Laminate floors are beautiful. They mimic wood, are heavy-duty, stand up to moisture, and are usually only a fraction of the cost of their hardwood counterparts.
But, the downside is that if not appropriately cleaned, laminate floors can begin to look dull.
Key Takeaways:
Start by vacuuming floors to remove debris that may scratch your laminate. Then, mop with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. Finally, dry with a microfiber towel. Use a specialist laminate cleaner regularly to keep it looking shiny.
What’s the Best Way to Make My Laminate Floors Shiny?
The best way to make laminate floors shine is to use the proper cleaning solution. The dull look on your laminate floors is most likely a build-up of residue from using improper cleaners.
To keep laminate floors shiny, vacuum off any dirt, mop the floors with a ½ white distilled vinegar and ½ water solution. Dry the floors after mopping.
3 Steps to Make Your Laminate Floors Shine
If your laminate floors are looking dull, the good news is that it’s not hard to restore them to their original shine.
Using these three steps, you can cut through the build-up, making your floors look great again.
Step 1: Vacuum
The first thing you need to do is vacuum all the dirt off of the floors. Since laminate can get scratched up by a hard-bristled broom, vacuuming is the preferred method for cleaning up dirt.
If you don’t have a vacuum and prefer to sweep, make sure you’re sweeping in the direction of the grain.
Pro Tip: When it comes to maintaining the shine on your laminate floors, consistency is key. I can’t stress enough how important regular cleaning is. From my personal experience, vacuuming alone does wonders for eliminating grit that can dull your floor’s shine. So, don’t be tempted to skip this simple first step—it creates the ideal clean slate for further care.
Step 2: Mop with this Solution
After all the dirt is removed, mix up a solution of ½ white distilled vinegar and ½ water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle.
Since you shouldn’t expose your laminate floors to excess moisture, it’s best to work in sections. Spray an area of the floor and then mop it up. Repeat until you’ve mopped the entire floor.
Pro Tip: If you’re trying to bring back the shine to your laminate floors, always make sure you’re using the right products. Here’s a good lesson I learned the hard way: while it’s true that laminate floor polish can enhance the shine, keep in mind that too much can actually build up over time, leading to a dull, lifeless appearance. It’s surprising, but a little truly goes a long way with these products.
Step 3: Dry the Floor
After mopping, run a dry microfiber mop over the floor to pick up any excess moisture.
Pro Tip: I’ve found that using a microfiber mop instead of a regular mop can make a big difference when cleaning laminate floors. Microfiber mops are gentle, super absorbent, and can help give your floors that extra shine. Plus, they’re excellent at ensuring an even distribution of your vinegar and water solution—no small detail when you’re chasing the perfect shine!
How to Care for Your Laminate Floors Going Forward
If you want to keep your laminate floors in top-notch condition, it’s essential to clean them regularly. Vacuum dirt as needed or at least once a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a polish on my laminate floors?
Yes. If you have thoroughly cleaned your floors but still aren’t happy with the level of shine, you can use a laminate floor polish. Some popular options include Bona Tile & Laminate Floor Polish or Zep Hardwood and Laminate Floor Refinisher.
How do I remove the film on my laminate floors?
The film on your laminate floors is most likely build-up from soap and oil-based cleaners. A half vinegar and half water mixture has enough acidity in it to break down the haze without damaging your flooring.
Can I use a Magic Eraser on my laminate floors?
No! Never use a Magic Eraser on your laminate floors. A Magic Eraser is highly abrasive and will remove the top coating of your floors and may even cause discoloration. If you have a stain on your floor, try using a microfiber cloth and laminate floor cleaner.
Conclusion
Laminate floors are durable and straightforward to care for. If your floors are looking dull, you can quickly restore them to their natural shine by using a slightly acidic cleaner.
In the future, remember to use only laminate appropriate cleaning products. This will help you keep your floors looking fantastic for years to come.
With regular maintenance and the right products, laminate floors can continue to enhance the beauty of your home while remaining resistant to wear and tear.
By avoiding harsh chemicals and using gentle cleaning methods, you can preserve the finish and texture of your laminate floors, keeping them looking as good as new.
