When your laminate floor has a dull, cloudy finish, it is most likely caused by a buildup of floor cleaner, polish or wax. Dirt and debris easily stick to the excess product, making the floor look cloudy and dirty instead of having an attractive sheen. Dirt and dust on the floor can also make the flooring look dull.
If your floor has developed a slight film or waxy buildup on it (which happens over time when the wrong cleaning products are used), you can instead combine a gallon of hot water with a cup of white vinegar. Vinegar, which is a natural cleaning agent, will break down the film without hurting the laminate surface.
A dull, streaky laminate floor is usually caused by built-up dirt, improper cleaning products, and cleaners residue.
Hardwood floor cleaners, waxes, all-purpose cleaners, and soaps leave a film on the floors and can cloud the laminate surface. Using too much moisture. Dripping mop buckets and steam cleaners used on laminate floors leave too much moisture, which can seep down through the joints in the flooring and cause warping.
Residue-free, fast drying, ready-to-use solutions clean every floor type by easily and effectively removing dust, dirt and grime to reveal your floor's natural shine and beauty.
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.
Never use Murphy Oil Soap or similar products to damp mop wood or laminated floors. Oil soaps leave a film on floors that dull and damage the finish. Remove the film by mopping with one-half cup distilled white vinegar per gallon of water and a clean terry towel.
Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners
One of the main reasons why your laminate looks cloudy is the use of harsh chemical cleaners. Detergents that are advertised to be effective quickly in cleaning floors can damage your floors.
You should sweep and mop them regularly. Use a specialty mop to clean them without excess liquid. Though laminate floors are water resistant, if they are soaked in water, they can be damaged. The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products especially made for them.
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.
It makes for streak-free cleaning! 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.
Don't be afraid to call a professional or use a professional product. Ammonia is a powerful cleaner for sticky stains, black spots, and scuff marks on the floor. You can use one cup of ammonia dissolved in a gallon of water to clear up the haze buildup.
As with other materials, vinyl is susceptible to dirt, dust and grime. These substances leave a cloudy film on vinyl.
To ½ cup of water in the spray bottle, add a ½ cup of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar of the equal amount to water in the bottle and mix properly. With this simple method, you do not need to struggle with how to clean and shine laminates using expensive but wrong products while you can make your own.
Experts recommend a reusable mop with a microfiber head — not only is it the most eco-friendly option, but you also avoid having to buy multiple, costly single-use mop heads. You can also get a spray mop: a microfiber mop that includes its own refillable sprayer.
For stubborn spots or areas of buildup, some people turn to glass cleaners like Windex. This method is helpful in a pinch, but use it sparingly and only in small areas. Spray the glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth and rub the floor clean, going with the grain whenever possible.
About once a month, damp-mop the floor for a thorough deep cleaning. Kitchens and spaces that see a lot of foot traffic might need it more frequently. Grab a mop with a washable, reusable microfiber head, like the ones made by Bona, or one with disposable pads, such as a Swiffer.
Cleaning Laminate Floors With Vinegar
It's a great mixture that is acidic enough to cut grease and stains but does not leave a dull film. It's also super easy. In a spray bottle, create a 2:1 ratio of distilled water to vinegar. Spray down the floor lightly (don't saturate the floor).
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.
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.
The Swiffer Wet Jet makes mopping my tile and laminate floors so much easier!
Avoid Using Too Much Soap
Soap only lifts dirt and oil into water, making them suspend in water. Therefore, the more soap you use, the more your mop gets saturated with dirt. So, if you do not remove all the soapy water from the floor, the dirt remains, forming streaks on the floor.