Laminate flooring is one of the most popular choices in UK homes, and it is easy to see why. It looks great, is affordable, and is relatively low maintenance. But using the wrong cleaning materials or being too harsh can cause permanent damage. This guide covers exactly what to use, what to avoid, and how to keep your laminate floors looking their best for years to come.

What to clean laminate floors with

The safest and most effective products for cleaning laminate flooring are:

  • A dry or lightly damp microfibre mop - ideal because it lifts dust and debris without scratching the surface and holds minimal water, which is critical with laminate.

  • A laminate-specific floor cleaner or a diluted solution of warm water and a small amount of white vinegar, used sparingly and dried immediately after.

  • A soft-bristle brush or vacuum with a hard floor setting that won’t scratch the floor.

Can you mop laminate flooring?

Yes, but only with a damp mop, not a wet one. This is one of the most important rules when cleaning laminate. Laminate flooring is not waterproof. Water can seep into the joints between planks and cause the core board to swell, warp, or lift. After mopping, never leave standing water on the surface, and always work in the direction of the planks to avoid pushing moisture into the seams.

Can you vacuum laminate floors?

Yes, and it is one of the best ways to remove everyday dust, dirt, and pet hair. Use a vacuum with a hard floor setting or a soft brush attachment. Avoid using a rotating brush head, as it can scratch the surface of the laminate over time. A flat suction head or a vacuum with soft rollers are also suitable, provided you check the manufacturer's guidance.

What not to use to clean laminate floors

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to use. The following can all cause damage to laminate flooring:

  • Wet mops or soaking wet cloths: Excess moisture is the primary cause of laminate swelling and warping.

  • Steam cleaners: Heat and steam penetrate the surface and cause irreversible damage.

  • Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners: These strip the wear layer and can discolour the floor.

  • Abrasive scrubbing pads or wire wool: These scratch the surface permanently.

  • Wax polishes or oil-based soaps: These leave a residue that dulls the finish and attracts more dirt.

  • Vinegar in high concentrations: A small dilution is fine occasionally, but undiluted vinegar can dull the surface over time.

  • Roller brush vacuum attachments: The rotating brush can create fine surface scratches.

Can you steam clean laminate floors?

No. Steam cleaners should never be used on laminate flooring. The high heat and moisture produced by a steam cleaner can penetrate the surface layer, causing the planks to swell, bubble, or separate at the joints. This type of damage is usually irreversible. Even if your laminate looks unaffected initially, repeated steam cleaning will break down the adhesive layers beneath and shorten the lifespan of the floor significantly.

Can you use bleach on laminate floors?

No. Bleach is too harsh for laminate flooring and can strip the protective wear layer, discolour the surface, and damage the joints. The same applies to other strong chemical cleaners, including ammonia-based products and abrasive bathroom or kitchen sprays. If you need to tackle a stubborn mark or stain, there are safer, more targeted methods covered in the FAQs section below.

How to clean laminate floors

Follow these steps for a thorough, safe clean that will not damage your laminate flooring:

Step 1 - Remove loose dirt and debris: Start with a dry sweep, dust mop, or vacuum using a hard floor setting. Work in the direction of the planks and cover the full floor area before introducing any moisture. This step prevents you from dragging grit across the surface, which is one of the most common causes of fine scratches.

Step 2 - Prepare your cleaning solution: Use a laminate-specific floor cleaner diluted according to the instructions on the label, or mix 250ml of white vinegar into a litre of warm water for a light clean. Pour a small amount into a spray bottle rather than applying it directly to the floor.

Step 3 - Dampen your mop: Wring your microfibre mop out thoroughly before use. It should feel barely damp to the touch, not wet. If water drips off it, it is too wet.

Step 4 - Mop in sections: Work across the room in small sections, mopping in the direction of the planks. Spray the cleaning solution lightly onto the section of floor rather than onto the mop head, and wipe it clean immediately. Do not let the solution sit on the surface.

Step 5 - Dry as you go: Follow up each section with a dry microfibre cloth or a second dry mop to remove any remaining moisture. The floor should look and feel dry within a minute or two of cleaning. If it stays wet for longer, you are using too much liquid.

Step 6 - Allow to air dry: Leave the room for a short while after cleaning to allow any residual moisture to evaporate. Avoid walking on the floor until it is fully dry.

How to deep clean laminate floors

For a more thorough clean when the floor is looking dull or has built-up grime, the same process above applies, but with a few additions. Use a laminate-specific cleaner rather than a vinegar solution, as these are formulated to cut through grease and residue without damaging the surface. Pay attention to the edges and corners of the room, and around furniture legs, where dirt tends to collect. For stubborn marks, apply a small amount of cleaner directly to the spot with a cloth and work it in gently, then wipe dry. Do not scrub.

How to care for laminate flooring

Good cleaning habits help, but the way you look after your laminate day to day will determine how well it holds up over time. Here are some general maintenance tips to keep it looking its best between cleans: 

  • Use doormats at every entrance: Grit and debris tracked in from outside is one of the main causes of surface scratching. A mat at the door catches most of it before it reaches the floor.

  • Add felt pads under furniture legs: Chair legs, table bases, and sofa feet can all scratch or dent laminate. Self-adhesive felt pads are inexpensive and take seconds to fit. Check them periodically, as they can wear down or fall off.

  • Wipe up spills immediately: Laminate is not waterproof. Any liquid left sitting on the surface, even water, can seep into the joints and cause damage. Keep a cloth nearby in the kitchen and dining areas.

  • Avoid dragging furniture: Always lift furniture when moving it rather than dragging it across the floor. Even furniture with felt pads can cause scratching if dragged under significant weight.

  • Keep a consistent temperature: Laminate can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Try to keep the room temperature consistent where possible, and avoid leaving windows wide open in wet or cold weather over the floor area.

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly: A quick dry sweep two or three times a week prevents the build-up of grit that causes surface wear.

FAQs about how to clean laminate flooring

How do you remove stains from laminate flooring?

For most common stains, including food, drink, and mud, a slightly damp microfibre cloth applied quickly is usually enough. For more stubborn marks, apply a small amount of laminate floor cleaner directly to the cloth (not the floor) and work at the stain in gentle circular motions. For grease or oil-based stains, a small amount of washing-up liquid diluted in warm water can be used, but rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth and dry it immediately. Nail polish, marker pen, and similar substances can often be removed with a small amount of acetone on a cloth, applied carefully to the stain only, and wiped dry straight away.

How to remove glue from laminate flooring

For dried adhesive or craft glue, start by gently scraping off as much as possible with a plastic scraper. Avoid metal tools as these will scratch the surface. Apply a small amount of acetone or a specialist adhesive remover to a cloth and dab at the remaining residue, working slowly and carefully. Once the glue has lifted, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and dry it immediately. Always test any solvent in a discreet area first to check it does not affect the surface finish.

How to clean very dirty laminate floors

If the floor has significant build-up from long-term neglect or product residue, work in small sections. Use a laminate-specific cleaner at the recommended dilution and apply it with a well-wrung microfibre mop. For areas with heavy grime, let the cleaner sit for no more than 30 seconds before wiping, then dry the section fully before moving on. Do not try to clean the whole floor in one pass with excess liquid. Multiple passes with a barely damp mop will produce better results than one pass with a soaking wet one. If the surface still looks dull after cleaning, residue build-up may be the issue, which is covered below.

How to get paint off laminate flooring

Act quickly if the paint is still wet. Wipe it up with a dry cloth, then clean the area with a damp microfibre cloth and dry it immediately. For dried paint, use a plastic scraper to lift as much as possible without pressing too hard into the surface. A small amount of rubbing alcohol or acetone on a cloth can be used to soften and remove the remaining paint. Work carefully and only on the affected area, then clean and dry as normal. Avoid solvents on large areas of the floor.

How to make laminate floors shine

Laminate floors are designed to have a consistent sheen that’s built into the wear layer, not a high-gloss shine. If the floor is looking dull, it is usually due to one of three things: 

  1. Product build-up: Clean with a laminate-specific cleaner and avoid soap-based products going forward.

  2. Surface scratches: Use a laminate repair kit to minimise their appearance.

  3. A worn wear layer: A floor that has lost its finish due to age or heavy wear cannot be restored with cleaning alone. In this case, replacement may be the only option. 

Avoid wax or polish products that claim to add shine, as these create a residue layer that will make the problem worse.

How to clean laminate floors without leaving a film

A film or streaky finish is almost always caused by using too much cleaning product, using the wrong product, or not rinsing the floor properly after cleaning. To avoid it, always dilute your cleaner as directed, use as little liquid as possible, and follow up with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining product. Switch to a laminate-specific spray cleaner if you are not already using one, as these are formulated to dry cleanly without residue. If your laminate flooring already has a film, clean the floor with a well-diluted solution of warm water and a small amount of white vinegar, dry thoroughly, and avoid soap-based products in future.


If you’re not sure which cleaning routine is right for your floor, the product manufacturer's care guide is always the best first reference. Browse our laminate flooring range to find high-shine, long-lasting, easy-to-clean flooring. And if you want to try before you buy, our free sample service lets you see and feel the floor in your own home before committing.