Laminate floors are popular in homes, offices and shops because they're affordable and look like real wood. But they have one big weakness: water. Mop them like tiles and the edges can swell and lift. Cleaned the right way, they stay looking good for years.
Daily: dry first
Grit is laminate's other enemy. It acts like sandpaper underfoot. Sweep with a soft broom, vacuum with a hard-floor head or use a dry microfibre mop daily in busy areas.
Weekly: damp, not wet
- Mix a laminate floor cleaner at the dilution on the label in a bucket.
- Dip a microfibre mop head and wring it out until it's just damp.
- Mop in the direction of the boards.
- The floor should dry within a minute or two. If it stays wet, your mop is too wet.
Why streaks happen
- Too much cleaner: leaves a film. Use the correct dilution.
- Dirty mop water: change it as soon as it looks dirty.
- The wrong product: oily soaps, polish and wax build up on laminate and make it dull and slippery.
What to avoid
- Steam mops, unless the floor manufacturer approves them
- Soaking wet mops and standing water
- Abrasive scourers and harsh chemicals
- Floor polish meant for vinyl or wood
Spills and spots
Wipe spills immediately with a dry cloth. For sticky spots, spray a little diluted laminate cleaner onto a cloth and wipe, then dry.
Protect it
- Put mats at entrances to catch grit.
- Use felt pads under chair and table legs.
- Lift furniture rather than dragging it.
Stock up
Laminated Floor Cleaner, Microfibre Fan Mop Heads and 12.5L Heavy Duty Buckets are available from maxproducts.co.za.
Products mentioned in this guide
Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.
Laminated Floor CleanerShop now →
Microfibre Fan Mop Head (Blue)Shop now →
12.5L Heavy Duty Plastic BucketShop now →
