How to clean laminate floors for extra shine – and what to avoid to protect the floor's surface for years

Even though they're known to be durable, learning how to clean laminate floors the right way will ensure they stay in the best condition possible, for as long as possible.

Laminate floors are, in some ways, surprisingly delicate, so they need proper care to maintain, as well as knowing what not to do. Floor care experts share their tips, including avoiding the wrong types of cleaners or methods that will damage it.

We've rounded up the best laminate floor cleaning tips, whether you're dealing with a large spill or carrying out a regular maintenance clean.

How to clean laminate floors

Although laminate might appear to be a low-maintenance material, it can actually be easily damaged if cleaned in the wrong way.

They are made up of layers of synthetic materials bound together by a laminating process, and the less durable materials used in this process can result in these types of floors requiring particular cleaning methods.

'Laminate floors are pretty unique,' says Rhonda Wilson, Quality Lead Cleaner over at FreshSpace Cleaning. 'They’re made up of a few layers: a wear layer, a decorative layer, and a core layer. These layers are usually made of materials like high-density fiberboard and melamine resin, topped with a protective coating. So you must be careful with how you clean them.

'Using any generic floor cleaner can damage these layers, and the chemicals can eat away at the protective layer and leave behind stuff that makes it look dull,' she explains.

So what methods and products should you use when cleaning laminate floors? Here are our pros tips and recommendations.

1. Use Water And Paper Towels For Small Spills

When it comes to addressing any small spills or crumbs of food, cleaning a laminate floor is straightforward and doesn’t require any specific materials.

'If you want to clean up a small spill, just grab some paper towels,' Rhonda says. 'They soak up the liquid fast and stop it from spreading. Then, spray a small amount of water onto the floor via a spray bottle, wipe it with some kitchen paper towels, and you’re done.'

A small amount of water will help to lubricate the floor to make it easier to clean, and it won't cause any damage, either. Too much water on laminate can cause it to warp over time and is a laminate floor care cleaning mistake to avoid.

2. Use a vacuum or soft brush for daily cleaning

Rhonda Wilson also advises running a vacuum around your laminate floors before you get onto any more intensive cleaning methods. 'Vacuuming is super important before you get into properly cleaning your laminate floor,' Rhonda tells us. 'It removes dust and any dirt, crumbs, and hair, so they don’t get spread around later on.'

In fact, skipping this step could damage your floors if you’re not careful. 'If you skip vacuuming and go straight to cleaning, you might end up scratching the floor. Debris can be pretty abrasive, so you must get rid of it first. Once you’ve vacuumed, you can use any cleaning solution you like, and it’ll work much better because it can properly penetrate the floor and eliminate all the dirt and stains.'

As well as vacuuming, Charlie King, cleaning expert at Greenway Carpet Cleaning Las Vegas, explains that soft brooms or mops are ideal for maintaining laminate floors.

Opt for microfiber mops – such as Don Aslett's Microfiber Mop from QVC – or soft-bristle brooms to clean laminate floors. 'These tools effectively pick up dirt and debris without causing scratches,' says Charlie. 'While vacuuming is good for picking up lots of dirt and debris, for lightly soiled floors, sweeping works well.'

3. Use White Vinegar On Bigger Patches Of Dirt

For tougher, more ground-in stains or dirt, Rhonda Wilson advises utilizing one of the best and most multi-functional natural cleaning solutions – white vinegar.

'If water alone isn’t enough to remove the spill, no worries; just mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle,' she says. 'Then, spray the solution onto the area and wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth or mop.' This should lift the stain right up, as vinegar's acidic nature helps dissolve dirt quickly and isn't damaging to laminate.

If you don’t have cleaning vinegar to hand, Rhonda says a mild dish soap solution can work for laminate flooring, too: 'I dilute Dawn dish soap in warm water, dip a cloth, gently clean or scrub, then rinse it with clean water.'

4. Try Lemon And Baking Soda For A Better Scent

There are a couple of alternative DIY cleaning solutions that are also suitable for cleaning laminate floors, which could be a superior option if you often deal with unpleasant smells in your home, such as pet odors or food spills. They're also a good way to clean your home without harming the planet.

'Lemon and baking soda can be used to tackle grime and odors; both are great for cleaning laminate floors,' Charlie King tells us. And the process is incredibly simple. 'To clean with lemon, mix fresh lemon juice with water in a 1:3 ratio, and apply the solution with a damp (not wet) cloth or mop to your laminate floors. This not only cleans and sanitizes the floor but also leaves a lovely fresh scent,' he shares.

Cleaning your flooring with baking soda is a little more complex but still very straightforward. It's best to use baking soda for specific spots on your laminate floor rather than the entire floor.

Charlie says, 'For tougher stains or odors, make a paste with baking soda and a bit of water. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub very gently with a soft brush or cloth. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth afterward.'

It’s important to be very gentle when using this method, as baking soda is slightly more abrasive than lemon or white vinegar.

5. Use A Dedicated Laminate Floor Cleaner

It may sound obvious, but there are plenty of cleaning products out there specifically designed for laminate flooring – and these will be made up of all the right ingredients in order to avoid damaging your floors. But what is the best cleaner for laminate floors?

'If you use a cleaner made specifically for laminate floors, it’s a whole new ball game,' Rhonda Wilson says. 'They’re made to clean the floors without messing them up, keeping everything looking good as new. They’ve even got ingredients in them that help keep dust away and to stop those pesky scratches from showing up.'

Learn more about the cleaning supplies the pros say are worth buying from Amazon.

What is the best cleaner for laminate floors?

There's a wealth of options available that work in different ways but usually, if it says it's safe on laminate flooring and a reputable brand, you should be able to trust it will work on yours without damaging it.

From online reviews paired with our own experience, the Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaning Spray from Walmart is a great affordable option for laminate floors from a brand we trust. It's residue-free and can be used on a number of hard floors, not just laminate.

The Black Diamond Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner at Amazon is another excellent option for deep cleaning, and For Life's Rejuvenate Floor Cleaner at Amazon is perfect for adding some extra shine.

What to avoid when cleaning laminate floors

Now you know the different ways to take care of your laminate floors, but it's just as important to avoid these laminate floor cleaning mistakes to protect the surface from unnecessary damage.

First off – never use a steam cleaner. Laminate is sensitive to heat and excess moisture, so a steam cleaner is likely to warp the floor's edges over time. For the same reason, avoid letting water sit on the floor's surface without wiping it away as it has the potential to ruin it.

When vacuuming, make sure your vacuum cleaner has a hard floor setting to avoid the brushroll from beating too heavily onto the surface. And when using cleaning product, make sure to adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and avoid using too much of it. Learn more about vacuum cleaner mistakes.

The importance of maintaining your laminate floors

One of the best ways to ensure you’re keeping your laminate floors looking as smart as possible is simply to keep on top of cleaning them with an achieveable cleaning routine. 'Establish a regular cleaning schedule to prevent dirt buildup,' Charlie King suggests. 'Depending on foot traffic, aim to clean laminate floors at least once a week.'

'Building this habit can also help to prevent damage to your laminate flooring in the long run', says Aaron Christensen, Resident Cleaning Expert and VP of Growth at Homeaglow. 'Weekly sweeping or vacuuming your laminate floors will reduce possible scratches from grit and floor debris accumulating. But it’s worth remembering that if sand or dirt is often tracked in, you will need to vacuum more often.'

Meet our experts

Rhonda Wilson

Cleaning expert Rhonda Wilson is the Quality Lead Cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning, and has been a part of the company for five years, joining in 2019. She has been in the cleaning industry more generally for 20 years, and takes great pride in making places look spotless.

Charlie King

Charlie King is a cleaning expert and the founder of Greenway Carpet Cleaning Las Vegas. With decades of experience in the cleaning industry, he has garnered extensive knowledge of various cleaning techniques, including the specialized care required for laminate floors.

To ensure that your laminate floors remain in pristine condition for years to come, place doormats at entrances to minimize the amount of dirt and grit being brought indoors, and use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.

Next, learn about rug cleaning mistakes to avoid.