How to wash laminate flooring without streaks: a suitable mop and baby shampoo instead of Mr. Proper

Laminate is a very popular floor covering that can often be found in residential buildings. Let's talk about how to wash laminate flooring and how to properly care for it.

Laminate flooring will fit perfectly into any interior, and if you follow the rules of regular cleaning, it will also decorate any room with its shine.

Laminate flooring is quite durable and wear-resistant, but errors in maintenance lead to scratches, abrasions and corrosive dirt on its surface.

Wear resistance classes

Wear resistance class is one of the main characteristics of parquet. Based on this principle, a coating is selected for certain operating conditions.

Lamellas of level 21-23 have proven themselves to be an impractical material with a limited service life, therefore, today, class 31-33 is in demand.

Wear resistance is:

• Minimum wear resistance – AC1, AC2;
• Average degree – AC3,AC4;
• High wear resistance – AC5.

Useful tips

Depending on the color of the laminate, housewives recommend using different washing techniques. For example, a light coating does not require any special methods and is cleaned as standard, but dark coatings are advised to be washed at least twice. Only in this case will it be possible to get rid of noticeable stains.

Also, before washing your freshly laid laminate flooring for the first time, you should read the instructions for it, located in the information insert in the coating packaging. There may be certain recommendations for cleaning this particular option (laminate can be different).

How to care for laminate flooring

Cleaning equipment

Laminate flooring is cleaned several times a week. The surface is cleaned using equipment for various purposes.

For dry cleaning:

• broom, brush, but not with hard bristles;
• vacuum cleaner with a soft brush;

For wet cleaning:

• mop with a sponge or microfiber cloth;
• bucket;

For final coating after cleaning:

• flannel rag;
• polish.

Don't underestimate the role of inventory. It is the correctly selected tools that keep wood flooring looking presentable for a long time.

Modern devices

Is it possible to clean laminate flooring with a vacuum cleaner? Mechanized cleaning with a vacuum cleaner can only be carried out on durable and wear-resistant laminate. It should have a wax impregnation that will protect the boards from intense exposure to moisture. Two more cleaning devices are also used on durable laminate.

1. Multifunction device. It is essentially a vacuum cleaner that is suitable for cleaning a variety of surfaces and includes wet and dry cleaning capabilities. But not all models are suitable for laminate. It is better to give preference to a unit that sprays water and then quickly assembles it. It is welcome to equip the model with additional functions in the form of a parquet adapter and a device that will regulate the water output. The vacuum cleaner must be equipped with an attachment that quickly removes excess liquid.
2. Steam cleaner. Steam cleaning is not suitable for cleaning wood flooring with a locking joint - if steam penetrates into the cracks at the joints, the laminate can become deformed. But if the coating is glued, then a steam mop is suitable for cleaning. The device will remove dust and dirt and disinfect the surface. Cleans the floor without using special detergents, leaving no marks or streaks

It is recommended to use steam cleaning devices only on glued laminate. Where a wax coating is used, steam cleaning is prohibited, otherwise this will lead to melting of the coating and its deformation.

Special household chemicals

Manufacturers have presented a special harmless line of products that will help clean parquet flooring without difficulty.

• Emsal. The universal German laminate product Emsal is used for washing floors and any other laminated surfaces. It effectively fights the most serious stains such as stains from glue, paint, wax, grease.
• H.G. A fairly effective detergent composition performs two functions at once: cleansing and protective. It contains added fragrances that fill the room with a pleasant smell. The gloss remains after use.
• Unicum. Unicum Cleaner removes dirt without leaving streaks. Disinfects the coating, protects it, leaves shine and a pleasant smell.
• Starwax. Detergent emulsion made in France. Quite a concentrated product for frequent use. Removes surface contaminants. Doesn't leave any shine after use. There is no need to rinse off Starwax with water, as it does not form a slippery layer.
• Denkmit. Cleaning laminate flooring with Denkmit allows you to not only clean it, but also protect the laminate flooring from moisture. It removes dirt and bacteria and forms a glossy wax film.
• Emsal Laminate. A special composition for cleaning the floor, which is based on soap and linseed oil. This product provides cleanliness, protection from moisture, and gloss. Using a rag, Emsal Laminate is applied to the coating in a small amount. An excess of product and hot water leaves streaks.
• Mister proper. Quickly and effectively copes with dirt on any surface, including laminated floors. The product washes off easily, leaves no streaks, and smells pleasant.
• Other popular means. In addition to the above household chemicals, you can wash laminate flooring: Glutoclean, Luxus, Dr. cleaner. Schutz.

How to choose the right mop for cleaning laminate floors

Choosing a streak-free cleanser

Manufacturers of household chemicals offer different options for detergents. You also need to choose a laminate cleaner that will not damage the coating. A special series is produced for it for wood-based floors. They are usually united by a gel-like or liquid consistency and a neutral pH value. You can also use universal cleaning mixtures, the main thing is to make sure that the bottle with the product is marked that it is suitable for all types of surfaces.

Important : laminate accumulates static electricity. Because of this, the dust seems to stick to the coating. The selected cleaning product must contain a special component - an antistatic agent. Pay attention to this, and then the floor of the house can be cleaned a little less often.

Often the water itself that flows from the tap is alkaline due to the impurities it contains. This is directly related to the appearance of light spots on the floor covering after cleaning. In order to eliminate this effect, the water can be neutralized by adding vinegar (in a ratio of 1:40).

You cannot use ordinary soapy water for cleaning, as it is essentially alkali. When interacting with the coating of the boards, the soap damages it, and white marks remain on the floor.

Folk remedies

If you don’t trust store-bought chemicals for cleaning laminate flooring, there are folk remedies that are less harmful to health and cope with stains just as well.

• use distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, ethyl alcohol for regular cleaning;
• shine can be created by diluting ordinary dishwashing detergent with water;
• baking soda is an excellent dirt cleaner;
• Warm soapy water will remove greasy stains.

Having decided how to wash the laminate, it is also necessary to properly prepare the solution. For example, soda should not be poured onto the slats to avoid scratching. It is better to mix it with warm water and remove the stain.

Washing vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner

Using a washing vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner simplifies the cleaning process, but is permitted subject to a number of conditions:

1. The locks of the laminate panels must be pre-treated with wax or acrylic sealant and glued.
2. It is reliably known that when installing the floor, a material of at least class 33, which has high strength, was used.
3. The floor is not deformed and has no cracks.

When purchasing household appliances equipped with such functions, ask whether it can be used for cleaning laminate flooring or whether it is better to look at another unit.

What not to use

The surface cannot be cleaned using aggressive chemicals, since the natural material is finicky to care for.

• chlorine-containing substances. This chlorine component is often found in disinfectants. It can eat away color and spoil wooden material;
• acetone-containing preparations dissolve the protective layer and also damage the structure;
• powdery substances have abrasive particles. Their use leads to mechanical damage and scratches;
• hard rags and sponges can also damage the top layer;
• solvents spoil the coating, destroying the protective film;
• acids and alkaline components corrode and leave an unnatural dullness on the surface;
• Wax-based products are often used to add shine. However, without certain skills this is not easy to do. Using this chemical can leave a stain.

Is it possible to wash laminate flooring with bleach?

Washing laminated planks with bleach or bleach is strictly prohibited. Chlorine corrodes the outer protective layer of the plates, they lose color. Sometimes the shape becomes deformed, and the floor covering needs to be completely replaced.

If chlorine accidentally gets on the floor, you should immediately remove it with a dry cloth, rinse the area with warm water, and check whether the color of the coating has changed. If the damaged area is highlighted, it must be carefully replaced with new panels. Therefore, when buying laminate, make sure in advance that after the repair there is a sufficient number of new “boards” left to replace the damaged ones.

Hardware methods

In addition to chemical methods, you can use hardware methods for cleaning the material using household appliances.

Washing vacuum cleaner

Without a doubt, a modern device will help you quickly cope with cleaning work. However, there are nuances to the washing process. It is necessary to determine the moisture resistance of the coating, since the mechanism involves abundant wetting of the floor.

There is a downside to using a vacuum cleaner. The surface deteriorates and becomes dull. This occurs due to uneven spraying of the detergent composition.

Steam Mop

This is a very effective floor cleaning tool. But it can only be used if the boards were laid on an adhesive basis. It is important to prevent water from getting into the joints; the floor may swell and lose its former appearance.

Steam cleaner

This treatment involves steam exposure. Therefore, this cleaning method is not suitable for laminate flooring without a protective layer and open seams. Steam can damage the surface, deforming the material.

Features of laminated coating

Laminate is a multi-layer building material that requires special care. The reason lies in its composition:

• the first bottom layer is stabilizing, sometimes equipped with noise insulation;
• the second is a supporting layer with a lock, made of wood;
• the third is a layer of painted paper that determines the appearance and design of the coating;
• the fourth is protective varnishing.

Based on the composition of the laminate, it is clear that it cannot be washed like tiles or parquet. If the manufacturer skimped on the quality of the inner layers, then this will not be visible to the naked eye. But you hardly want to experiment and fill it with water every day.

Important!

The weak point is the joints of the laminate planks along the length or end. It is in the area of ​​the castle that the floor covering is most deformed when exposed to moisture.

How to properly clean laminate floors

At home, cleaning follows the following instructions:

1. Before washing, all debris and other accumulations are cleared. To do this you will need a broom with a soft brush.
2. Next, remove the dust using a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment. We pay special attention to the corners.
3. Dilute the detergent in water according to the instructions.
4. We wash the floor in two stages. The first time we wet the mop in water, wring it out and wipe a small area. Then we repeat the procedure.
5. If the product used according to the instructions requires rinsing, then change the composition in the bucket to clean water and go through it again.

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What kind of mop?

There are several types of mops for laminate flooring: household, spin, universal, steam, professional. All of them absorb moisture quickly enough and do not require excessive wetting. When choosing a cleaning tool, pay attention to the main nuances:

• the area of ​​the room for which you are purchasing a mop;
• laying laminate;
• for what purpose the tool will be used in general.

What a rag

The best option for laminate flooring is a microfiber cloth. It does not smear dirt, perfectly absorbs moisture, does not fade, and does not change its structure even after long-term use.

Mop and cloth for laminate floors

When cleaning the floor, it is much more convenient to use a mop than to do it manually. Moreover, this rule is more relevant with large open areas in the house, when there is little furniture.

1. Buy a mop that is easy to adjust in height, then you can involve all family members in home cleaning, regardless of age and height.
2. Choose a mop that has a movable lower cleaning part, a spin mode, and several removable cloth covers. The spin mode will help remove excess liquid with one press, which even a child can handle. Removable covers are convenient for wet and then dry cleaning and polishing of laminate flooring. One rule: all removable rags must be soft, without rough elements that can damage the flooring.

The nuances of washing light and dark laminate

Laminate flooring is divided into two color types: light and dark. Accordingly, there are differences in their care.

White laminate flooring is cleaned according to the standard procedure. The main thing to start with is to remove sand and small debris with a broom so as not to scratch the floor.

With black coating it is a little more difficult. It shows imperfections, stains, dust and small particles. Therefore, wet cleaning alone is not enough. The first step is to clean the dirt, and then any remaining water. If desired, use polish.

How to remove stains from laminate flooring

To remove minor stains, alcohol-based cleaning solutions are applied to a soft cloth. More serious stains are treated with ammonia products

But in this case, you should be careful, because the protective layer of the laminate can be erased along with the stain.

Adviсe:

1. If a child has drawn on the floor with felt-tip pens or a marker, you can remove the stain using a rag soaked in white spirit.
2. Blood is washed off the laminate using a regular window cleaner.
3. And if you spill alcohol on the laminate, treat the stain with a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol.
4. Stains from sweets (chocolate, honey) are removed with a mild soap solution.

It is important to understand that laminate is not parquet, so it cannot be treated with wax, otherwise the surface will lose its characteristic shine. Do not move furniture or drag heavy objects across the laminated surface, otherwise noticeable scratches will occur! So, the floor has been cleaned and treated

But how can you make sure that no dust is visible on the surface?

How to wash laminate flooring to make it shine

In any store there is a sufficient amount of preparations for the shine of lamellas. They are used according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, there are also homemade formulations that you can prepare yourself.

1. For a radiant shine, you can prepare a soap solution based on mild PH. Baby soap or shower gel will do. For 10 l. you will need 5 tbsp. chosen remedy.
2. Our grandmothers also used vinegar. Place 2 tbsp in a bucket. l. vinegar. It not only adds shine, but also copes well with dirt.
3. A unique homemade shine polish. It’s easy to prepare: a glass of lemon juice and two waters, add 1.5 tbsp. vinegar, a teaspoon of dish soap. Mix everything and apply it to the slats using a soft cloth.

How does the indoor microclimate affect laminate flooring?

Even expensive, high-quality laminate does not tolerate either excessive dry air or excessive dampness. Optimal air humidity should be 40–60% and temperature 18–20 °C. By the way, such parameters have a beneficial effect on the human body, so compliance with them will be beneficial not only for the floor covering, but also for your health.

In the summer, you don’t have to worry too much about the condition of the laminate. In autumn, when the temperature is quite low and it rains often, the humidity increases and the slats can swell. With the onset of cold weather and the heating being turned on, the air in the room becomes too dry, so it is worth taking care of additional humidification. This applies most of all to rooms with heated floors, since constant exposure to high temperatures and dry air can cause the lamellas to dry out, resulting in cracks appearing at their joints. Lack of heating in winter also negatively affects laminate flooring. In such rooms dampness often occurs, which can ruin even the most durable coating.

High air humidity and sudden temperature changes have a detrimental effect on the properties of laminate flooring.

Tips for cleaning after renovation

If you did not protect the surface from serious contamination during repairs, there are options that will help solve the problems.

1. You can remove paint using acetone or ethyl alcohol. But apply liquids in small quantities only directly to the stain.
2. Putty. The remaining white coating is removed with a damp cloth.
3. Damage and scratches can be covered with a wax pencil or repair paste.
4. If the laminate is burned. It is better not to try to restore stains on your own. It is better to seek help from a specialist.

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How to clean other stains

Types of stains and products used:

• Remove stains from red wine and cognac with medical alcohol applied to a napkin;
• from fat - mineral spirits;
• Wash green diamonds with medical alcohol or liquid for cleaning glass surfaces;
• traces of lipstick, shoe polish - with acetone or alcohol;
• stripes from bicycle ramps or stroller tires - using a student eraser.

Removing stains of various origins

Stains on the floor can form from anything, the main thing is to know how to quickly get rid of them without causing mechanical damage.

• Oily spots. In order to get rid of oily contamination, it is frozen. Apply ice to the contaminated area, and after freezing remove it with a rubber scraper. You can also wipe the stain with soapy water.
• Water stains. After wet cleaning, stains may remain. To eliminate them, you need to rinse the floor again with water and vinegar.
• Ink stains. If we are talking about ink marks, then you can use a special product or carefully wipe it off with acetone.
• The wax is removed with a thin plastic scraper, and then polish is sprayed on the area where the stain was.
• Marker marks. The marker can be erased with acetone. First wipe the stain with a dampened cloth and then dry it.
• Traces of blood. Dried blood is washed off with glass cleaning spray. Spray the product onto the stain and wipe with a damp cloth.
• Chewing gum and plasticine. Apply vegetable oil to the stuck chewing gum. After a few minutes, it is removed with a cloth. Remaining grease is removed with water and dishwashing detergent. Plasticine can be frozen and scraped off after hardening.
• Nail polish can be removed with nail polish remover. The main thing is to prevent liquid from getting on the clean floor.
• Dark shoe streaks, shoe polish. Traces of shoe polish can be removed by vinegar, acetone, and baking soda solution. Wipe first with the composition and then with a dry cloth.
• Zelenka, iodine. Zelenka and iodine are alcohol-based, so alcohol-based compounds can remove stains.

Method two. Hot water

• Fill the bucket with hot water. The water should not be very hot, like boiling water, it should be a little hotter than just warm. Thorough wet cleaning should be carried out every few months or immediately after the floor is heavily soiled.
• Regular hot water is the most effective method for cleaning laminate flooring. There will be no streaks left after it, and what’s even better is that this is the most delicate method, unlike methods with cleaning products.

Third method. Vinegar

• Mix a solution of vinegar and water. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) white vinegar per liter of water. Pour this solution into a spray bottle and shake well. Diluted vinegar is especially useful in areas where there has been long-term hardened dirt. The laminate in such places stops shining, and vinegar restores these surfaces.
• In its pure form, vinegar can ruin laminate flooring, so it is better to dilute it with water.
• You can also add 3 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent to this mixture.

Method four. Gentle soap

• Fill a bucket with warm water. Dial 4 liters. No need to add boiling water. Take some scalding water.

Recommendations for caring for laminate flooring

Coatings of natural origin quickly deteriorate due to improper cleaning of stains and aggressive agents. The following recommendations will help you avoid operating errors:

• Moisture and dirt can quickly eat into the slats; it is better to remove stains immediately.
• The surface must be washed with a special laminate cleaner.
• Mechanical damage most often appears at the front door from heels and other shoes with hard soles. The silicone mat protects the coating from scratches.
• Eliminate chips and cracks in a timely manner to prevent further damage to the material.

Knowing all the cleaning methods will make cleaning your house a pleasant experience. It is up to you to decide which tool to use for this.

Rules for cleaning laminate floors

Laminate flooring requires daily cleaning of debris, dust and sand, as these contaminants destroy the thin top coating film made of acrylic resin. However, this same top layer has the ability to repel dust, so it is enough to vacuum a laminate floor daily.

Can laminate flooring be washed with water? Yes, water has a destructive effect on wood, however, laminate is made only on a wooden base, which makes maintenance much easier. Therefore, wet cleaning must be done 2-3 times weekly.

When washing laminate flooring with water, it is necessary to wring out the cloth well so that excess moisture does not remain on the coating.

It is necessary to wash laminate flooring carefully, remembering that the surface can be easily scratched.

If the laminate is not properly cared for, it will gradually fade, and the top layer will be covered with traces of dirt that was not removed on time or incorrect cleaning agents.

Can laminate flooring be washed with a steam cleaner? Yes, but the steam supply must be periodic, and the napkin for the steam cleaner attachment must be folded in half.