How to Care for Laminate Flooring – Cleaning & Maintenance Guide
Laminate flooring is designed to be durable, easy to clean, and well suited to busy modern homes. Like all flooring, however, it performs best when cared for correctly. A simple, regular cleaning routine will help keep your floor looking clean, fresh, and in good condition for many years.
This guide explains how to clean laminate flooring safely, protect the surface from everyday wear, and deal with spills or marks without causing damage.
1. Everyday & Weekly Cleaning
Regular dry cleaning is essential for laminate flooring. Dust, grit, and small debris can act like sandpaper underfoot and are one of the most common causes of surface wear.
✔️ Recommended for everyday cleaning
- Use a soft-bristle broom or sweeping brush.
- Vacuum using a soft brush or hard-floor attachment. Ensure the brush strip is engaged or extended to prevent scratching.
Use a dry microfibre mop to lift fine dust and particles.
🚫 Avoid:
Vacuums with rotating beater bars or aggressive brush heads, which can damage the surface layer.
Occasional Damp Cleaning
Laminate floors can be cleaned with a slightly damp mop, provided moisture is kept to a minimum.
- Use a laminate-specific cleaner or a pH-neutral hard floor cleaner.
- Apply sparingly using a well-wrung mop — the floor should never be left wet.
- If any moisture remains, wipe dry immediately.
🚫 Do not use steam cleaners, soaking wet mops, or harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or polish sprays. Excess moisture or unsuitable products can damage the protective surface and may cause swelling, joint damage, or edge lifting.
Tip: More frequent light cleaning is preferable to occasional heavy cleaning.
2. Spill & Moisture Protection
Laminate flooring is water-resistant rather than waterproof, so prompt action is essential. Spills should be wiped up as soon as they occur, and liquid should never be left sitting on the surface.
To reduce the risk of moisture damage:
- Use mats or runners in entrances, hallways, and kitchens, particularly near sinks, dishwashers, and external doors.
- Place protective trays beneath indoor plants to prevent moisture rings.
- Use mats under pet food and water bowls to catch splashes.
- Avoid leaving wet footwear, damp mats, or cleaning equipment in contact with the floor.
Even small amounts of liquid can seep into joints or edges if left for too long, potentially causing swelling, joint damage, or edge lifting. Prompt clean-up helps prevent long-term issues.
3. Protecting the Floor from Foot Traffic & Furniture
Laminate flooring is designed to withstand everyday use, but simple preventative measures will help reduce surface wear, scratches, and dents over time.
- Fit felt pads or floor protectors under the legs of chairs, tables, and other furniture, and check them regularly for trapped grit.
- For wheeled office chairs, use soft castors, castor cups, or a protective floor mat to distribute weight evenly.
- Always lift furniture when moving it — dragging heavy items can damage the surface or joints.
- Use doormats at entrances to reduce grit and debris being walked onto the floor.
- In high-traffic households, consider a shoes-off policy to limit abrasion from outdoor dirt and small stones.
Tip: High heels without rubber tips or footwear with embedded grit can cause dents or surface damage and should be avoided where possible.
4. Removing Marks, Scuffs & Hard Residue
Most marks on laminate flooring sit on the surface and can be removed safely using the correct method and light pressure.
Surface Scuffs
- Wipe using a dry or slightly damp cloth with a laminate-specific cleaner.
- For more stubborn scuffs, use a microfibre pad and gentle pressure.
- Avoid abrasive pads or scrubbing, which can dull the surface.
Sticky Residue, Candle Wax & Chewing Gum
- Place ice on the residue to harden it.
- Gently lift away using a plastic scraper, spatula, or debit card.
Do not use metal tools, which can scratch the surface. - Clean the area with a laminate cleaner and dry thoroughly.
Ink, Lipstick & Oil-Based Marks
- Apply a small amount of acetone (nail polish remover) to a cloth — never directly to the floor.
- Dab the mark lightly, then wipe clean and dry immediately.
- Do not rub aggressively or allow liquid to sit on the surface.
Always test any solvent or cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Tip: Excessive use of solvents or abrasive cleaning methods may damage the surface and is not covered under warranty.
5. Minor Repairs
Laminate flooring cannot be sanded or refinished. However, minor surface damage can often be improved, and severely damaged boards may be replaced in certain situations.
- Light surface scratches can sometimes be disguised using a laminate repair kit matched to the floor colour. Results will vary depending on the depth and location of the damage.
- If a plank is badly damaged, individual board replacement may be possible, particularly with click-fit laminate systems. Access, room layout, and installation method will affect whether this is practical.
- Always retain spare boards from your original order. We recommend keeping one to two full packs where possible, as matching replacements may not be available in the future.
For anything beyond minor cosmetic repairs, professional assistance is recommended to avoid causing further damage.
6. Long-Term Care Tips
A few simple habits will help keep laminate flooring looking consistent and performing well over time.
- Move rugs and mats occasionally to help prevent uneven colour change caused by prolonged light exposure.
- Clean regularly to prevent dust and fine debris building up and dulling the surface.
- Avoid trapping moisture beneath rugs — choose breathable, floor-safe backings and ensure the floor beneath is completely dry.
Taking small preventative steps like these helps maintain an even appearance and reduces avoidable wear.
Quick Summary
✔️ Do | 🚫 Avoid |
Vacuum or sweep regularly | Steam mops or soaking wet mops |
Wipe spills promptly | Bleach, ammonia, wax + polish products |
Use laminate-specific or pH-neutral cleaners | Scraping with metal tools |
Fit felt pads to furniture | Dragging furniture across the floor |
Use mats at entrances and near sinks | Allowing water to pool or sit on the surface |
Top 10 FAQs: Caring for Laminate Flooring
No. Steam cleaners and excessively wet mops can force moisture into the joints, leading to swelling or edge damage. Always clean using a dry vacuum, soft broom, or a well-wrung microfibre mop.
Use a laminate-specific cleaner or a pH-neutral hard floor cleaner. Avoid products containing bleach, ammonia, wax, or polish, as these can dull the surface or cause damage over time.
Dry cleaning (vacuuming or sweeping) should be done at least once a week, or more frequently in high-traffic areas. Occasional light damp cleaning helps keep the surface looking fresh.
Laminate flooring is water-resistant, not waterproof. Spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into joints or edges.
Use felt pads under furniture legs, place mats at entrances to reduce grit, and always lift furniture when moving it. Avoid dragging heavy items across the floor.
Minor surface scratches may be improved using a laminate repair kit. If a plank is severely damaged, individual board replacement may be possible, particularly with click-fit systems. Keeping spare packs from your original order is strongly recommended.
Laminate flooring is suitable for kitchens, provided spills are wiped up promptly. It is not recommended for bathrooms, where high humidity and standing water are common. For fully waterproof areas, SPC or LVT flooring is a better option.
Prolonged exposure to strong, direct sunlight can cause gradual colour change. Using blinds or curtains and moving rugs occasionally helps balance exposure.
Yes. Choose rugs with breathable, non-rubber backing to prevent trapped moisture or discolouration. Ensure the floor beneath is completely dry.
With proper care and regular cleaning, laminate flooring typically lasts 15–25 years, depending on product quality, installation, and traffic levels.
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