How should you clean laminate floors? Before choosing a mop for your home, you need to pay attention to Which mop to quickly wash laminate flooring

The laminate looks great, is laid correctly, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and building codes, and lasts a long time. But how to care for such a coating needs to be done in a special way. Therefore, a good, correctly chosen mop for laminate flooring is an obligatory part, so to speak, of the daily equipment of a housewife or owner.

What are the requirements for laminate flooring?

– can be done by different means. A regular mop with a soft cloth will also work for this. But you will have to spend a lot of time working with ineffective tools, since modern coatings impose specific maintenance requirements.

1. The amount of water applied to the floor should be minimal. This criterion must be observed regardless of the protection class of the coating and the method of processing the seams.
2. Do not scratch or exert strong mechanical impact on the coating. Regardless of which tool you decide to use, vigorously rubbing the surface (including to remove stains or complex contaminants) is not recommended - it will rub off fairly quickly.
3. Special cleaning agents should be used. They should not contain abrasive particles, certain sodium compounds, salts, or have pronounced acidic or alkaline properties. The best tactic is to buy cleaners and polishes recommended by the coating manufacturer.

Most chemicals on store shelves are suitable for laminate. At the same time, the answer to whether the coating can be cleaned with a specific product lies in its composition. Products containing sodium carbonate or abrasive particles are not suitable. It is worth evaluating the composition: inexpensive and branded care products are often almost identical in recipe, but differ significantly in cost.

From the above requirements for caring for the coating, it becomes clear: if you wash it with an ordinary rag, you will have to act extremely carefully and constantly ensure that there are no particles on it that can leave scratches and other damage so that repair of the laminate after cleaning is not required. Therefore, most owners of houses and apartments come to the idea of ​​purchasing a special mop for laminate flooring.

What is offered on the market

On the mass market, you can purchase products designed for processing different areas, as well as offering one or another functionality. In order not to go into detail and not to describe a wide variety of configurations, we will describe the key features of the products that allow you to decide which mop is best for laminate flooring.

Household models offer a sliding handle that can expand up to 1.5-2 m in height. It is convenient; one product can be used by all family members. The block on which the nozzles are attached is stationary, most often rectangular in shape. Most often, no additional devices are offered for quickly squeezing out excess water.

Universal model

Universal models offer advanced functionality. They can wash not only laminate, but also glass and ceramic tiles. To completely remove water from the surface of the product, they are equipped with a rubber scraper. Universal mops have a sponge in the attachment mounting block for absorbing a very large amount of water.

Professional model

Professional mops will allow you to process large areas in minimal time. To do this, they are equipped with a set of various attachments and are sold with a special bucket, which contains a special squeezing block, which allows you to get rid of excess moisture in a couple of movements. Another feature of professional models is the handle, which extends up to 4 meters in order to reach the most remote points of the cleaning area.

Most consumers opt for household models. They are quite comfortable and functional. Over time, the family can switch to universal models. Professional products remain the domain of cleaners or cleaning companies.

Which attachments do you prefer?

Mop attachments can be purchased separately. They are offered from different materials, differ in geometry and pile length. Let's briefly look at the main features of the products.

1. Nozzles made from natural materials (cotton, wool) are not very attractive to buyers. They fall off quite quickly, lose their shape, and their ability to absorb and release moisture. But they are cheap and often come with a mop.
2. Made from synthetics, the nozzles can absorb moisture in large volumes at a good speed, are durable, and do not change shape. At the same time, they provide additional care: in addition to the absence of danger of damaging the laminate, the surface after cleaning is shiny and polished. Synthetic fiber leads the consumer choice ranking.
3. Microfiber can offer maximum functionality. It takes extremely gentle care of the coating, removes moisture and dirt very effectively, can be cleaned many times and has a good service life. A small drawback of nozzles made of this material is the cost.
4. Nozzles with short pile, loops of different lengths are chosen according to the preferences of the housewife. The first ones are suitable for wet cleaning; with long structural elements they perfectly collect dust and dirt during dry cleaning of the coating.

Most good mops use standard mop sizes and attachments. Therefore, you don’t have to look in stores for a product designed specifically for the specific model of instrument you purchased.

For a mop head to last for a long time, it needs proper care. It is recommended to wash this element after each cleaning. If this is not possible, wash the nozzle thoroughly in a bucket, then allow it to drain and dry. This should not be done hanging: it is better to lay the part on a cloth and take it to a balcony or other ventilated room. With such care, the nozzle will not lose its shape and effectiveness for a long time.

About steam devices

Many apartment owners are considering such a market offer as a steam mop for laminate flooring. This product raises some concerns. In particular, superheated steam released under high pressure can damage the floor covering due to temperature and moisture at the same time.

Such a fear may be considered justified. If you buy a steam mop for ceramics, which is exactly positioned on the market and produces a huge amount of steam, you can ruin the coating after several months of treatment with such a tool. But ordinary products with a steam generator, which include laminate care in the description of functionality, are quite safe and effective.

In the modern market, products that have low moisture release and extremely area-stabilized dispersion are specifically positioned as steam mops for laminate flooring. Such models are completely safe for coating, do not only cleaning, but also disinfection, and are recommended in a house where one of the inhabitants suffers from allergies to chemicals.

To make sure that the coating will not be damaged, a steam mop and a cloth can be used together. The latter is placed under the block of steam-emitting nozzles to prevent aggressive effects on the surface of the laminate. Today, attachments that perform this role can be purchased separately for standard size ranges of steam mops.

However, such additional equipment is somewhat inconvenient and will require unnecessary expenses. Therefore, you should immediately buy a steam mop specifically designed for caring for laminate flooring.

A washing vacuum cleaner also shows good results. This device is bulky, inconvenient and often noisy. But if you already have it in the house and still use it for cleaning, it can also be used to effectively and safely treat laminate flooring.

Any type of flooring is limited in the use of various detergents. Laminated panels, which are very demanding to maintain, are no exception. Not every housewife knows which mop is best for laminate flooring, how best to remove grease and blood stains, and whether the flooring material can be washed with water.

Laminate floor care

No matter how high-quality and durable the surface of laminated products is, without maintenance it will soon become unusable and lose its brightness and beauty. This is why caring for laminate flooring is considered so demanding; even the smallest particles of sand can harm the protective film.

What can we say about the divorces that remain due to incorrect technology and low-quality auxiliary tools.

Excess dirt and dust, abundant water, sharp pieces of furniture - all these are sources of loss of shine and gloss in the laminate, and possibly the prerequisites for squeaking underfoot. What to do, how to make sure that the floor covering lasts not a year or two, but more than five to six years?

A good place to start is by choosing the most suitable mops for the laminate flooring in your home.

Complete set: mop, bucket and attachments

By choosing from all the options presented on the domestic market, you can identify several types that will help solve problems related to floor cleaning.

• Household mop. Such products usually have a telescopic handle that is adjustable for convenience. There is also a movable platform that makes it easier to penetrate hard-to-reach places. The attachments are attached either with Velcro or with pockets.

Note!
Velcro can lose its grip over time; even replacing the cloth attachment with a new one will not give 100% effect. And you will again have to wash the floor with your own hands.

• Universal mop designed for washing any surfaces: the platform has two completely different ends.
  On this side, a rubber scraper is attached to the plastic platform, designed to remove copious amounts of water from the glass and floor. On the other hand, an abrasive material for removing heavy dirt.

Also, complete with universal mops, you can purchase several attachments that are used for both floors and ceilings.

• Professional mops. This option is suitable for cleaning office spaces with an area of ​​more than 100 square meters: durable handle, adjustable height up to 180 cm, platform can rotate 360 ​​degrees.

Note!
Of all these options for laminate flooring, it is best to choose mops with a spin cycle, which will prevent excess moisture from getting into the joint of the panels.

Advice!
If you decide to buy a universal mop, it is better to purchase models with several attachments that are useful for dry and wet cleaning.

Steam appliances

Surely many of you have heard that there is a certain steam mop that cleans any surface several times better than a professional cleaner can do. Of course, such a product exists and it has proven itself well, but you should not create illusions about the effectiveness of absolutely all senders.

Here's how to choose a mop with a steam device:

• Pay attention to the operating time in the on mode: the average duration should be about 40 minutes.

Important!
It is necessary to adhere to the time frame so that the device does not have to be taken in for repairs ahead of time.

• The length of the cord also plays an important role, because the area that can be covered at a time depends on it.
• The volume of water depends on the weight: if you are looking at a light option, then there will be little water in it; in heavier mops, the amount of water will be enough for several rooms.
• The steam generator can be removable, thus it can be used not only for cleaning laminate flooring, but also for removing wrinkles from clothes, cleaning car interiors, toilets and sinks. The photo shows an example of one of these models.

How to use a steam mop

The instructions for using the device are quite simple:

• First of all, fill the water container to the MAX mark. To do this, hold the mop at an angle.

Important!
The device must not be connected to the network.

• Select the operating mode: low and medium steam supply is suitable for wooden surfaces, including laminate, higher steam supply is suitable for tiles and bathrooms.
• Turn on the mop and slowly move it over the surface, as if ironing it.

Note!
Do not try to drive quickly; the steam takes time to soften the dirt, after which the fabric surface will clean it off. Excess water is removed with a dry towel, which should be kept nearby.

How to wash laminate flooring without streaks and effectively

Some mops leave behind marks that are visible to the naked eye. Therefore, many housewives refuse to wash the floor with any tools, using only their hands, a rag and water.

But if you have to clean a house with an area of ​​more than 100 square meters, it will take more than one day, and your back may not be able to withstand it. What to do?

In order not to throw money away by storing “unnecessary” mops in the closet, you should know that:

• The price should not prevent you from purchasing a quality product; it’s worth paying for the convenience so that you can “relax” later.
• Chemicals are not always good, they can harm the laminate, so you can use folk remedies. One such method is table vinegar, which is mixed in 5 liters of water. This will allow you to wash smooth surfaces without streaks.
• It is better to use microfiber rags - such products do not scratch the surface and are easy to clean.

As for various stains: blood and wine, in this case you should resort to simple methods: use a damp sponge as a tampon, blot it several times. Then wipe dry with a cloth.

Important!
This only applies to fresh stains. A dried surface can only be dealt with using household chemicals.

You should deal with wax only after it has dried:

• Take a plastic scraper or butter knife and gently scrape the surface.
• After removing the wax, the area should be lightly wetted with water or treated with laminate polish.

In custody

Now you know the basic criteria regarding cleaning laminated panels. We have also provided you with a description of the steam mop, which can be seen in action in the video attached to the article. We hope that the information will be useful.

Today, laminate is one of the most common floor coverings, therefore, a mop for laminate flooring is more in demand than ever.

Its durability and original appearance throughout its entire service life depend on proper care of a laminate floor.

Which mop is suitable for laminate flooring and which model should you prefer?

Features of laminate flooring

Laminate looks and feels like a fairly durable material, but it is more vulnerable than it seems.

The top layer of acrylic or melamine on top of HDF boards really provides protection to the laminate, including from liquids.

Depending on the thickness and density of this layer, there are six (even seven, but the last one is not officially registered) classes of laminate:

• 21, 22, 23 – classes of household laminate for residential premises. Today, manufacturers are abandoning them due to a fairly high level of vulnerability to abrasion and mechanical damage;
• 31, 32, 33 - previously laminate with this marking was used for public spaces, today the first two are also recommended for home floors;
• 34 is an officially unregistered laminate class for rooms with extremely high loads, for example, for gyms. According to some reports, this class is a marketing ploy.

If you have laid class 33-34 laminate flooring in an ordinary apartment, then you can walk on it with shoes on and smash dishes on it without fear of replacing the floor.

But you still won’t be able to pour water on the floor, since the class of the laminated coating does not indicate the characteristics of the main part of the laminate – the HDF board.

There is confusion between the characteristics of the top and base layers of the laminate, which unscrupulous manufacturers take advantage of, indicating only the class that is higher.

That is, if the base of the laminate is intended for domestic use, and the top coating is more durable, then the manufacturer can indicate the parameters of only the top coating.

This is why the moisture resistance of laminates of the same class may differ from one manufacturer to another. To choose a truly durable, moisture-resistant laminate, you will have to choose reliable, that is, more expensive brands.

The load-bearing part of the laminate is made from compressed wood chips and special protective (including moisture) impregnations. Resistance to moisture depends on their quality.

In this context, the concepts of “liquid” and “moisture” can be confused. Liquid is a more aggressive environment, capable of seeping between the laminate slabs and saturating its main part.

Humidity is a characteristic of air; it affects laminate, but not as quickly as spilled liquid.

Moisture-resistant laminate series from renowned manufacturers are able to remain in water for up to six hours without deformation. This laminate can be chosen even for showers and bathrooms or kitchens, but it costs accordingly.

If you need to choose among budget options, then you should always remember about protection from liquids and humidity - when laying the floor, in everyday use and maintenance.

Wet cleaning of laminate flooring

Most people cannot imagine cleanliness and hygiene without wet cleaning, so a mop for washing laminate flooring is necessary in a house with this flooring.

In addition, particles of sand and other contaminants can adversely affect the condition of laminate flooring with a low wear resistance class.

Of course, you can buy some kind of mop and not notice any significant changes in the condition of the laminate for a long time.

However, in cases where you are not sure about the wear resistance of your laminate, it is better to choose a special mop with a gentle effect.

Many people do not believe in the need for special equipment and products to care for a particular floor covering, because they do not pay special attention to caring for their own floor and do not notice changes in its condition.

Then these people write reviews on forums that a special mop for laminate flooring or a floor cleaner is nothing more than a marketing ploy and a way to make money on the gullibility of the consumer.

This happens because the condition of the laminate is not affected by isolated cases of violations of operation and maintenance, but by systematically wet or dirty floors.

Each manufacturer gives a certain guarantee to the floor covering, and violation of the rules of operation and maintenance does not mean immediate failure of the coating, but reduces its service life.

That’s why it’s better to rely not on reviews from non-professionals, but on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

One of them is a special mop. When using a regular mop with a floor cloth, it is difficult to control the amount of water and you can get the floor too wet when squeezing excess water from the cloth with your hands or when washing.

Excess moisture can seep between the laminate joints and damage the locks that hold the floor plates together.

Over time, this will lead to a creaky floor and, if enough moisture accumulates in the HDF board, it will begin to deform, which can be seen with the naked eye by the condition of the laminate.

More modern types of mops can be more or less convenient, compact, expensive or technologically advanced; purely individually, some of them are more convenient to use than others, but any of them can be chosen for safe and high-quality wet cleaning of laminate flooring.

Mops for laminate floors

All modern mops can be divided into four main types:

1. household (flunder);
2. wring mop;
3. universal;
4. 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:

1. mop with sponge roller made of foamed polyurethane;
2. 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, 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.

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

One of the most popular floor coverings today is laminate. It is often used in houses, apartments, offices, and industrial premises. After this covering is installed and the first joyful emotions have subsided, the pressing question always remains - how and with what to clean the laminate. Since this coating is very expensive, this question is quite relevant. How you approach cleaning laminate flooring depends on its appearance and service life. Cleaning must be carried out so as not to damage the coating.

How to properly care for laminate flooring

Laminate flooring, like any other flooring, needs to be properly cared for. How properly care for laminate flooring? There are several simple rules:

For laminate flooring, daily dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, soft cloth or brush is recommended. This removes dust and pieces of dirt. Not every vacuum cleaner is suitable for dry cleaning of laminate flooring. For example, washing vacuum cleaners may not be suitable - they can ruin the coating.

Wet cleaning should be done once or twice a week, not more often. In this case, the rag must be wrung out well to prevent excess moisture from getting between the panels and causing streaks. If there are any stains on the coating, they must first be removed. To clean laminate flooring you should only use special cleaning products, which are intended for such coatings.

Mops for laminate flooring

Main types

The most common item used for wet cleaning of laminate flooring is a mop (experts do not recommend using ordinary mops with a rag). There are certain requirements for a mop for such cleaning. It should not damage the coating. There are several types of mops for laminate flooring:

• Household.
• With bucket and wringer.
• Universal.
• Steam.
• Professional.

A laminate mop should dry quickly and easy to absorb moisture. It does not require abundant wetting. It is enough to spray the material from a spray bottle or place it under the tap for a short time.

In order to decide on the choice of mop, you need to learn more dwell on their differences.

Household mop

Considered the cheapest option for cleaning laminate flooring of any size. Mop handle length regulated. The set includes three replaceable attachments for different types of cleaning:

• Wet.
• Dry.
• Universal (this attachment combines the functions of the other two).

Nozzles these can be made from:

• Microfibers.
• Cotton.
• Wool.

For household mops, they are most often used microfiber attachments.

You can attach attachments to the base of the mop either using Velcro, or put on according to the type of pockets. The attachments can be washed, but you should not dry them on a hot radiator. This mop is a great option for small areas.

Mop with bucket and wringer

Convenient for washing laminate flooring. The kit includes a bucket with a device for squeezing out excess water. With such a mop, laminate floors will be reliably protected from moisture and its penetration into the joints between the panels. This mop is also suitable for small spaces.

Universal mop

The mop is suitable for washing any surface: laminate, parquet, linoleum, glass, plastic. Has removable attachments. On one side of the base there is an abrasive coating to remove stubborn dirt, on the other side - rubber scraper to remove excess water. This mop can be used to clean not only floors, but also other surfaces in the house. In some cases, this option is very economical.

It is plugged into the network and has a water tank. In the work of this mop steam is used. It softens the dirt, which is then easy to remove. The steam supply must be regulated - set it low or medium, but not high. A steam mop has another important advantage - the steam generator can be used separately from the mop itself.

This type of mop will appeal to those who like to use modern technology at home, thus making housework easier for themselves.

Professional mop

Such mops are used for cleaning large areas - offices, commercial premises, large houses. The mop has durable elastic handle and a base surface larger than that of a household one. The base can rotate 360 ​​0, which allows you to reach hard-to-reach places. The nozzles have looped ends. This makes it possible capture large amounts of contaminants.

Which mop should you choose for cleaning laminate flooring? The answer will depend on the cleaning area, your desires and capabilities. In any case, the choice is yours.

It is the same telescopic handle with a platform attached to it. The latter is equipped with a sponge nozzle on one side and a silicone scraper to remove moisture on the other. As a rule, such devices have a semi-automatic spin function, which makes the device easier to use.

The advantage of a universal mop is a set of attachments that are suitable for cleaning any floor covering. In addition, the mop can also be used for washing glass thanks to the silicone tip at the end of the platform.

3. Steam mop

The steam mop runs on electricity. Purchasing a device is advisable when regular cleaning of heavily soiled floors is required.

Visually, the device is a regular mop with an adjustable handle; only the shape of the platform differs: as a rule, it is trapezoidal or triangular. A steam generator is built into the platform, which cleans surfaces of contaminants through exposure to hot steam, which is ideal in the case of laminate.

If you listen to the opinions of housewives, you can conclude that the most convenient option for laminate flooring is a universal mop. It allows you to wash the floor and at the same time remove residual moisture, which has such a negative effect on sensitive floor coverings.

4. Professional equipment

The tool differs from a household mop in that it has a stronger handle and a larger nozzle. All models of professional equipment have a movable platform that rotates around its axis and are used for cleaning large premises and office buildings. Thanks to the wear-resistant adjustable handle and larger nozzle, the service life of the product increases several times.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing a mop for laminate flooring, you should pay attention to some little details and follow certain recommendations. The most important criteria for a good mop are the ability to quickly absorb moisture and not cause mechanical damage to the floor covering.

You should not rely on the words of a consultant and purchase a mop on his advice; the main thing in this matter is personal needs and capabilities. It is worth focusing your attention on mops with movable platforms that rotate around their axis - this will facilitate access to remote corners of the apartment. In addition, it is advisable to purchase a mop with an automatic or semi-automatic spin cycle - this will significantly shorten the cleaning process.

It is also important to pay attention to the materials of the attachments included in the kit and the possibility of purchasing attachments separately. You should choose a washing brush with the utmost care: it is the one that can ultimately damage the floor covering.

An excellent household option is a cotton nozzle. The fibers do not stretch, capture debris and dust well, and, moreover, they can be washed frequently and, if necessary, purchased a new nozzle without breaking the budget.

Steam mops are the best helpers

In recent years, steam mops have topped the popularity chart. Despite the fact that the device is much more expensive than even the best classic mop, the costs are completely justified.

The device lasts much longer, in addition, the steam mop copes with dirt on any type of floor covering. Manufacturers also offer sets of attachments for windows, furniture and other interior items, which makes steam mops simply indispensable assistants.

Using a steam mop does not involve adding any additional detergents or household chemicals; the entire process occurs thanks to the powerful effects of hot steam.

It is able to remove even stubborn old stains without much effort. A steam mop not only cleans the floor, it disinfects it quite well, which is why the device is almost indispensable in apartments where there are small children.

However, the all-powerful technology also has a drawback: it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions. Before using the device, you should carefully read the technical data sheet and operating instructions:

violation of at least one of them will lead to irreversible damage to the floor covering, and the restoration and restoration of laminate flooring requires significant financial costs and physical effort.

How to properly wash laminate flooring

Once the desired mop has been selected, you can begin cleaning. It is important to remember that when washing laminate flooring, you should not use household cleaning powders, other abrasive materials, or attachments with coarse fibers: all this will lead to mechanical damage to the coating.

Before wet cleaning the laminate flooring, it is necessary to sweep away all small debris and dust with a mop with soft bristles; this will help prevent scratches from occurring while washing the flooring. Next, you need to dilute the liquid laminate cleaner in water, according to the instructions on the package.

If the mixture is unfamiliar, you should first use it on the boards remaining after the repair, or do a test on a less noticeable area of ​​the coating. Washing should be done in such a way that no excess liquid remains on the laminate.

If there are stains that are difficult to remove, you will have to use special products, but under no circumstances scrub the floor with brushes. One of the most effective means is acetone. 2-3 drops of liquid are enough to remove the stain.