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Laminate floors require special care, as certain cleaners can cause harm over time. Therefore, it’s important to use a cleaner designed specifically for laminate, rather than a general-purpose product. To make taking care of your laminate floor easier, we’ve researched and rounded up the best laminate floor cleaners available.
Learn More: Laminate Flooring Guide
Best Spray Mop
Bona Hard-Surface Floor Spray Mop
- $41.94
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Comes with a spray mop, a 34-ounce refillable cartridge of cleaning solution, and a 16.5-inch reusable mop pad
- Has a water-based solution formula
- Cleans vinyl, laminate, stone, and other hard surfaces
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers I found were happy with how easy to maneuver and efficient this mop was. However, the solution left streaks on some users’ floors. For others, the solution leaked out of the cartridge.
Best Spray Bottle
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner
- $14.84
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Comes with a 32-ounce spray bottle of cleaning solution
- Has a biodegradable formula
- Cleans engineered wood, laminate, and other hard surfaces
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews highlighted how this spray was easy to apply and didn’t damage laminate floors. However, I did see some unhappy customers who didn’t like its odor. They also said that it sometimes left a film on their floors.
Best Natural Cleaner
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
- $12.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Comes with two 32-ounce squirt bottles of cleaning solution
- Has a plant-based formula
- Cleans engineered tile, stone, laminate, and other hard surfaces
What Customers Are Saying
Customer reviews of those with allergies or sensitivities that I saw liked this cleaner because it had a light scent and a non-toxic formula. However, some customers were unsatisfied when it left their floors sticky and leaked from the cap.
Best Vacuum
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- $159.99
- $199.99
- 20% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Comes with a 13.7-pound vacuum
- Has a 2.2-quart dust cup
- Cleans carpeted and hard floors
What Customers Are Saying
Those I found who left positive reviews for this machine said that it had a lot of suction, was durable, and cleaned multiple surfaces. Those who left negative reviews were disappointed that it didn’t come with a specific tool for hard floors. They also said that the attachments it did come with fell off frequently.
Buyer’s Guide
When you’re deciding which cleaner is best for your laminate floors, I find that it’s important to first consider the following factors.
Type
Sprays, liquids, mops, and vacuums are a few of the most common types of products that can clean laminate floors. You can apply spray or liquid cleaners directly to your floors. You can follow them up with a microfiber towel, paper towel, or mop. Vacuum cleaners usually have a scrubbing mode for carpet floors and a suction mode for hard floors.
Ingredients
For spray or liquid cleaners, check their ingredients list. Oil-based cleaners can leave streaks and residue on laminate floors, while cleaners with bleach or ammonia can cause damage. You should also avoid products with built-in wax or polish, as this could dull the laminate’s shine.
Concentration
Some laminate floor cleaners come in a ready-to-use bottle that you can apply directly to your floors. Others are concentrated, so they have to be diluted with water before you use them. While convenient, ready-to-use cleaners run out faster.
Other Surfaces
Most laminate floor cleaners also work on other hard surfaces around your home, such as hardwood, vinyl, and stone. Vacuums even work on carpet. This saves you money because you don’t have to purchase separate cleaners for every surface around your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix scratches on laminate floors?
You can purchase a repair kit that fills the scratches with a color that perfectly matches your laminate. You can also use DIY solutions, such as rubbing the scratch with a new tennis ball or pink eraser or filling it with putty or microwaved crayons.
Should I sweep laminate floors?
Yes. Start by sweeping your floors before using a liquid, spray, or mop cleaner. This gets rid of any debris particles that could scratch the laminate as you apply the cleaner.
Can I use a sponge to clean laminate floors?
No. Never use a sponge to clean laminate floors, as its abrasive surface can leave scratches. Other examples of what not to use on laminate floors include hard-bristle brooms and steam mops.
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