To clean laminate plank flooring without causing water damage or stripping the protective finish, always vacuum up loose debris, use a lightly dampened microfiber mop, and opt for a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor and never use wax, polish, or harsh chemical cleaners.
Never use wet mops, steam cleaners, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemical cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and oil-based soaps on laminate floors. Laminate’s core is made of pressed wood, which absorbs moisture and can easily warp, swell, or bubble if exposed to excess water or heat.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on laminate floors, but use it sparingly. Because dish soap is highly concentrated, just 1 teaspoon mixed with a gallon of warm water is enough to cut through grease. Using too much will leave behind a dull, sticky film.
Some versions recommend a pH-neutral floor cleaner, while others mention using a homemade cleaner of one cup of vinegar per gallon of water. If you're using a cleaning brush, a soft nylon bristle brush is recommended. Avoid common floor polishes, waxes, abrasive cleaners and soaps.
Deep cleaning
Prepare two buckets of water: one with lukewarm water mixed with a gentle laminate floor cleaner, and the other with clear water for rinsing. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, wring it out well, and clean the floor following the wood grain. Ensure the floor is dried after cleaning to prevent water spots.
No, Murphy's Oil Soap is generally not recommended for laminate floors. Because laminate is not real wood, the oil and wax in Murphy's can leave behind a dull, cloudy residue and won't be properly absorbed, which can make the floor look permanently streaked or smudged.
Yes, Dawn dishwashing soap can be used to clean luxury vinyl plank flooring. Just add a few drops to a bucket of warm water. This mixture is excellent for removing grease and grime, especially in kitchens. However, be cautious not to use too much soap, as it can leave a film that dulls the floor's shine.
First, let's review the basics for cleaning laminate floors:
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring
Avoid steel wool, abrasive scrubbers, or harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach. These can scratch the surface or strip away the protective coating, leaving the flooring dull and damaged.
The safest, streak-free homemade laminate floor cleaner is a simple mix of: 𝟏/𝟐 cup water, 𝟏/𝟐 cup white vinegar, 𝟏/𝟐 cup rubbing alcohol, and 3 drops of gentle dish soap (like Dawn). This combination disinfects, cuts through grease, and evaporates rapidly to prevent moisture damage to the laminate planks.
While vinegar is a popular DIY cleaning solution, it's not recommended for laminate floors. Its acidic nature can dull the laminate's finish over time. Instead, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for laminate flooring to ensure it remains vibrant and undamaged.
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.
Moisture is the biggest threat. Water or steam that gets into the seams soaks into the HDF core and causes it to swell. That swelling leads to warping, buckling, and joint separation — damage that can't be undone. Chemical damage is slower but just as permanent.
To make your house smell amazing while mopping, use a simple DIY mix of hot water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 5–10 drops of essential oils (like eucalyptus and lavender, or lemon and peppermint). If you prefer pre-made options, heavily scented commercial products like Clorox Scentiva Floor Cleaners work beautifully.
To make laminate floors shine naturally, the secret is clarity, not coating. Dullness is usually caused by dirt or cleaning residue. You can restore a mirror-like shine by cleaning with a simple DIY solution and immediately buffing the surface dry.
To clean laminate floors without streaks, the secret is avoiding residue. Use a pH-neutral, no-rinse formula like Zep Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner or a DIY mixture of water, a splash of rubbing alcohol, and a drop of gentle dish soap. Always use a lightly dampened microfiber mop.
Professional cleaners rely on flat-head microfiber mops and spin mops for the best combination of streak-free cleaning and floor protection. The type of mop used depends on the scale of the job, with specific industry standards and popular consumer choices standing out.
The Best Cleaning Products for Laminate Floors
You should generally avoid using Murphy's Oil Soap on laminate floors. While the manufacturer notes it can be used if heavily diluted, laminate has a hard, non-porous finish. Oil soaps can leave behind a dull, cloudy film that is very difficult to remove and easily attracts dirt.
The best homemade cleaner for luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floors is a simple mix of warm water, a splash of vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap. This budget-friendly solution easily cuts through dirt and grease without leaving a dull residue or damaging the floor’s protective wear layer.
An easy way to fill in microscratches and shine wood floors is to polish your floors after mopping. After dusting and spray mopping, use a designated microfiber mop pad to apply polish to wood floors to add shine. Bona floor polish is easy to use and adds a protection and shine with every application.
Sweep, dry-mop and vacuum the floor as normal to remove loose dirt, dust and debris. When it comes to the best mop for laminate floors, for a dry mop, choose a microfiber dust mop, and for a wet mop go for a microfiber wet mop.
Vinyl flooring is perfect for high-traffic, moisture-prone areas. Its water-resistant, stain-resistant surface and easy maintenance make it ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Laminate works better in dry spaces, offering durability and a realistic wood look at a great price.
Laminate floors are notoriously difficult to keep clean because their resin-sealed surfaces easily show streaks, footprints, and residues. This buildup is usually caused by using too much water (which damages the planks), employing the wrong cleaners, or leaving behind un-rinsed soap and polish.