How to wash laminate flooring with a steam mop: choosing a device and means

Laminate flooring is a little tricky to use and requires special handling. If you handle the coating incorrectly, the result will not be long in coming. The laminate will fade, become covered with stains or scratches, which will make its appearance completely unsightly. Many housewives would like to use a steam mop to clean such a floor - this modern and convenient device cleans any surface much better than a regular rag and mop. However, it is worth considering the features of the laminate so as not to damage it with hot steam.

Features of laminate care

Laminate is a popular material for flooring in residential and office premises. The covering is made of wood fiber boards with grooves for joining the sheets. From below and above, the lamellas are protected from deformation and abrasion by a stabilizing polymer layer. Laminate flooring from different manufacturers is marked with a certain strength class and differs in price range. Lamellas of budget classes 21-23 are less resistant to mechanical stress and moisture than coatings of classes 32-33. To ensure that the laminated floor in the room always looks neat, it is important to understand the issues of caring for the coating.

As dust and small debris accumulate on the floor, regular dry cleaning with a broom, dry cloth, brush or vacuum cleaner is recommended. After dry cleaning, you can carry out gentle wet cleaning. It is important to follow the cleaning technology, use the right tools, and protect the laminate from scratches and blisters. Make sure that no puddles or stains remain on the surface after wet cleaning.

It is not recommended to use hot water for wet cleaning. Evaporating moisture penetrates deeply into the wood layer, which leads to deformation of the lamellas. This is especially true for budget-class coatings with poorly sealed joints.

Mops for laminate floors

All modern mops can be divided into four main types:

household (flunder);
wring mop;
universal;
steam

It is hardly appropriate to compare different types of mops in categories of better or worse. To say that a steam mop is better than a household one because it is more expensive, and that a professional one is generally better than anyone else, is, to put it mildly, profanation.

You need to choose a mop based on the specific situation: the size of the room, the characteristics of the floor (how cluttered it is with furniture, flowers, etc.), budget. By using any of the mops listed correctly, your floor will delight you for a long time.

A household mop is the most economical option. It can be sold with one or more attachments (mops) made of microfiber (microfiber), cotton or wool.

Most often you can find microfiber attachments on sale. Their advantages for cleaning laminated floors are the absence of abrasive and the ability to easily wring out to a semi-dry state so that moisture does not get between the joints of the laminate.

This mop is suitable for dry and wet cleaning; it can be used to wipe not only laminate flooring, but also remove dust from walls and ceilings. The attachments are easy to wash and replace if necessary.

Spin mops are often sold together with a bucket, which, on the one hand, is convenient, but on the other, requires more storage space.

If the mop breaks, you will have to buy the next one for the same bucket. There are different types of wringer mops, but rope mops are not suitable for laminate floors because they retain too much moisture.

The two most suitable options:

mop with sponge roller made of foamed polyurethane;
with a spin design in the form of butterfly or book wings.

This is also a budget option, but it is better to choose a mop that is more expensive from a reputable manufacturer, as there is a greater chance that the spin mechanism will not break for a long time.

When dry, the polyurethane nozzle loses its elasticity, so it is not suitable for dry cleaning, but it is excellent at wrung out of excess moisture. The attachments in a butterfly mop can be made of cellulose, soft sponge or microfiber.

Universal mops are distinguished by the presence of various attachments for removing different dirt and cleaning different types of floors.

This is convenient if there are different floor coverings in the same house. When choosing this mop, you should consider whether most of the attachments will take up space while you use the most convenient one?

A steam mop is the most expensive and controversial option, since it raises the same questions as a washing vacuum cleaner.

On the one hand, steam kills most germs (important if there are animals in the house) and reliably cleans dirt without leaving marks or streaks. On the other hand, when cleaning laminate floors, it is important to choose a steam mop model specifically designed for this type of coating - with the ability to regulate the humidity of the steam, with a dry steam function, which is needed for treating textile surfaces

On the other hand, to clean laminate flooring, it is important to choose a steam mop model specifically designed for this type of coating - with the ability to regulate the humidity of the steam, with a dry steam function, which is needed for treating textile surfaces. For home use, you should not buy a professional mop - you will overpay for the number of attachments, power and other parameters that are unnecessary for cleaning a small home

For home use, you should not buy a professional mop - you will overpay for the number of attachments, power and other parameters that are unnecessary for cleaning a small home.

Which mop is better? The one that is more convenient and profitable for you, so it is not always worth chasing a high price.

It's no secret that any floor covering, including laminate, needs regular and thorough cleaning. However, not every equipment or detergent is suitable for these purposes. In this material we will tell you which mop is best to wash laminate flooring so that it retains its original appearance for a long time.

Laminate, although it is a fairly strong and durable material, still requires special attention. If improperly cleaned, stains and streaks may appear on the laminated surface, and abrasive particles of sand or aggressive detergents can scratch it. You need to choose laminate care products that are suitable for this material.

Excessive moisture when washing floors, dirt and dust particles, as well as heavy furniture with sharp edges can lead to the loss of beauty and shine of the laminate, as well as the appearance of squeaks. To avoid these negative consequences, you need to know exactly how to choose a mop for laminate flooring.

Using a steam mop for cleaning

A steam mop is a modern device for cleaning floors. The use of this device is permissible for laminate flooring marked “aqua”. Typically, coatings of classes 32 and above are endowed with water-repellent properties. Another important condition for using a steam mop for cleaning a laminated floor is the quality of laying the coating elements: there should be no gaps at the joints. Lock fastenings must be treated with wax to ensure reliable sealing.

It should be borne in mind that the characteristics of the material indicated on the packaging do not always reflect the proper quality of both the coating itself and the sealing of the seams. Therefore, before using a steam mop, it is recommended to test the effect of steam on a small, inconspicuous area of the floor: behind a cabinet or between chairs.

How does a steam mop work?

In fact, this is an extremely effective tool that is suitable for washing different surfaces.

The device is equipped with a small reservoir into which plain water is poured before washing.
Under the influence of the mechanism, it heats up to a temperature of 100 degrees.
Steam comes out of the holes under low pressure, which cleans the surface.

The peculiarity of this device is that it not only washes the floor, but also disinfects it. This is especially true if you have small children in your apartment.

The best steam mops for laminate floors

A steam device that can be used to clean laminate floors must have the appropriate characteristics. The model description may be marked “for laminate”. Such a mop should have a low moisture release mode and a special nozzle with uniform dispersion of steam over its entire area. A strong, humid, hot stream is contraindicated for laminate flooring.

It is important that the steam generating device is equipped with a temperature regulator. It is impossible to process laminate at high values, otherwise the protective layer may be destroyed and the coating will be deformed.

For ease of use of the electrical appliance, it is recommended to choose a model with a power cable of at least 5 meters and a water tank of optimal volume so that refilling is enough for at least 40 minutes of continuous operation.

A good choice would be a model from a reliable brand. Examples of good steam cleaners are given below. They have earned high ratings from customers.

BLACK+DECKER FSM1630

The device is designed for cleaning all types of moisture-resistant surfaces. Through steam treatment, the cleaner removes stubborn stains and destroys 99.9% of microorganisms. Safe operation of the steam mop is ensured by AutoSelect digital software control technology. To clean laminate floors, simply select the appropriate setting and the device will produce the required amount of steam to keep the surface dry and clean.

The electrical device is equipped with a head that rotates within 180° on hinges and a 6-meter cable, which ensures high maneuverability during cleaning. The capacity of the tank with a built-in filter is 0.5 liters. The generated steam is enough for continuous operation for 20 minutes. The duration depends on the steam intensity, which can be adjusted. Steam is generated within 15 seconds.

Pros:

The device is small-sized, mobile, does not take up much space when stored;
easy to use;
power 1600 W;
weight no more than 3 kg.

Minuses:

the rag gets dirty quickly, so you need to sweep or vacuum the floor before wet cleaning;
high price (from 8,000 rubles).

Scarlett SC-SM31B01

A steam mop is designed to clean a variety of surfaces, including laminate floors. The power of the device is 1300 W, ready for use within 25 seconds from the moment it is turned on. The device is equipped with informative indicators and an overheating protection system. Water tank with a capacity of 0.35 liters. Includes replacement nozzles for different types of coatings.

Pros:

ergonomic handle;
the ability to clean hard-to-reach places;
the fiber attachment is easy to wash;
affordable price (about 3000 rubles).

Minuses:

short cable (4 meters);
you have to stop to add water to the tank.

Kitfort KT-1004

The model has a wide range of equipment: a brush and a rag for the floor, a steaming nozzle, a glass scraper, a jet nozzle, and a 350 ml tank. Thanks to the choice of attachments, the device can be used to clean various surfaces. The price of the device with a convenient, stepless steam supply control is low (about 4,000 rubles). Steam mop power 1500 W.

Pros:

mobile;
does not take up much space;
universal.

Minuses:

does not collect garbage; the floor must be vacuumed first;
a short power cord (less than 5 meters).

Which laminate can be washed?

Reference! Laminate is a four-layer board, the base of which is made of chipboard or fiberboard. It is protected from below by plastic or resin-impregnated cardboard. A decorative layer covered with a film of synthetic resin is applied on top. Different categories of flooring differ in moisture resistance and wear resistance.

Manufacturers believe that a steam mop is suitable for cleaning laminate flooring, which has water-repellent properties, and only if it is installed on an adhesive base and the joints are sealed. Their caution is understandable. But the fact is that during ordinary wet cleaning, no less water is consumed than during steam treatment. In addition, the surface remains dry immediately after using the steam tool, so there is virtually no risk of floor deformation.

Bradex TD 0254

The device with a power of 1.3 kW supplies steam under low pressure - only 0.5 bar, but has high performance. Ideal for smooth surfaces, a steam mop can be used to clean laminate, tile, linoleum and even parquet. It can work without the use of chemicals, only on water, control is carried out through a single button on the body, and the handle folds telescopically.

Among the advantages of the unit are the triangular shape, which allows you to efficiently clean the room in the corners, and its low weight, only 2.5 kg. It is equipped with 8 nozzles for cleaning various surfaces; it takes only 25 seconds to heat the water. But there is no power adjustment - only one mode is provided.

Attention! The disadvantage of the model is the small reservoir capacity - 320 ml. Every 15 minutes you will have to stop cleaning and add water.

Budget steam mop Bradex TD 0254 costs 2,700 rubles

Bissell 1977N

The steam mop has a power of 1,600 W, supports the functions of a vacuum cleaner and steam cleaner, and is equipped with a spacious 400 ml water tank. Supplied complete with replaceable pads, the handle can be adjusted in height. Among the advantages, we can also mention the built-in filter in the tank and the separation system. Dry debris collected by a vacuum cleaner does not get wet in the container during steam cleaning and does not stick to the walls.

It is quite expensive - 17,990 rubles. But the device provides very wide possibilities for cleaning laminate flooring and does not harm the floor covering at all.

Bissell 1977N - universal steam mop-vacuum cleaner

Tefal VP6557

The device from the middle price category has a power of 1.2 kW and is equipped with a large 600 ml tank. Supports handle tilt adjustment, comes with replaceable microfiber nozzles and a cartridge for purifying water from impurities.

Among the advantages of the mop, it should be noted that it has two operating modes - the device supports not only steam cleaning, but also dry cleaning. There are also 3 power levels, from low to high. The ability to adjust this indicator is especially convenient when using a mop to wash laminate flooring. The model has a long cord, 7 m. The main drawback is the lack of fixation of the steam button.

Tefal VP6557 mop costs 7990 rubles

Washing vacuum cleaner for laminate flooring

When considering whether laminate flooring can be washed with a vacuum cleaner, you should always take into account the type of flooring you have and the technology for its production.

Budget floors made using the caching method and DPL slats can be cleaned exclusively using the dry method. Coatings of the CPL, DPR, HPL brands have moisture-repellent characteristics and can be used with wet cleaning methods.

To solve the problem of how to wash laminate flooring, you should purchase powerful devices that do not leave a lot of moisture on the floor.

Which washing vacuum cleaner is suitable for cleaning laminate flooring:

A device with high suction power from 450 W.
The kit should include a special nozzle for cleaning laminate flooring.
The device leaves a minimal amount of moisture on the floor surface after cleaning.
To solve the problem of what is the best way to wash laminate flooring, purchase products from well-known world brands - Karcher SE 4002, Thomas TWIN Panther, Vax 7151 and other good models.

Can I use a steam cleaner to clean laminate flooring?

Steam cleaners are more versatile devices than mops, but the principle of their operation is almost identical.

These devices can be used both for cleaning the floor and other household items. To solve the problem of how to wash laminate flooring at home, steam cleaners work well, but they are recommended to be used mainly for caring for waterproof brands of coating.

It is advisable to set the device to the middle position, periodically supply steam and fold the floor napkin for the nozzles in half.

What rag is best to wash laminate flooring?

Previously, cotton cloth was used to clean the floor; later, rags made of polyamide, acrylic, and viscose became widespread. When thinking about what you can use to wash laminate flooring at home, you should consider purchasing a cloth made from the most modern and innovative material - microfiber. The ultra-fine fibers of this material perfectly absorb moisture and various contaminants.

The main advantages of microfiber:

Excellent hygroscopicity.
The fabric does not lose its attractive color for a long time.
Microfiber does not leave lint on the floor during the washing process.

Disadvantages of microfiber:

Rags should not be dried on a hot surface.
Microfiber cannot be washed in hot water.
The material accumulates static electricity and needs frequent washing.
Microfiber doesn't clean greasy stains on kitchen floors well.

Cleaning laminate flooring with vinegar

When looking through different options for the best way to wash laminate flooring, people always try to use available household preparations that are available in the home kitchen for this purpose.

Vinegar is a popular and eco-friendly product that has been used for centuries to cook many dishes or disinfect.

If we wash laminate flooring with water, then we can add a little of this sour-tasting liquid in a safe concentration to the bucket.

How to wash laminate flooring with vinegar:

We dilute our product in the proportion of 60 ml of vinegar per 1 liter of water.
Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake it well.
For a better effect, you can add up to 3 tablespoons of dishwashing gel (not containing chlorine) to the water along with vinegar.
It is advisable to cover a small area of the floor with the working solution and immediately begin cleaning so that the vinegar does not have time to destroy the laminated layer.
After treatment, wipe the floor with a damp cloth.
The rag should be wrung out well while washing.
The final stage is to wipe the laminate dry with a clean cloth.

How to clean laminate floors without streaks?

To complete the task of washing laminate flooring without streaks, the main condition is to use crystal clear water.

If it becomes cloudy, immediately change the liquid in the bucket; after cleaning a small area of the floor, try to rinse the rag.

It is advisable to remove the coating along the laid lamellas and along the decorative pattern, then the small remaining traces will merge with the pattern. We always finish washing the laminate by wiping the surface dry with a clean cloth.

How to remove difficult stains from laminate:

Contamination from food residues - clean water or safe detergents will help.
Blood on the flooring - technical alcohol, glass cleaning liquid, peroxide with ammonia.
How to clean laminate flooring from pencil marks - toothpaste or white spirit.
Remove difficult marks from boots and other shoes - with an eraser or a soda solution.
How to wash traces of polyurethane foam using the pharmaceutical product dimexide.
Traces of oil paint - wash with white spirit with caution.
Acrylic paint - clean fresh stains with a damp sponge, and remove old stains with special removers.
White stains on laminate flooring - a solution of vinegar and water will help.
Wallpaper glue - safe to wash with laundry soap.
Wax and gum - Cool with ice or freezing liquid and scrape off with a plastic spatula.
Traces of marker and shoe polish - wash with vinegar essence using a cotton swab or a stationery eraser.
Lipstick, ink and nail polish – carefully remove with concentrated acetic acid.
Scratches and abrasions are masked with wax crayons with a suitable color to match the color of the laminate.

How often can laminate flooring be washed?

The question of how often laminate flooring is washed has always worried careful owners who strive to maximize the service life of a delicate and beautiful coating.

Semi-commercial classes of material (32 and above) and special waterproof brands can withstand contact with water without undesirable consequences; budget floors often suffer at the joints due to frequent wet cleaning.

In any case, try to replace washing the slats with dry types of cleaning, more often using a broom, soft brush or vacuum cleaner. Always wipe with a wrung out cloth, completely removing moisture from the surface of the laminate.

How to choose a successful model

Before purchasing, you need to figure out what advantages this miracle of technology actually has, and which ones are just advertising tricks to increase sales, and get acquainted with information about whether steam care is suitable for the materials from which the floors in your apartment are made. The most important part in the device is the steam generator with a handle, which determines whether the unit is convenient to use and how well it will cope with its task. The package is completed with a power cord and removable attachments.

What can you do with a steam mop?

Wash the floor and other surfaces (tiles, ceramics, carpets, carpets, boards, marble, as well as linoleum and parquet/laminate - in a gentle mode);
Disinfect household appliances (microwave oven, stove), tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, and sometimes the interior of your car with steam;
Clean windows of any height efficiently (using glass nozzles);
Clean ventilation grilles and hoods, radiators and heating pipes with steam.
Clean children's toys and furniture with steam (models with extended functionality can do this).

Helpful tips when choosing a steam mop

Buy a mop only with a movable head, preferably a triangular one.
The recommended material for the main structure is aluminum.
The weight of a steam mop is usually small, recommended: up to 3.5 kg.
Steam mop cloths come in a variety of different types, but not all do the job equally well. Recommended: with microfiber pads, which are best at collecting water and not leaving puddles on the floor.
Mop height: It is advisable to purchase a mop that is adjustable for height and comfort.
Continuous operation time: the speed of cleaning depends on how long and intensely your mop produces steam. Recommended: 20-30 minutes.
The appliance must have a steam regulator that is easy to use. The steam pressure must be at least 1 bar.
Choose a steam mop with an electricity consumption of at least 5 kW/hour and a power of at least 1000 W.
The steam mop should warm up in a few seconds.
The water capacity sufficient for a productive steam mop is 350 – 500 ml.
The price of a good steam mop starts from 4.5-5 thousand rubles.
The set of attachments and functionality of different steam mops is different. However, it is worth remembering that with a low-power device, a large set of attachments can become a useless load. But powerful steam mops, with the ability to be easily disassembled, can be an alternative to both a regular mop and a steam cleaner.

Advantages and disadvantages of a steam mop

Pros:

Movable head – maneuverability, expanded cleaning capabilities;
Economy and environmental friendliness: no detergents needed - just water;
Low water consumption (unlike traditional buckets and rags);
The ability to disinfect your home;
Possibility of dry cleaning with an electric broom attachment;
Possibility of washing windows, plastic windows and various glass surfaces;
The device removes stains and unpleasant odors using hot steam;
The steam mop does not leave streaks on surfaces;
Adjustable height (for good models);
Light weight.

Minuses:

A steam mop will not save you from sweeping up crumbs and debris before mopping;
The mop does not suck in debris and is not an alternative to a vacuum cleaner;
Such a mop washes the floor, but does not collect liquid, except perhaps a very small puddle on the floor;
A steam mop removes only minor stains from carpets;
Budget models usually have an unreliable design;
You cannot use (pour into the device) detergents (for some housewives this is a minus);
The operating instructions for some models of steam mops indicate that they only work with filtered water.

Floor cleaning instructions

Before using a steam mop to clean laminate flooring, you should do some preparatory work.

Collect all large debris with a broom or special brush.
Remove any remaining dust with a vacuum cleaner. The main thing is to use a nozzle with a retractable brush so that the plastic edges do not scratch the floor.
Take a specialized cleaning product and dilute it with warm water.
While wetting the nozzle, wipe the coating with small fragments. After each wetting, the nozzle or sponge must be thoroughly wrung out to prevent excessive moisture from the floor.

Before you start cleaning your floor, carefully read the instructions on the cleaning product box.

Recommendations for choosing a mop and attachments

One of the main criteria when choosing a floor cleaning device is the ability of the material used to squeeze out water well. An important role is played by nozzles, or rather the material from which they are made. To understand which mop is better, you should indicate for which rooms it is chosen. Suitable for weekly cleaning:

household;
mops - butterflies.

For general cleaning and mopping office floors, a steam mop is the best option. The lazy mop is suitable for cleaning laminate floors. The nozzles differ both in the materials from which they are made and in their purpose. They should be soft, wring out water well, strong, durable, dry quickly, and have short, dense pile.

Nozzles are made from:

Natural materials (cotton and wool), which quickly lose their shape and begin to absorb moisture worse. They are inexpensive and are sold complete with a mop.
Synthetic nozzles last a long time without losing their appearance and absorb water well.
Microfiber is made from polyamide fibers, takes excellent care of the surface, and has a long service life. The disadvantage is the high cost of the material.

The attachments are used for wet and dry cleaning and for any type of cleaning. For dry use, devices with wide, fluffy pile are suitable; for wet and joint use, devices with short and thick pile are suitable. After cleaning, the attachments require washing and drying, but not on a radiator, as the properties of the material are lost.

What you need to know when choosing cleaning products

Many people, when they come to the store to buy a cleaning product, fall into a stupor. There is so much choice that it is not so easy to understand what exactly you need. When choosing laminate cleaning products, consider the following:

If the product contains sodium carbonate, then it is not suitable for you.
Compare the composition of a universal liquid with the composition of a specialized one, most likely you will not find any differences, so there is no point in overpaying.
You can even skip washing with cleaning products and add a little table vinegar to the water.

When using detergent, do not allow it to come into contact with the skin of your hands - minor injuries may occur. It is recommended to use rubber gloves for cleaning.

Tips for removing various stains from laminate flooring

It happens that you did not immediately notice some kind of damage or stain, and it is no longer possible to wipe it off with acetone. What to do in such cases and how to clean the surface?

If wax gets on the laminate, wait until it dries and carefully pick up the blot with a knife. Remaining marks can be wiped off with a mild soap solution.
To remove various stains, you can use both specialized sponges and linen cloth.
Many stains can be easily wiped off with a window aerosol that contains alcohol.
You can get rid of scratches on the surface using special putties or colored sealant.
If your shoes have left streaks on the surface, you can remove them using a regular rubber band.

Don't be afraid to wash or clean the covering, because lack of cleaning can cause it to become damaged just as much as careful care.

If you chose the adhesive method when laying the laminate, then you acted extremely wisely. In this case, you can use steam mops, washing vacuum cleaners, and other technological advances. If this is not the case, then you will have to make some efforts to maintain the floor in its original form.

Criterias of choice

A steam mop should be comfortable and suitable for the owner’s height.
The purchase of such a device should be deliberate, because it is an expensive thing in itself. And its operation requires electricity and special detergents, so the feasibility of the purchase must be justified. Reviews and recommendations will help answer the question of whether laminate flooring can be washed with a steam mop.

If there are small children in the house who spend a lot of time on the floor, then no cost can outweigh the ability of this device to disinfect surfaces. In this case, you should invest in an expensive device with a removable steam generator, which can be used to treat clothes, toys, and vertical surfaces.
If you have pets, you need special models with attachments for removing hair.
For large areas, you need a perfect model that can quickly process surfaces without compromising quality.
The size that suits the owner’s height is of great importance. You will have to work for at least 30-40 minutes and this time must be made comfortable for the spine.
The weight of the device must correspond to physical capabilities. The water tank must be selected taking into account the fact that a small one will require frequent addition of water, and a large one will be quite difficult to move.
It is better to choose a device that can operate for at least 40 minutes.
You need a long cord that would be enough for all rooms in the house. If there is none, then you will need an extension cord.