Should you mop laminate floors?

Laminate floors are a popular choice in UK homes due to their versatility, attractive finish and ease of installation. They are also easy to clean and can be swept, vacuumed or wiped with a cloth, but what about mopping? Should you mop your laminate floor and if so, what is the best way to do it? Here we explain how to keep your laminate flooring looking clean and new for longer.

Should you mop?

It is perfectly fine to use a mop on your laminate flooring, which is good news if it is dirty and you don’t fancy spending time on your hands and knees scrubbing away with a cloth or sponge. The most important thing to bear in mind is that you should never use a soaking wet mop; therefore, you should wring out your mop thoroughly before using it to ensure it is damp but not wet. If water gets between the joins in laminate, it can cause warping or discolouration. Even if your laminate is suitable for use in high humidity areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, any spills or splashes should be cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent water damage.

It is a good idea to sweep or vacuum your flooring before mopping. This will remove any debris – such as sharp stones or pieces of gravel traipsed in from outdoors – that might cause scratches if dragged along the floor by your mop.

What type of mop is best?

You can use most mops on your laminate flooring, providing you don’t use them while they are dripping wet. Microfibre mops are particularly well suited to laminate flooring, as they can be used dry or damp. Use them damp to clean up muddy footprints or dried on spills, or use them dry to collect tiny dust particles and loose pieces of dirt. You can use traditional mops or the sponge design ones as long as you always ensure they are not too wet and that you are using recommended cleaning products.

What cleaning products should you use?

There are plenty of specialist cleaning products for laminate floors available. Always remember to check the label before using a new product and stick to anything that specifically says it is suitable for laminate. It is also vital to ensure you use the correct dilution. If you prefer a natural approach, a heavily diluted household vinegar and water solution is a great way to get your laminate floor sparkling clean.