Swiffer wet cloths are frequently asked if they can be used on laminate flooring. Yes, it's a fantastic idea because the wet materials give moisture to the cleaning process, making it move more smoothly.
Yes, you can use a wet Swiffer or Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors. "The wet Swiffer is best for quickly cleaning small spaces," Forte says.
One of the biggest threats to laminate flooring is excess moisture. In place of a steam mop, try the Swiffer WetJet Mop Starter Kit, which gives you all the tools you need to effectively clean your laminate floors.
Use a clean, dry microfiber towel or mop. Avoid oil-based cleaners and products designed for cleaning wood floors, cabinets and furniture. They can leave streaks that are impossible to remove. Don't ever wax or polish your laminate floors.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the best laminate floor cleaner is Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray, which is fast-drying, eco-conscious, and delivers results. (It also works on a range of surfaces, so you can use this in multiple areas of your home.)
Laminate floors are durable, but they can scratch or scuff, so avoid things like steel wool as well. Although laminate is a hard floor, you want to avoid steam cleaning to tackle tough stains as it can loosen that top protective layer and damage the surface.
Your cleaning schedule depends on how dirty your floors get. Experts recommend vacuuming or dry-mopping laminate floors daily (the perfect task for the best robotic vacuums), and mopping and immediately drying laminate floors weekly—more often for high-traffic areas.
Floors often look streaky after mopping without vacuuming immediately beforehand. Vacuuming one day and then mopping the next allows dust to settle on the floor, along with any dirt tracked in on peoples' shoes, and both will turn to muddy streaks when mopped.
Unlike carpeting that collects allergens* and keeps them around, hardwood floors can be easily wiped clean of dust and allergens*. Keeping a Swiffer Sweeper handy can help remove pollen from your floors.
Swiffer is designed not to leave a residue and should provide a great clean on virtually any floor in your home. For best results, make sure the product is suitable for your floor. Do not use Swiffer Wet cloths or the Swiffer WetJet on unfinished, oiled or waxed wooden floors, non-sealed tiles, or carpet.
Rubbing alcohol – great for cleaning and removal of stains. Vinegar – is a great all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, and shine improver. We only use a small amount of vinegar and never let it 'sit' on the laminate.
Overall, microfiber mops have more pros than Swiffer mops. Microfiber mops can be used as a two-in-one to both sweep and mop at the same time. However, a Swiffer mop can typically only clean after the sweeping has already been done.
Yes, the Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner is safe for your laminate floor. Bona Cleaners are safe for your floor as long as your floor is sealed or finished, and unwaxed or unoiled. Both the Hardwood Floor Cleaner and the Stone, Tile and Laminate Floor Cleaner are pH balanced and leave no dulling or sticky residues behind.
Things You Should Know
Fill a bucket with hot water and use a mop to give your laminate flooring a deep clean. Be sure to dry the flooring with a cloth when you're done. Spray a vinegar solution in small 1-foot (30.5 cm) squares and wipe the solution from the floor immediately with a damp terry or sponge mop.
In order to preserve and protect the wear layer, make sure any cleaning product you buy or DIY is safe for laminate flooring. Products that are oil-based, acidic or abrasive can damage the surface. Similarly, never polish or wax your floor. Remember, laminate flooring cannot be refinished if it is damaged.
Being comprised of wood fiberboard, laminate flooring is susceptible to permanent damage if it comes into contact with water for a considerable amount of time.
Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner is safe for use on laminate floors. Just choose your favorite scent — we like using Original Pine on laminate floors. Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner also comes in other scents, like Lemon Fresh®, Lavender Clean®, Sparkling Wave® and Tropical Flowers™.
The short answer is no.
None of the laminate flooring manufacturers recommend using a steam mop on laminate surfaces. The moisture released from the steam mop can loosen the layers of the laminate, making it tougher to use and potentially damaging your floor.
ZEP Commercial Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner
This powerful, ready-to-use spray removes scuff marks, stains, dirt, grime, and dust. It also has a quick drying time, restores shine, does not require rinsing, and leaves a fresh yet subtle scent.