How to Clean Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring gives you the elegant look of wood without the high maintenance or price tag. It’s a popular choice in homes and commercial spaces across Bromley for a reason - laminate is tough, cost-effective, and looks great year-round. But if you don’t learn how to clean laminate flooring the right way, it can quickly lose its shine and wear out faster than it should.
Living Room Laminate Flooring
At Arc Flooring in Bromley, we often get asked: “What’s the best way to clean laminate flooring?” That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide. Follow these simple, expert-backed tips and you’ll not only keep your floors looking beautiful - you’ll also protect your investment for years to come.
Why Learning How to Clean Laminate Flooring Matters
Understanding how to clean laminate flooring properly makes a huge difference. Laminate may be durable, but it's not invincible. When cleaned incorrectly, water and chemicals can break down the protective top layer, causing swelling, fading, and permanent marks. However, when cleaned the right way, laminate flooring keeps its showroom shine and lasts far longer - saving you the cost of repairs or early replacement.
How to Clean Laminate Flooring
Understand What Makes Laminate Different
Before we get into the cleaning routine, it’s important to know what laminate flooring is made of. Laminate consists of multiple layers fused together, topped with a photographic layer that mimics wood or stone, and a protective coating that resists wear and scratches.
That top layer looks tough - and it is - but it’s not waterproof. This means traditional mopping methods can do more harm than good. Excess water can seep into the seams, causing swelling, warping, or bubbling. So, let’s break down the best way to clean it without risking damage.
Sweep or Vacuum Daily
Loose dirt, dust, and grit act like sandpaper on your laminate floor’s surface. Over time, they’ll dull the finish and cause tiny scratches. The solution? Stay on top of daily maintenance.
Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hard floor setting. Avoid using vacuums with rotating brushes, as they can scuff the laminate. A dry microfiber mop also works brilliantly and helps trap dust without scattering it.
Benefits:
Keeps your flooring looking polished longer
Prevents micro-scratches that lead to dullness
Reduces allergens in your home
Use a Damp (Not Wet) Mop Weekly
To remove stuck-on dirt and light grime, reach for a microfiber mop and dampen it lightly with water or a laminate-safe cleaner. The mop should feel almost dry to the touch - just enough to lift dirt without leaving pools of water behind.
If you're unsure what to use, opt for a pH-neutral laminate floor cleaner. At Arc Flooring, we recommend avoiding bleach, abrasive scrubbers, or steam mops. These products can strip the protective layer and cause lasting damage.
Quick tip: Always mop in the direction of the laminate planks. This helps catch grime between the grooves and avoids streaking.
Benefits:
Keeps the surface smooth and grime-free
Maintains the integrity of the laminate’s protective coating
Delivers a streak - free finish that looks freshly installed
Tackle Spills Immediately
Spills happen, but when they do, act fast. Wipe up liquids immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Lingering moisture can seep into the seams and cause swelling or staining.
For sticky messes (like juice or food), use a soft cloth dampened with laminate cleaner or diluted white vinegar. Avoid scrubbing aggressively. Gentle, circular motions work best.
Benefits:
Stops water damage before it starts
Prevents long - term staining
Keeps your flooring looking like new
Protect High-Traffic Areas
Busy households or commercial spaces see more footfall, which means more wear and tear. Add doormats at entrances and soft rugs in walkways or under furniture. These additions absorb grit and reduce impact from heavy steps.
Felt pads under chairs and furniture legs also prevent scratches when things move around. Avoid dragging furniture across your laminate floor, ideally lift instead.
Benefits:
Extends your floor’s lifespan
Minimises scratches and dents
Adds comfort and warmth to your space
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, people often make cleaning mistakes that shorten the life of their laminate flooring. Here's what to steer clear of:
Soaking the floor with water: Laminate is not waterproof.
Using steam mops: The heat and moisture can lift the edges of the planks.
Applying polish or wax: These leave a slippery film and attract more dirt.
Scrubbing with harsh tools: Scouring pads and steel wool will scratch the surface.
Stick with microfiber cloths, laminate - safe products, and soft mops. If in doubt, contact a flooring professional like Arc Flooring for product recommendations.
Laminate Floor Cleaning Checklist
To make life easier, here’s a quick routine you can follow to keep your laminate flooring in top shape. No downloads, no fuss - just save or print this and keep it by your cleaning supplies.
Daily:
Sweep or vacuum with a hard-floor attachment
Spot clean spills immediately
Weekly:
Use a slightly damp microfiber mop
Mop in the direction of the planks
Air dry or towel dry any damp patches
Monthly:
Move rugs and mats to prevent uneven wear
Check felt pads under furniture
Every 2–3 Months:
Deep clean with a laminate-safe product or vinegar solution
Buff lightly with a dry cloth for shine
Following this routine protects your flooring from damage and keeps it looking fresh - especially in high-traffic homes.
Give It a Deep Clean (The Right Way)
Every few months, give your laminate flooring a deeper clean using a commercial laminate cleaner. Always follow the product instructions and test it on a small area first.
Spray it lightly across the floor, then mop it up immediately. Don’t let the product sit too long - less is more when it comes to laminate.
You can also make your own cleaner using:
1 part white vinegar
3 parts water
A drop of mild washing-up liquid
Just mix and spray lightly onto the mop (not directly on the floor), then clean in sections.
Benefits:
Removes build up and refreshes the surface
Keeps the floor hygienic
Preserves colour and finish
Conclusion: Master How to Clean Laminate Flooring the Right Way
Knowing how to clean laminate flooring properly saves you money, time, and frustration. Stick to regular sweeping, damp mopping, and fast spill clean ups. Avoid excess moisture, harsh tools, and chemical-heavy cleaners. And protect your flooring with mats, felt pads, and rugs.
With the right care, your laminate flooring will look flawless for years.
Ready to Refresh Your Flooring?
We recently installed laminated herringbone flooring for a customers’ home in Bexley, London. Please read more about this project below:
Herringbone Laminate Fitted in Bexley
Contact Arc Flooring today
For expert laminate flooring supply, fitting, and aftercare support.
We cover Bromley, Beckenham, Chislehurst, Bickley, Shortlands, Crystal Palace, Sidcup, Bexley, Eltham and the surrounding areas.
Call now on 0208 466 9961 and tell us about your next project.