After some time, the build-up of dirt and debris can take away the shine and luster of your laminate floors. If you want to make sure that your laminate floors grace your home for a long time, you must clean them regularly and prevent build-ups.
With the wrong cleaning method, you can dull the finish of your floors. A quick search on the internet and you’ll be bombarded with various cleaning methods, which can make the entire process very confusing.
To save you all the trouble, here’re our expert tips of the best cleaning techniques to tackle all sorts of build-up on laminate floors.
How To Remove Build-Up On Laminate Floors?
The most common build-ups on laminate floors include floor polish, grease, white film, and wax, which can hamper the sheen and beauty of your floors.
Normal traffic spills and general wear and tear can contribute to these build-ups. However, harsh chemicals and cleaning agents can also be factors.
Through our years of experience, we know exactly what needs to be done to eliminate all sorts of build-ups, particularly on laminate floors.
Before you apply any of the cleaning methods, you must sweep or vacuum your floors to remove dirt and debris. This provides the cleaning tools with direct access to the floor and makes the cleaning more productive.
Removing Wax Build-Up On Laminate Floors:
Things You’ll need:
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- A Bucket
- Sponge mop (must be free from any harsh cleaning chemicals)
Step By Step Guide:
Step 1: Firstly, pour a couple of gallons of warm water into the bucket and mix it with white vinegar for a homemade solution. Stir it vigorously afterward
Step 2: Take the sponge mop and dip it with the solution. Make sure that the sponge doesn’t already contain any harsh chemicals in it, and you must saturate it with water. After you’ve dipped it with the solution, wring the sponge efficiently. Prevent excess solution from dripping onto the floor
Step 3: Now, mop the floor with the sponge using a back and forth movement. During the cleaning session, you must rinse and wring your mop fairly frequently
Step 4: After you’re done mopping, store your mop in a cool and dry place and let your floor dry off completely.
Notes: You can also use a steam mop on laminate floors, but, you need to do it very carefully to avoid damage. Here you can find more information about best steam mop for laminate floors.
Removing White Film On Laminate Floors:
Things You’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- Rubbing alcohol
- Distilled water
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Step By Step Guide:
Step 1: Pour ¼ cup alcohol and a cup of distilled water into the spray bottle and shake it vigorously to mix them well. You can put a label on the bottle for future use and keep it away from children and pets.
Step 2: It’s best that you do a patch test first. Spray the solution in a less visible area, and if there’s no adverse reaction, you can use it all over your floor.
Step 3: Now, you can start spraying the solution on your floors. You should concentrate on smaller areas at a time. Spray the solution over the build-up area and scrub it using the sponge. After that, wipe the area dry using the microfiber cloth.
Step 4: If there’s any excess solution left behind, remove them immediately as they can be harmful to your laminate floors. Finally, wring the sponge dry and clean your microfiber cloth and store them safely.
Removing Grease On Laminate Floors:
Things You’ll need:
- Warm water
- Washing soda
- Liquid dish soap
- White vinegar
- A Bucket
- Microfiber mop
- Paper towels/cloth
Step By Step Guide:
Step 1: Pour 2-3 gallons of warm water into the bucket and add ¼ cup of washing soda, 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and ¼ cup of white vinegar. Mix the solution nicely. You’ll notice the solution getting sudsy, but its completely normal.
Step 2: Dip the microfiber mop into the bucket, and don’t let the solution drip on the floors. Do a patch test first before you clean the entire floor with it.
Step 3: The formula will cut the grease. Start mopping the floor in a back and forth movement. You must start from the area farthest from the door.
Step 4: If there’s any excess water left behind, soak them up immediately using paper towels or a cloth. After you’re done mopping, let your floors dry off.
Removing Floor Polish:
Things You’ll need:
- Polish remover
- Safety glasses
- Scrub brush
- Rubber gloves
- Cleaning rags or a white cloth
- Flashlight (optional)
Step By Step Guide to Follow:
Step 1: Wear the gloves and safety glasses and gently squirt the polish remover on the build-up section and let it dwell for about 5-10 minutes or as per the manufacturer’s instruction. Concentrate on a small section first and then move on to the next
Step 2: Using the scrub brush, start scrubbing the build-up area. You should add a little pressure while scrubbing, but don’t be too aggressive with it. A back and forth motion will be ideal for this method.
Step 3: You’ll notice the build-up coming off. Using cleaning rags or a white cloth wipe off the scrubbed area and ensure that there’s no excess formula left behind. After that, start scrubbing another area.
Step 4: During your cleaning session, you can use a flashlight to check whether the build-up has been completely removed. If it hasn’t, you can scrub again. If the build-up is particularly dense, it might need a couple of cleaning sessions before its entirely removed.
Expert Tips To Prevent Build-Ups On Laminate Floors:
Routine cleaning and some precautions can prevent build-ups in the first place, preventing you from the trouble of trying to remove them later. Here are some professional tips to prevent build-ups on your laminate floors.
1. Be prompt with spills: As soon as there’s a spill, soak it up immediately using paper towels or a dry cloth. This prevents stains and build-ups.
2. Prevent residues: If you’re using cleaning solutions, make sure there are no residues afterward. Wipe off the solutions or excess water with a dry cloth or paper towels. Cleaning solutions and agents are one of the biggest factors for build-ups.
3. Vacuum regularly: You must vacuum your laminate floors at least once a week. In high-traffic areas, vacuuming every day is recommended. This not only prevents build-up of dirt and debris but also reduces allergens and provides a clean and healthy environment.
4. Don’t use wax sealers: Wax sealers can result in marks on your laminate floors when you move your furniture’s around. You should also avoid using wax on laminate floor to make it shine. The wax can make your floor look cloudy and dull.
Final Words:
Laminate floors might be stunning, but they can also be a magnet for dirt and debris. You must clean and maintain them regularly for longevity. The above methods are tried and tested and will eliminate all sorts of build-ups from your laminate floors. They are also very cost-effective, incorporating mostly readily available tools and will prevent you from hiring professionals.