Can laminate floors be professionally cleaned?
Absolutely. Professional floor cleaners have the right tools and pH-neutral cleaning solutions to deep clean laminate without causing water damage or leaving streaks. It’s a great way to tackle stubborn grime that regular mopping can’t handle, restoring your floor’s original look.
What questions should I ask before hiring laminate floor cleaners?
Before hiring laminate floor cleaners, be sure to ask your pro these questions:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What cleaning products and equipment do you use on laminate floors?
What's included in your standard service, and how do you price your work?
What factors could affect the final cost of the project?
How long will the job take, and how soon can we walk on the floors afterward?
Is there anything I need to do to prepare my home before you arrive?
Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee for your work?
What factors can impact the cost of laminate floor cleaners?
There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:
Size of the area. The total square footage you need cleaned is one of the biggest factors. A larger space naturally requires more time and cleaning solution.
Condition of the floor. Floors with heavy dirt buildup, tough stains, or sticky residue may require more intensive labor. If the cleaning process reveals significant damage, you might also need to consider professional laminate floor repair.
Type of cleaning service. A standard cleaning will cost less than a deep clean, which might include services like buffing or polishing to restore shine.
Furniture and obstacles. If the pro needs to move heavy furniture or work around lots of obstacles, the added labor can affect the final cost.
Your location. Labor rates for professional cleaning services can vary depending on where you live, so your home’s location will play a part in the total price.
How do you clean hardwood, concrete, vinyl and laminate floors?
After you get new floors installed in your home, make sure you maintain them. Use these tips to keep your floors clean, shiny and polished.
How to Clean Concrete Floors
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the entire surface to remove loose debris. Mopping will require different substances based on the type of concrete floor. For a polished concrete floor, use a specialized polished concrete cleaner. For a painted concrete floor, use a mild all-purpose cleaner. A sealed concrete floor can be cleaned with dishwashing liquid, while an unsealed floor is best cleaned with trisodium phosphate and stain removers. Use kitty litter or cornstarch for grease stains, and distilled white vinegar for rust stains.
For more tips on how to clean and maintain your concrete floors, consult with your professional concrete flooring contractor.
How to Clean Hardwood Floors
Cleaning hardwood floors typically requires a mop, bucket and some type of hardwood floor cleaner. Start by removing furniture and objects. Vacuum up all debris (or use a dust mop), moving with the grain. Spray your cleaner on a small section of the floor, and mop in a figure-eight motion, working backward. Make sure there are no puddles.
In high-traffic areas, you should mop one or two times per week. Low-traffic areas should be mopped at least once per month.
To ensure you're cleaning and maintaining your hardwood floors properly, speak with your hardwood flooring installation specialist.
How to Clean Laminate Floors:
Start by vacuuming to remove dust, dirt and other debris. The best mop for laminate floors is a microfiber mop with a sprayer feature. Spray and mop one small area at a time to avoid standing liquid on the floor. Go over the floor with a dry microfiber cloth after mopping to make sure all liquid is gone.
Although you can use a damp mop, never use a wet mop on laminate floors. Moisture can cause the flooring to bubble, swell and buckle. Instead, use a dedicated laminate floor mop with a laminate floor cleaner spray. The best mop for laminate floors is typically made with microfiber, which picks up dirt and absorbs moisture well.
Consulting with your laminate flooring installer is a good idea if you've never had laminate floors and need more tips on how to clean them properly.
How to Clean Vinyl Floors
Cleaning vinyl plank flooring is easy. Start by sweeping and vacuuming up dirt, dust and debris. Then use a damp — not wet — mop or rag with warm water. While vinyl is waterproof, an excessive amount of water can leak between the seams and affect the glue bond with the floor. When you feel a chemical is needed, make sure to choose cleaning products safe for vinyl planks.
Reach out to your vinyl flooring installer for tips on how to further maintain and care for your vinyl floors.
For more tips, read our guide on how to clean and maintain all types of flooring.
How often should you use laminate floor cleaners?
It’s recommended that you use a laminate floor cleaner at least once a week. This regular cleaning prevents dirt and grit from building up, which can scratch the floor’s protective layer. It also helps maintain the laminate's finish and keeps your floors looking their best.
What are the signs that I need to use laminate floor cleaners?
Common signs that indicate it’s time to use laminate floor cleaners include:
A dull or hazy film that covers the floor’s natural shine.
Visible streaks, smudges, or footprints that don’t disappear with regular sweeping or mopping.
A sticky or tacky feeling underfoot, which can attract even more dirt.
Stubborn spots or stains from spills that have set into the surface.
Lingering odors, especially from pets or food spills, that are trapped in the floor’s finish.
If a deep-set stain or damage persists even after cleaning, you may need to consult a professional for laminate flooring repair.
