How To Clean Laminate Floor Without Streaking

Like every floor, the laminate floor also needs cleaning to maintain its beauty and functionality. Here, the main concern is laminate floor streaking. Most people have the same question about how to clean the laminate floor without streaking. If you also want to know the answer, then you have landed on the right blog.

In this pro flooring guide blog, we will reveal the best answer of how to clean laminate floor without streaking, the dos and don’ts while cleaning, and many other important aspects of this floor. So, read this blog carefully to get maximum benefits from it.

Reasons Why Your Laminate Floors Are Streaky

In the first place, multiple factors are causing this situation. Initially, figuring out where exactly you are doing the wrong way isn’t easy. Anyhow, these are the major causes of you having to experience streaky laminate floors that are ruining their beauty and impacting the laminate floor lifespan. Let’s explore them:

• Excessive Use Of Floor Cleaner

One of the most common reasons behind the streaky laminate floors is using excessive floor cleaner. It becomes very difficult to remove all the cleaners from the laminate floor. The excessive cleaner is often not cleaned properly after multiple cleaning times.

• Wrong Technique To Clean The Floor

If you are not cleaning the floor properly, or your cleaning technique is incorrect, it can also be the reason for streaky laminate flooring. For instance, if you clean the floor in a non-uniform manner by making irregular strokes, the floor will end up streaked. There are some effective ways to clean the floor without mopping

• Start Walking On Wet Laminate Floors

Another common reason for the streaky laminate flooring is to start walking over the wet floors. If someone asks how to clean laminate floors without streaks, the most straightforward answer is to allow your laminate floor to dry completely.

You can speed up the drying process by using a fan, dehumidifier, or air conditioner or by opening the windows.

How To Make Effective Laminate Floor Cleaner At Home?

Commercial laminate cleaners are expensive and sometimes contain ammonia that can negatively impact the flooring. Below, we have compiled some of the best ways to make your laminate cleaner at home with simple ingredients.

Materials And Supplies	Solution Preparation
Vinegar Solution	50-50 proportion of white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle
Tea-based Cleaner	1 cup water and 1 cup black tea made from a single tea bag
Baby Shampoo Mixture	1 tablespoon baby shampoo mixed with a spray bottle full of warm water
Baking Soda Paste	A little amount of baking soda mixed with distilled water according to the stained or problematic area being addressed
Rubbing Alcohol Treatment	Application of rubbing alcohol directly onto the affected spot, followed by rubbing with a cotton ball or absorbent cloth

Point To Be Noted: 

• To maximize the effectiveness of the DIY cleaner, use distilled water instead of tap water. The reason is tap water contains salts and minerals that can deposit on the floor surface.

How To Clean Laminate Floor Without Streaking? (Step Wise Guide) 

This is a basic yet extremely adequate streak-free cleaning method for Laminate Floors, which you can even consider carrying out daily.

• Remove The Loosened Dust 

First, you must remove loose dust and debris deposits from the floor. For this purpose, you can use a vacuum cleaner or soft bristle brush.

Here, the choice is yours. The vacuum cleaner will do this task quicker than the brooming. Make sure that dust is completely removed from the corners and edges.

• Choose The Best Cleaning Solution 

Choose the best commercial cleaning solution or the one you have made at home. If you select the commercial cleaner, check that the cleaner is not ammonia-based or contains wax.

• Damp-Mop The Laminate Floor With Floor Cleaner 

Spray the cleaner over the mop. Never apply any home-based or commercial cleaner directly over the laminate floor. Apply uniform pressure and mop the floor in straight strokes.

• Spot Treating

If you see any mud spots over the floor, the best way to remove them is to scrub gently the microfiber towel or scrubber mop pad. If the stain is of paint or grease. Wait until it gets dry completely. Then, use a rubber scrubber or plastic putty knife to remove it, and then damp-mop that place.

• Use Absorbent Towel To Remove Excess Moisture 

Allow the laminate floor to dry completely. Use a dry absorbent towel or cloth over the wet floor. The fabric will absorb the moisture from the floor and provide steaky-free cleaning. Additionally, this approach will add shine to the laminate floor.

Dos And Don’ts While Cleaning The Laminate Floor

Let’s look at some of the best techniques for cleaning the laminate floor without streaking and the wrong maintenance methods.

Best Practice During The Cleaning And Maintenance Of Laminate Floors

Here are some of the best yet simple tips that allow flawless laminate flooring cleaning without streaks.

• Remove The Stain Instantly

Clean every spill and stain immediately. If you do not clean the stain instantly, it may cause the laminate floor discoloration.

• Keep Your Moving Direction Away From Wiped Floor Area

While cleaning, try keeping your moving direction away from the area you have just wiped. Be careful about regularly changing the mop pads and cleaner batches as soon as they become dirty.

• Use Welcome Mats Or Rugs 

Place welcome mats or rugs at the entrances and felt pads under the feet of your furniture. Avoid walking over the floors with shoes.

• Trim The Nails Of Pets 

Trim the nails or claws of your pets and try keeping them in specified spaces. This approach will minimize the chances of scratches on the laminate floors. You can also paint the laminate floor to add a safety layer.

Don’ts While Cleaning The Laminate Floors

Here are some practices that should not be done while cleaning the laminate flooring.

• Abrasive Cleaning Tools 

This includes steel wool, stiff-bristled brooms, scrubbing brushes, and, most importantly, vacuum cleaners used with beater brushes. These tools can cause severe damage to the surface.

2. Excessive Water Consumption

It leads to water penetration through the seams of Laminate Planks, eventually leading to the bubbling or swelling of floors. Besides, prolonged contact with water can also cause Laminate fading. To repair water damage to laminate flooring, you need to follow some additional steps.

3. Irrelevant Product Usage

This goes for those cleaning products that aren’t intended to be used on Laminate Floors, like oil-based cleaners, polishes, waxes, acidic cleaners (with a pH above 7), or floor buffers, since the unsuitable choice can be seriously harmful to the planks.

Final Words

From the above-detailed discussion, you get an idea of how to clean laminate floor without streaking. So make sure to choose a suitable cleaner and avoid overusing it. Additionally, using abrasive tools and water to clean the floor will negatively impact its appearance. You can make the laminate floor waterproof to minimize the adverse effect of water on it. If something is still confusing you regarding cleaning laminate flooring, you can ask it in the comment section.

You May Also Like: How To Clean Engineered Hardwood Floors

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is The Cause Of Laminate Floor Streaking?

The most common cause of laminate floor streaking is excessive usage of soap or any other cleaning substance. This way, the product does not get cleaned properly and leaves a residue behind, which attracts dust and dirt, eventually causing the floor to be streaked. Moreover, too much water usage can lead to laminate floor streaking.

Is It Safe To Use Vinegar On Laminate Floors?

Vinegar is quite a safe and effective material for laminate floors, explaining its vast usage in most DIYs. Moreover, it works much more effectively than most dedicated cleaners without causing any damage. However, it has to be used only after being diluted.

Which Mop To Use For Laminate Floors?

Microfiber mops with a flat pad are the best and most effective choice for Laminate Floors since they don’t cause any residue. Such mops absorb excessive water and don’t require a water container well. Besides, it’s easy to wet and wring them without making the floors too wet or causing any mess.

What To Use Over Laminate Floors?

When dealing with Laminate Floors, you must strictly avoid using abrasive tools as they can cause serious surface scratching. Soft-bristled brooms and dust mops are the safest options since they’re gentle on the floors. Besides, if you use a vacuuming cleaner, ensure that you use it without the rotating brush or beater.

What Is A Diy Cleaning Recipe For Laminate Floors?

One super effective DIY cleaning recipe for Laminate Floors is the dish soap solution, which you can make by mixing just a teaspoon of dish soap (get the unscented and clear one only) with a gallon of hot water and using it to clean your floors. In addition to that, you can also make a cleaner by combining about a cup of vinegar with the same quantity of hot water.

Why Does My Laminate Floor Look Dull?

The use of improper cleaners is the foremost reason for dull-looking laminate floors. Other causes include residue from cleaners and wrong cleaning techniques, which eventually provide room for dirt build-up, making the floors appear dull and unattractive. Also, you need to ensure that you do not use excessive water as it becomes difficult to clean, ultimately making the floors dirty.