How Do I Clean Wood Laminate Floors

Cleaning your wood laminate floors is quite easy, but there are certain things you should do (and avoid doing) to make sure you preserve its pristine condition for years to come.

What you'll need:

Microfiber mop with microfiber cleaning pads
Wood laminate floor cleaner
Clean water in a bucket
White vinegar (optional; great for removing stains and streaks)
Dry microfiber cloths

Step 1: Sweep or vacuum loose debris.

This will help prevent the dirt and grit from being ground into the floor when you mop it.

Step 2: Mix the cleaning solution.

Read the manufacturer's instructions on the wood laminate floor cleaner bottle and mix the solution in a bucket with clean water.

Step 3: Mop the floor.

Attach a fresh microfiber cleaning pad to the mop and dip it into the cleaning solution. Wring out the pad so that it's damp but not soaking wet.

Start mopping the floor in small sections, working your way across the room. Be sure to rinse the mop pad in clean water regularly to prevent the dirt from building up on the pad and scratching the floor.

Step 4: Rinse the floor.

Once you have mopped the entire floor, go back over it with a clean, damp mop dipped in clean water. This will help remove any remaining cleaning solution.

Step 5: Dry the floor.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the floor completely. This will help prevent streaks and water spots from forming.

What NOT to do when cleaning wood laminate floors:

Don't use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. These can scratch the surface of the floor.
Don't use excessive water. Too much water can damage the wood laminate.
Don't leave spills on the floor for long periods of time. This can cause the finish to become damaged.
Don't use harsh chemicals. Some chemicals can damage the finish of the floor.
Don't mop the floor too often. Over-mopping can dull the finish of the floor.

Tips for keeping your wood laminate floors clean:

Place mats under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
Use a doormat to prevent dirt and grit from being tracked onto the floor.
Clean up spills immediately.
Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove loose debris.
Mop the floor with a wood laminate floor cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.