{"id":110112,"date":"2026-06-01T10:06:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T17:06:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=110112"},"modified":"2026-06-01T10:06:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T17:06:44","slug":"how-to-wash-laminate-floors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-wash-laminate-floors\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Wash Laminate Floors: 5 Tips to Protect and Preserve Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Laminate flooring is a favorite among homeowners for good reason: it\u2019s low maintenance, budget-friendly, durable, and simple to install. And with so many wood and tile designs, neither aesthetic nor practicality is sacrificed. Still, proper care matters. Laminate floors can\u2019t be refinished and are vulnerable to excess moisture, scratches, and swelling, so using the right cleaning methods is key.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re considering laminate floors while <\/span>renovating<\/span><\/a> your <\/span>Huntington, WV home<\/span><\/a> or are deep cleaning your <\/span>Reno, NV house<\/span><\/a>, this guide will teach you how to wash laminate floors with confidence. Let\u2019s get started.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Remove dust and debris<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before grabbing a mop, start by removing loose dirt, dust, and grit. A soft broom or vacuum with a hard floor attachment works best. The team at <\/span>LW Flooring<\/span><\/a>, a premium flooring company, recommends starting by \u201csweeping or vacuuming with a soft-bristled attachment (no beater bar) to remove abrasive dirt.\u201d Vacuum brush rolls and beater bars can be too harsh for laminate surfaces and may leave scratches behind with repeated use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Focus on high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and hallways where dirt tends to build up quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Use a microfiber mop and laminate-safe cleaner<\/span><\/h2>\n

Now it\u2019s time to mop. The key is using the right tools and just enough moisture to clean without oversaturating the floors.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to LW Flooring, one of the safest options is \u201ca well-wrung-out microfiber flat mop using a neutral-pH laminate cleaner. We recommend pre-formulated Bona laminate cleaner to help protect your finish.\u201d They also advise mopping in the direction of the wood grain and wiping completely for a more even, streak-free clean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Less water is always better when cleaning laminate. <\/span>Top Level Cleaning<\/span><\/a>, a multi-location cleaning company headquartered in <\/span>Houston, TX<\/span><\/a> suggests using only \u201ca very light mist of a pH-neutral, laminate-safe cleaner\u201d with the mop since excess moisture can seep into the seams over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Avoid excess moisture and steam cleaners<\/span><\/h2>\n

When learning how to wash laminate floors, many people use more water than necessary. \u201cAt Top Level Cleaning, one of the <\/span>biggest flooring mistakes<\/span><\/a> we see homeowners make with laminate floors is over-wetting them with traditional mops or steam cleaners,\u201d they explain. \u201cExcess moisture can seep into the seams and cause swelling, warping, or edge damage over time.\u201d Instead, stick to a lightly damp microfiber mop rather than a soaking wet one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Steam cleaners should also be avoided, since the heat and moisture can damage the floor\u2019s protective layer. After mopping, wipe the floor dry to help prevent streaks and lingering moisture.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Protect laminate floors in high-traffic areas<\/span><\/h2>\n

Top Level Cleaning recommends using electrostatic microfiber pads in these areas since they \u201cattract and trap fine dust, pet hair, and grit that can cause micro-scratches.\u201d They work especially well for quick, frequent cleanups between deeper mopping sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adding simple preventative habits can also make a big difference. Placing mats at entry points and using felt pads under furniture legs helps reduce how much debris makes its way onto your floors in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Long-term laminate floor care tips<\/span><\/h2>\n

A little ongoing care goes a long way in keeping laminate floors looking fresh and polished. Instead of heavy-duty cleaning sessions, focus on simple habits that protect the surface day to day:<\/span><\/p>\n