What Cleaners Should You Not Use on Laminate Floors?

Where does this list come from? Not from internet tips. It comes from a laminate maker's own care guide: Beaulieu's Laminate Flooring Care and Maintenance guide (2024). FloorBox attaches it to the Beaulieu Gallo Xtra Agostino laminate page. Your laminate may come from another brand. If it does, read that brand's care guide too. Its rules come first.

What cleaners should I never use on laminate?

Beaulieu's guide says do not use:

• Steam mops.
• Oil soaps.
• Liquid or paste wax.
• Household cleaners that contain lemon oil or tung oil.
• Floor finish shines and polishes.
• Bleach.
• Vinegar.
• Ammonia.
• Cleaners made for other floors, such as sheet vinyl or ceramic tile cleaners.
• Scouring powder, steel wool or other abrasives.
• Any product that leaves a residue. A residue is a film left on the floor. The guide says it can make the floor slippery or sticky, and make it look dull.

Why are these products bad for laminate?

The guide gives the reason in one sentence: these products "could damage the flooring, leave a discoloring residue, cause swelling, and warping that voids the warranty."

So it's not only about looks. Using one of these products can cost you your warranty. The guide also asks you to keep a list of the cleaners you use on the floor. It lists this as one of the steps to keep your warranty.

Can I mop laminate with water?

Only a little. The guide says to never wet-mop or flood the floor with water or other products. A lightly damp mop is fine for cleaning a spot.

There's one exception. The guide says water-resistant laminate can take more moisture and can be wet-mopped. Even then, you must wipe up any standing water quickly. So check your floor's spec table:

• The Beaulieu Gallo Xtra Agostino laminate lists Water Resistant: Yes, with "72-hour spill protection." It lists Waterproof: No.
• The Planchers 1867 Concerto XL Baryton Oak laminate lists Water Resistant: No and Waterproof: No. For a floor like this one, stick to a lightly damp mop. Its install guide also says this floor isn't made for wet rooms like bathrooms or laundry rooms.

Not sure what "water resistant" and "waterproof" really mean? Read Waterproof or Water-Resistant Flooring.

What should I use to clean laminate instead?

Here's what the same guide recommends:

1. Sweep, vacuum or dust mop often. The guide says dirt is "the most common threat" to your floor. If you leave it there, it can scratch the floor.
2. Use a vacuum with air suction only. No beater bar (the spinning brush). Make sure the vacuum's wheels don't mark the floor.
3. Clean now and then with a pH-neutral cleaner made for laminate. pH-neutral means the cleaner is neither acidic nor alkaline. Follow the label.
4. Spray the cleaner on the cloth or mop, not on the floor. The guide asks for a no-rinse product sprayed onto a microfibre cloth or mop.
5. Wipe spills right away with a soft, absorbent cloth.

How do I use a no-rinse spray cleaner on laminate?

The Woodpecker laminate, hardwood and parquet floor cleaner spray (775 ml) is made for laminate, hardwood and parquet. Its product page says it's environmentally friendly and biodegradable. It also says it leaves no residue, needs no rinsing and dries streak-free.

Its technical data sheet says:

• Spray it on a terry cloth mop or sponge, then wipe the floor.
• Don't spray it on the floor and let it dry. (For a small spot, the sheet says you can spray the floor, then wipe right away with a cloth or sponge.)
• No rinsing needed.
• Test it on a small area first.
• Keep it from freezing.

One thing to know: this cleaner's data sheet doesn't list its pH. Some care guides ask for a pH-neutral cleaner, like Beaulieu's does. If yours does, contact us before you pick a cleaner.

How do I keep laminate from getting scratched?

The guide also lists easy habits:

• Put felt pads or fabric-faced glides under furniture legs. Keep them clean, and replace them when they wear out.
• Lift heavy furniture instead of sliding it. Use a dolly or plywood sheets to move heavy things.
• Keep pets' nails trimmed and their paws clean.
• Take off spiked or damaged heels.
• Skip rugs and mats with solid rubber or vinyl backings.
• Keep indoor humidity between 35% and 65%. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier if you need one.

Still choosing a laminate? Read How to Choose Laminate Thickness and AC Rating. Questions about your floor? Contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use vinegar to clean my laminate floor?

Beaulieu's laminate care guide says not to. Vinegar is on its list of products to avoid, along with bleach and ammonia.

Can I use a steam mop on laminate?

No. Beaulieu's guide says not to use steam mops on its laminate.

How do I clean laminate without leaving streaks?

Use a no-rinse cleaner made for laminate, sprayed on a microfibre cloth or mop, not on the floor. Avoid wax, polishes, oil soaps and anything that leaves a residue.

Can I wet-mop my laminate floor?

Not unless your laminate is water-resistant. Beaulieu's guide says never to wet-mop laminate. Use a lightly damp mop instead. The guide says water-resistant laminate, like the Beaulieu Gallo Xtra Agostino laminate, can be wet-mopped, as long as you remove standing water quickly.

How do I choose a cleaner for my laminate floor?

Start with your laminate maker's care guide. Then read the cleaner's label and data sheet. For example, the Woodpecker laminate, hardwood and parquet floor cleaner spray (775 ml) lists laminate in its uses and needs no rinsing. Test any cleaner on a small spot first.