10 Best Laminate Floor Cleaners for a Restorative Shine 2024

9 / 10

Kitchens require additional considerations when looking for the best laminate floor cleaners. Grease and food stains cause damage and don’t easily disappear with the use of traditional floor cleaners. Enter: The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaner.

This TikTok cleaning product promises (and delivers) a streak-free, brilliant shine on even the most soiled laminate planks. It provides a deep clean, while still remaining gentle enough to use on most surfaces around the house. Better yet, this rinse-free cleaner cuts through food stains and grease without harsh scrubbing.

Pros

• Removes grease on contact
• No need to rinse
• Pleasant scent
• Works on pet urine
• Leaves behind zero residue

Cons

• EWG (Environmental Working Group) classifies it as being toxic to environment

10 / 10

When it’s time to use wax, polish or sealant, it’s crucial that every drip and dust bunny gets eliminated prior to go-time. A half-cup of Aunt Fannie’s Ultra Concentrated Floor Cleaner plus two gallons of water offers plenty of cleaning power thanks to a blend of natural ingredients like vinegar and essential oils.

Because it’s ultra-concentrated, a little goes a long way. That saves money in the long run—and who can argue with that? After cleaning, reviewers report a slight vinegar scent that dissipates as the cleaner dries, leaving behind a pleasant eucalyptus scent.

Pros

• Ultra-concentrated, so a little goes a long way
• Pet-friendly
•  Fresh-smelling eucalyptus scent
• Breaks down dirt, food, grease and grime
• Top safety rating from the Environmental Working Group

Cons

• Stick to recommended ratio; too much cleaner makes floors soapy

How We Chose the Best Laminate Floor Cleaners

When it comes to flooring, it’s important to use quality products that protect your investment. We looked for products that tackle common complaints—including pet urine and aging floors—so that no matter what kind of laminate floor you have, there’s a compatible cleaner on this list.

We looked through over 50 top-selling floor cleaners, including scent-free and eco-friendly options. Then, we narrowed down the list by combing through real reviews. Taking into consideration cost, performance and value, we’re confident in our choice of the 10 best laminate floor cleaners.

What to Consider When Buying Laminate Floor Cleaners

NALFA recommends seeking out cleaners with a neutral pH specially formulated for laminate floors that also don’t leave a residue. Always use a product specifically designed for use on wood or laminate. Natural, non-abrasive, pH-balanced ingredients work best, so always read the label before buying.

Avoid the following when buying laminate floor cleaners:

• Heat or polishing machines, which damage the finish.
• Oil-based cleaners—they’ll leave streaks and residue. According to NALFA, they also contribute to accelerated soiling.
• Waxes or varnishes which eventually flake off, marring the finish, and compromising the static coefficient of friction. NALFA warns that this usually also makes the floor slippery.
• Bleach or chlorinated cleaners damage bevel finish. “A diluted solution of household ammonia is fine when applied to a microfiber mop and used to clean,” says NALFA.
• Fabric softener sheets contain chemicals that leave a film and makes floors slippery.

FAQ

How do you preserve laminate flooring?

There are different ways to preserve the laminate flooring in your home. Here are our top cleaning tips to help maintain laminate flooring for years to come:

• Sweep or vacuum floors regularly
• Use a damp, soft cloth or mop (microfiber)
• The less water, the better; never soak the floors
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or rough pads
• Wipe up spills immediately

Does vinegar dull laminate flooring?

Vinegar can dull laminate flooring, as well as any other abrasive or acidic solution. Just like abrasive scrubbers and rough pads, acidic cleaners will eat away at your floor’s finish, which causes it to lose shine over time. However, according to NALFA, vinegar is fine to use at the recommended dilution rate of one part vinegar to 10 parts water.

Can you use a Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors?

Yes, you can use the Swiffer WetJet on laminate flooring—as long as you opt for the wood floor version. In fact, spray mops are the best option for laminate flooring, as they don’t over-saturate the area with liquid, which can cause damage. However, NALFA recommends keeping an eye out for residue, which contributes to build up after a short period of time.

If you’re curious about which mops work on certain floors, check out our list of the best mops for every type of flooring (including laminate).

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m an independent writer, copywriter, editor, journalist, and blogger living and working in a medieval hill town in Italy. Not only do I write travel and lifestyle-related articles, I produce creative online marketing content and engaging product/brand descriptions for U.S., U.K. and Italian clients.

Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted the North American Laminate Flooring Association in an exclusive interview about the best laminate floor cleaners.

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