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THE BEST LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANERS FOR DIRT, SPILLS, AND STAINS


MAKE LAMINATE FLOORS SHINE WITH A PRODUCT SPECIALLY FORMULATED TO KEEP THEM
LOOKING THEIR BEST FOR YEARS TO COME. 

By Savannah Sher | Updated Oct 12, 2020 9:34 AM

 * 

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in
affiliate programs.

 * Best Overall
   
   Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner
   
   SEE IT
 * Best Bang For The Buck
   
   Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner
   
   SEE IT
 * Best Natural
   
   Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
   
   SEE IT

Photo: amazon.com





Laminate flooring, a type of synthetic flooring crafted to simulate the look of
wood or tile, has improved considerably over the years, making it a popular
choice for people looking to improve the appearance of their floors.
High-quality laminate floors can accurately imitate the appearance of hardwood
at a much lower price. If not properly maintained, however, the finish can dull
over time. While many types of laminate flooring are formulated to look like
wood, they can’t necessarily be treated or cleaned like wood—for instance, they
cannot be exposed to high levels of moisture. Read on to learn what to look for
in a laminate floor cleaner and to see why the following products are considered
among the best in their respective categories.

 1. BEST OVERALL: Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner
 2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner
 3. BEST NATURAL: Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
 4. BEST FOR SHINE: Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish
 5. BEST FOR SCRATCHES: Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer
 6. BEST FOR STAINS: Black Diamond Stoneworks Laminate Floor Cleaner
 7. BEST FOR PETS: Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash

Photo: amazon.com


WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE BEST LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANER

Though it might be easy to assume that all laminate cleaners will deliver a
similar result, there are several factors to weigh. Keep these in mind when
shopping for the best floor cleaner for your laminate floors.


NATURAL VS. CHEMICAL

Chemical floor cleaners contain strong ingredients that get the job done.
However, organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) claim that
some of the chemicals commonly found in cleaning products can lead to asthma,
birth defects, and can even be carcinogenic. It’s always prudent to wear gloves
while working with potent cleaning agents, and a mask could also be beneficial.
While there are risks associated with chemical cleaning products, they typically
deliver better results.

Natural floor cleaners are free of potentially problematic chemicals and can be
gentler on the skin and lungs. What they gain in possible health benefits,
however, they may lose in the effectiveness department. Be wary of products
simply labeled “green” or “natural,” as that’s not always a guarantee that they
don’t contain harmful ingredients. Instead, familiarize yourself with the
commonly used chemical agents you’d like to avoid, and read labels carefully to
know what’s in a product. Also look for products that have the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice label. This proves that the formula has
been vetted to ensure that there is minimal risk to your health as well as the
environment.


CONCENTRATION

While traditional floor cleaners require you to rinse the entire surface after
cleaning, most modern products are formulated so that there’s no need for a
second step post-cleaning. That said, there are two types of concentration
available in floor cleaners today.

 * Concentrated laminate floor cleaners are meant to be diluted with water
   before use. This added step may be a bit inconvenient but could save you
   money.
 * Complete laminate floor cleaners can be applied directly from the bottle
   without mixing with water. A non-concentrated formula will inevitably be used
   up more quickly so is likely more expensive to use than a concentrated
   product.


APPLICATION

Floor cleaners are typically sold in one of three types of packaging:

 * Spray bottles feature a built-in nozzle that dispenses a spray of cleaning
   solution onto the floor. This format is ideal for spot cleaning and use in
   small areas.
 * Squirt bottles allow you to distribute a small amount of cleaner directly
   onto the floor to be distributed with a mop.
 * Refill containers come in large quantities that can be transferred into a
   spray bottle or the fluid cartridge of a spray mop. Concentrated cleaners are
   generally available in similar packaging.


VERSATILITY

Though some products are developed exclusively for laminate floors, others have
various applications and are safe to use on multiple types of flooring. For wood
and/or tile floors as well as laminate, consider one of these versatile cleaners
to save money and prevent the need to switch products in every room. If you do
have hardwood floors, it’s important to avoid using a product that could
accidentally damage them, so a multisurface pick is ideal. However, for
engineered to do the best job on laminate specifically, a single-surface product
could be a better choice.


OUR TOP PICKS

Whether your primary concern is stains, scratches, or shine, consider the
laminate floor cleaners assembled here. These products take into account the
considerations mentioned above, including versatility, application style, and
chemical versus natural ingredient content.

BEST OVERALL


1


BONA HARD-SURFACE FLOOR CLEANER


Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT

Bona has been around for over 100 years, engineering floor cleaning products
that perform well without strong chemicals. This water-based cleaner boasts very
low VOC emissions and is Greenguard Gold certified for air quality safety. The
fluid is formulated to have a neutral pH value, meaning that it won’t negatively
affect the finish of your floors. This complete formula comes in a spray bottle
for easy application; affordable refill containers are also available. Note that
this is not a multipurpose cleaner; it’s formulated for laminate floors and
should not be used on the genuine wood floors in your home.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK


2


WEIMAN HARDWOOD FLOOR CLEANER


Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT

Weiman makes some of the best floor cleaners on the market, and with this
128-ounce refill container, the company’s quality product can also be among the
most affordable, cost per ounce. Though it’s primarily touted as a hardwood
cleaner, it works just as well on vinyl and laminate floors.

This complete formula delivers a high-gloss, streak-free glow without the use of
harsh chemicals, meeting EPA Safer Product Standards. What’s more, Weiman’s
cleaner fades scratches in your flooring while employing a micro-filling
technology to prevent future damage.

BEST NATURAL


3


BETTER LIFE NATURALLY DIRT-DESTROYING FLOOR CLEANER


Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT

When looking for a natural product and have multiple flooring surfaces in your
home, this Better Life floor cleaner is a versatile pick. It can be used on
laminate flooring as well as hardwood, tile, marble, bamboo, and vinyl. It’s a
complete formula that can be dispensed directly onto the floor from its
squirt-bottle container.

This cleaner uses coconut- and corn-based surfactants and vegetable glycerin,
and while it includes pure essential oils for a citrus-mint scent, it’s free of
synthetic fragrances as well as dyes, sulfates, parabens, and petroleum
solvents. Better Life’s products are not tested on animals and are packaged
using recycled materials made to biodegrade faster than those typically used for
cleaning products.

BEST FOR SHINE


4


QUICK SHINE MULTI-SURFACE FLOOR FINISH


Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT

Quick Shine is a leading maker of floor polishes, and this product is formulated
to work well on multiple surfaces. The formula adds a protective layer that
fills in scratches, evening out the floor’s appearance. This complete product
comes in both squirt bottles and refill containers. Certified by the EPA as a
Safer Choice Product, the formula doesn’t contain aluminum, ammonia,
formaldehyde, fragrances, parabens, or phthalates. This cleaner is made in the
United States.

BEST FOR SCRATCHES


5


REJUVENATE ALL FLOORS RESTORER


Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT

While laminate floors are designed for durability, they can still be susceptible
to scratching. For a high-traffic home that sees its fair share of wear and
tear, the Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer might be a good choice. The complete
polymer-based product functions by resealing flooring and filling in scratches.

Formulated to work on laminate as well as hardwood, vinyl, tile, linoleum, and
terra-cotta, this is a versatile product that you squeeze directly onto the
floor; give it about an hour to dry fully, and you should see scratches
diminished and shine restored. This product is Greenguard Gold Certified for low
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

BEST FOR STAINS


6


BLACK DIAMOND STONEWORKS LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANER


Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT

Accidents happen, and if your family members are prone to spills—and not wiping
up immediately—this Black Diamond cleaner might belong in your home. This
water-based cleaner banishes tough stains (including oil) without leaving
streaks. The product provides a high shine and is suitable for many types of
flooring, including both hardwood and laminate. It’s made with gentler
ingredients than some stronger floor cleaners and is advertised as being safe
for use around children and pets. While the spray bottle dispenser allows for
easy application for spot cleaning, Black Diamond does offer larger refill
containers too.

BEST FOR PETS


7


AUNT FANNIE’S FLOOR CLEANER VINEGAR WASH


Photo: amazon.com
SEE IT

Pet parents concerned about exposing their animal companions to harsh chemicals
might wish to check out Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner. It’s a high-performance,
plant-based, natural product that uses vinegar—a well-known alternative to
chemical cleaning products—to kill bacteria. It’s a concentrated formula
(dilution in water required) that works on multiple surfaces. This Aunt Fannie’s
product emits no strong chemical odor, and it received an “A” rating from the
EWG.


FAQS ABOUT LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANERS

With the choices available, choosing the best laminate floor cleaner can be a
bit overwhelming. If you still have some questions, consider these answers to
some of the most frequently asked questions about cleaning laminate floors.


Q. WHY DOES MY LAMINATE FLOOR LOOK CLOUDY?

This is typically caused by using too much cleaning product, which leads to
buildup.


Q. HOW DO YOU MAKE LAMINATE FLOORS SHINE?

It’s important to remove dust and dirt before applying a cleaning product. After
cleaning, you can buff the entire surface with a soft cloth for maximum shine.


Q. HOW DO YOU DEEP CLEAN LAMINATE FLOORS? 

In order to deep clean, apply a product formulated to be used on laminate
floors, like the ones listed above. Use a damp (not wet) microfiber mop or
special laminate floor mop to ensure the product is evenly spread out over the
surface of the floor. Make sure not to use too much water as moisture can cause
damage.


Q. ARE STEAM MOPS SUITABLE FOR LAMINATE FLOORS?

No, you should not steam clean your laminate floors. Doing so could cause
warping and permanent damage.

TAGS:
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