avoided. Water and other liquid spills should be wiped up immediately

References

• Book: "Home Depot: Laminate Floors 1 2 3," Better Homes and Gardens Books, 1999
• Flooring Guide

Resources

• Pergo floors