How to Clean Laminate Flooring

Flooring Trends recommend that you always follow the manufacturer's directions. The following information may be used as a guideline and is courtesy of Shaw Floors, manufacturers of fine laminate floors.

Routinely clean your laminate flooring with these maintenance guidelines:

As soon as spills happen, quickly mop them up using a damp cloth. Never allow liquids to stand on your floor.

For tough stains, such as lipstick, oil, ink, paint, markers, or tar: Test a small area first using an acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue. If there is no visible fading apply sparingly on the stain.

Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor regularly with the hardwood floor attachment (not the beater bar) to prevent accumulation of dirt and grit that can scratch or dull the floor finish.

Periodically clean the floor with cleaning products made specifically for laminate floor care.

Do not wash or wet mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other water based cleaning material. Cleaning with these products may cause swelling, warping, delamination, and joint-line separation, and void the warranty.

Use only very little water. Excessive water can damage the laminate coating on the surface of the floor. Soaking the floor can damage the paper backing. Moisture can get trapped under the laminate and damage the floor or cause the growth of mold, which is not healthy.

Do not use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, or strong ammonia or chlorinated type cleaners.

Do not use any type of buffing or polishing machine.

For spots such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape with a plastic scraper, such as a credit card. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

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