You’ve finally got your brand-new floors installed. They look great, but could use a good deep cleaning! Don’t worry, laminate and vinyl floors can be cleaned with just a few simple steps. Follow these easy steps to clean your laminate floors and your vinyl floors.

Step 1 – Sweeping Your Floors

 

The last thing you want to do is drag a broom across your new floor! Sweeping your floors with a soft broom is the best way to keep your floors clean without damaging them. For laminate or vinyl floors, use a soft-bristled broom to clean any dirt and debris from the floor. Make sure you sweep in the same direction as the wood grain to in the event that your floor is scratched it will be hidden. You can also use a vacuum instead on this step as long as it has a soft brush attachment that won’t scratch the floors.

Step 2 – Inspect your floor

Check for dirt, food crumbs, spills and other visible debris on the floor. Throw out any trash or items that you no longer need. Check for scratches in the wood or surface damage on your vinyl floor. These will need to be repaired before cleaning your floor with harsh chemicals.

Step 3 – Mop Your Floor

For all floors use the following instructions: Mix warm water and a small amount of cleaning solution in a bucket. Test the cleaning solution in a small spot on the floor to ensure it won’t damage your floor. If the solution causes any damage, try a different cleaning solution. Using a mop or cloth mop, wipe the floor with the cleaning solution. Be sure to wipe in the direction that the wood grain runs to minimize scratching. Rinse the mop often to prevent the cleaning solution from building up on the floor. Dry the floor thoroughly to prevent water spots from forming. If your flooring allows, you can let the floor air dry or use a fan to dry it faster.

What type of cleaning solutions can I use on my vinyl and laminate?

For vinyl and laminate flooring, it is recommended to use a PH-neutral detergent. Do not use cleaners with citrus oil as this may dull the surface over time. Avoid using bleach on flooring as this will damage the wood fibers and cause it to deteriorate. You should also avoid using ammonia or acid-based cleaners as they can etch the surface of the floor and damage the finish. Do not use vinegar to clean your flooring. Since vinegar is an acid, it can break down the protective layers of the flooring and reduce the lifespan of a floor.

It is advisable to check the label of the floor cleaning product you intend to use before using it to make sure it is a PH-neutral solution intended for cleaning floors.

Always consult the manufacturer’s recommended care instructions for your flooring before applying any cleaning products to it.