Laminate floors look marvelous when sparkling clean, but are you sure you’re using the right products? The best laminate floor cleaner solutions will keep your floors glazed like a doughnut, while also adding some protection.
Many of us opt for laminating flooring because it’s a popular budget option. It’s much cheaper than the likes of hardwood and natural stone. But we know that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to clean. That’s why we’re here today to share our cleaning tricks and top products with you.
Choosing the Best Laminate Floor Cleaner Solution
Laminate flooring isn’t as sensitive as stone or hardwood. However, it’s still essential that you use the right products.
Laminate floors are primarily made out of wood debris or sawdust that’s been pressed together. Therefore, many cleaning products that are safe for hardwood will be safe for laminate.
However, there are also products dedicated to cleaning laminate flooring. So here are a few tips when browsing the different options:
- Go mild.
- Avoid abrasive and acidic products.
- Stay away from oils.
1. Go for Mild
Laminate flooring has a translucent layer of protection to keep the floors shining and scratch-free.
So we highly recommend you choose a mild product specifically made for this type of flooring. You can also use mild dish soap or even diluted baby shampoo in a spray bottle.
Gently wet a mop or cloth and wipe the floors. You should never soak or use large amounts of water when cleaning a laminate. It’s also only recommended to mop once a month at most, or when your floors are dirty (1).
2. Avoid Abrasive and Acidic
Abrasive cleaner solutions are designed to get rid of tough stains, grease, and soil. They provide a bit of extra “elbow grease” to make it easy for you to remove stains. These are available in powder and liquid form — powder being the most potent.
Avoid products with high acidic levels because acid isn’t suitable for laminate floors. This also means you shouldn’t grab the baking soda from the pantry to treat a stain.
Bleach is another no-go. It’s a popular cleaner for stains on tiles and grout. However, it can leave terrible stains on laminate floors, which are impossible to get rid of.
Cleaning products filled with chemicals often have the same promise: a streak-free floor. These might be safe for tiles, but certainly not for laminate. Hard chemicals can have the opposite effect on this type of flooring, making them look dull instead.
A few other ingredients you should avoid, include:
- Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs): Harmful gases released from certain products. They can affect the environment and the air around you. VOCs can be up to 10 times more potent inside the house (2).
- Petroleum chemicals: Often found in products like detergents. They might be labeled as methane, ethylene and benzene.
- Alkylphenol surfactants: Used as emulsifiers for polymerization in products such as detergents and pesticides. Alkylphenols pose a possible risk towards animals (3).
Be Aware
3. Oil-Based Is a No
Laminate floors should never be cleaned using an oil-based solution. This will leave streaks that are challenging to remove. So, always check the label to see what the solution is based on.
Pre-diluted vs. Concentrated?
Keeping laminate floors clean isn’t as difficult as other types such as tiles, which require a daily sweep. Mopping once a month using a non-abrasive solution is all it takes to keep the floors shining.
This is also why you could make the job even easier by using a spray pre-diluted cleaner. These are quick to use since you can spritz as you go or only do certain spots.
If you like to use a concentrated formula instead, you can dilute it yourself and create your own spray. As long as either option fulfills the criteria in the previous subheading, it should be safe to use.
Using Steam Mops on Laminate Floors
Steam mops are excellent at getting some shine back into dull floors.
However, you should be cautious when using this tool on laminate. Water is laminate floors’ worst enemy. Too much water can separate the seams and make the floor bubble or swell. It can also fade the color.
So, if you do choose to use a steam mop, do so sparingly. Once every two months should be more than enough. Also, remember to dry the floor immediately after to prevent any standing water.
Is Vinegar Safe for Laminate Floors?
Vinegar is a universal natural product with many benefits, such as fighting allergies and removing odors. It’s a top-rated cleaning product as well since it effectively gets rid of most grime and stains.
When cleaning laminate floors with vinegar, start by diluting one cup in a gallon of water. Then, slightly wet a mop or cloth and sweep the floors.
The Best Laminate Floor Cleaner Solution of 2020
After taking into account the product ingredients and customer feedback, we’ve gathered the top products to bring you our list. We looked at ingredients, efficiency and ease of use to determine the best laminate cleaner solutions.
1. ProCare Citrus Cleaner
Laminate floors don’t require a deep clean often, so it can be better to invest in a good product for quick care. This Citrus Cleaner by ProCare is suited for all types of flooring such as laminate, tiles, marble and hardwood.
Spray lightly as you go and watch your floors come to life with an added fresh citrus scent. The formula leaves no streaking or residue that could dull the after-effect.
It’s eco-friendly and biodegradable, so it’s safe to use around children and pets. The gentle ingredients will also keep the protective layer intact.
A little goes a long way when it comes to this cleaner — no need to spray every step. ProCare claims the 32-ounce bottle should cover 6,000 square feet.
- Safe for all types of flooring.
- Leaves no streaks or residue.
- Refreshing scent.
- Eco-friendly and safe around children and pets.
- Doesn’t add enough shine.
Additional Specs
| Quantity | 32 ounces |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
| Recommended Floors | Laminate, hardwood, tile, marble |
| Bottle Type | Spray bottle |
| Scent | Citrus |
2. Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Cleaner
The best laminate cleaner solution is non-abrasive and gentle, so why not add eco-friendly to the list? This dirt-destroyer from Better Life is free of any harsh chemicals that could damage your floors and the environment.
Better Life uses natural ingredients such as grapefruit, bergamot and mint extracts. These work together to restore some much-needed shine to your laminate floors. All products are manufactured using solar power and recyclable materials.
“Green” doesn’t have to mean less effective. This product cleans quickly and efficiently as you work your way through your home. Squirt a little bit of the product onto the floor and sweep with a mop. The formula leaves no residue or streaks to be cleaned afterward.
- All-natural ingredients.
- Tough on grease and grime.
- Green manufacturing and packaging.
- Leaves no streaks or residue.
- Requires more product to clean, so the bottle won’t last long.
Additional Specs
| Quantity | 32 ounces |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
| Recommended Floors | Laminate, hardwood, ceramic tile, stone, bamboo, vinyl |
| Bottle Type | Squirt bottle |
| Scent | Citrus-mint |
3. Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner by Bruce
Cutting through tough dirt and grime requires the right equipment. Bruce’s Laminate Floor Cleaner is an excellent solution safe for laminate and hardwood floors.
It comes in a convenient spray bottle. The formula lifts dirt and stains and leaves you with sparkling floors that have a fresh lemon scent. It requires no rinsing and won’t leave a dull residue behind.
Start by vacuuming or sweeping the floors. Then, spray small areas and wipe with a mop or microfiber cloth. The formula is also available as a 1-gallon jug for refills and other uses.
- Heavy-duty.
- Easy-to-use spray.
- Doesn’t require rinsing.
- Safe for laminate and hardwood.
- Needs time to dry fully.
Additional Specs
| Quantity | 32 ounces |
| Biodegradable | No |
| Recommended Floors | Laminate, hardwood |
| Bottle Type | Spray bottle |
| Scent | Lemon |
4. ZEP Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner
If you need a cleaner for multiple wooden and finished surfaces, this could work for you. Many homeowners across North America favor ZEP cleaners.
This formula was specially made for hardwood and laminate. But, it can be used to remove spots and stains from acrylic, varnish, and polyurethane-finished wood. It’s also safe for other laminate surfaces such as baseboards and cabinet doors.
The 1-gallon jug might be a bit difficult to handle, but you can fill a spray bottle for easy application. The formula doesn’t need to be diluted and can give a cloudy effect with a wet mop. A little will do a lot, so the 1-gallon should be able to last.
It can even be added to a spray mop for a breezy clean. The formula won’t leave a sticky residue or streaks, and it adds a fresh scent to your home.
- Long-lasting.
- Multiple purposes.
- Restores shine to finished floors.
- No residue.
- Not as effective as using a wet mop.
Additional Specs
| Quantity | 1 gallon |
| Biodegradable | No |
| Recommended Floors | Laminate, hardwood, finished wood floors |
| Bottle Type | Bottle |
| Scent | Fresh |
5. Bona Stone, Tile, and Laminate Floor Cleaner
This ready-to-use formula is excellent for homes with different floorings such as stone, laminate and tile. It’s a water-based solution that dries very fast and leaves no residue. The formula is designed to work as a degreaser, removing tough stains, dirt and grime.
Families with young children or pets will like this cleaner. It’s GreenGuard Gold certified, which means it has very low VOC emissions.
Because this is a refiller, you can quickly fill up a spray or squirt bottle for an effortless cleaning job. It’s ready to use as it is, and is effective in a spray mop.
- Ready-to-use formula.
- Safe for several hard floors and laminate.
- Safe for families with young children.
- Dries fast.
- Requires a little bit of scrubbing on very tough stains.
Additional Specs
| Quantity | 128 ounces |
| Biodegradable | No |
| Recommended Floors | Laminate, hard floors |
| Bottle Type | Refill bottle |
| Scent | Not Specified |
6. Rejuvenate Shine Refresher
Laminate floors can lose their shine after a while. However, with this Shine Refresher, you can restore your floors’ shine in no time.
The formula fills in scratches and other flaws to give you a smooth finish. It can also be used on several types of flooring, such as tile and hardwood.
It adds a layer of protection against UV rays, which could fade your floors. One thing we like about the formula is that it increases traction. This makes floors less slippery and much safer for children and pets.
The eco-friendly formula has low VOC emissions and is GreenGuard certified. Plus, it has a low pH level that’s free from dyes, hydrogen peroxide and chlorine, which are notoriously bad for laminate.
- Restores shine to dull-looking floors.
- Eco-friendly.
- Dries quickly.
- Increases traction.
- Not suited for floors older than five years.
Additional Specs
| Quantity | 32 ounces |
| Biodegradable | Eco-friendly |
| Recommended Floors | Laminate, hardwood, tiles |
| Bottle Type | Easy-pour bottle |
| Scent | Odor-free |
7. Black Diamond Stoneworks Laminate Floor Cleaner
Families with young children and pets know the struggle of keeping the house clean. Footprints, dirt, mud and other kinds of grime get dragged in daily. You need something to help you get the cleaning done in no time.
This spray works well on laminate and wooden floors. You only need to use a small amount, and it won’t leave streaks or a dulling residue. Spray it onto the troubled area and it acts fast to lift dirt and grime. Use a dry mop to wipe afterward.
The formula is biodegradable and eco-friendly. It’s an excellent option in homes with children, who are often more sensitive to harsh ingredients.
Black Diamond Stoneworks has added a special ingredient — PS3. It’s a triple-action poly shield that prevents dirt from attaching to the floor. This will help to keep your laminate cleaner for longer.
- Prevents dirt from settling on the surface.
- Water-based.
- Streak-free.
- Excellent for families with children.
- Overpowering odor.
Additional Specs
| Quantity | 32 ounces |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
| Recommended Floors | Laminate, hardwood |
| Bottle Type | Spray bottle |
| Scent | Not specified |
Detailed Comparison
| Product | Award | Quantity | Biodegradable | Recommended Floors | Bottle Type | Scent |
| ProCare Citrus | Best For Multiple Floors | 32 oz | Yes | Laminate, hardwood, tile, marble | Spray | Citrus |
| Better Life | Best Natural Cleaner | 32 oz | Yes | Laminate, hardwood, ceramic tile, stone, bamboo, vinyl | Squirt | Citrus-mint |
| Bruce Cleaner | Best For Dirt | 32 oz | No | Laminate, hardwood | Spray | Lemon |
| ZEP Cleaner | Best 1-Gallon Formula | 1 gal | No | Laminate, hardwood, finished wood floors | Bottle | Fresh |
| Bona Cleaner | Best For Laminate & Hard Floors | 128 oz | No | Laminate, hard floors | Refill | N/A |
| Rejuvenate Shine | Best Shine | 32 oz | Eco-friendly | Laminate, hardwood, tiles | Easy-pour | Odor-free |
| Black Diamond | Best For Spills & Dirt | 32 oz | Yes | Laminate, hardwood | Spray | N/A |
Keep It Shining
Laminate floors can add a luxurious feel to your house, without the worries of scratches.
Maintaining laminate is easy since it only requires a quick wipe down once a month to add shine. The best laminate floor cleaner solution is a non-abrasive mild formula.
How often do you clean your laminate floors? Maybe you have some tips and tricks to share — please leave us a comment below!
