When it comes to cleaning laminate floors, using the right kind of mop can make all the difference. Laminate flooring is durable and easy to maintain, but it does require some special care to keep it looking its best. Choosing a mop that is well-suited for laminate can help you effectively clean the floors without damaging the surface.
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a mop for laminate floors:
- Avoid excessive water – Many standard mops are designed to apply a lot of water and liquid cleaner to the floors. But laminate floors require a damp mop at most, not a soaked one, to prevent warping and water damage.
- Choose soft materials – Microfiber mop heads are ideal for laminate because they are gentle, absorbent and won’t scratch.
- Look for swivel heads – The ability to pivot makes it easier to maneuver around furniture and reach corners.
- Consider steam mops – Steam heat can sanitize floors without leaving behind a lot of moisture.
With the right mop that meets these criteria, you’ll be able to keep your laminate floors spotless. Read on for more in-depth information and mop recommendations.
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How to Choose A Mop for Laminate Floors
When selecting a mop for laminate floors, there are a few key features to evaluate:
Type of Mop Head
The mop head is the part that actually contacts the floor surface, so its material and construction are very important.
Microfiber Mop Heads
Microfiber mop heads are highly recommended for laminate floors. Microfiber is a soft, gentle material that won’t scratch or scuff the floor’s protective finish. It’s also extremely absorbent and effective at picking up dust and dirt.
Microfiber mops usually have built-in scrubbing strips that help loosen debris without being abrasive. They can be laundered and reused over and over.
String Mop Heads
Cotton string mops or yarn mops are too rough for delicate laminate floors. The strands can potentially snag on the joints between planks. String mops also retain a lot of water, which is problematic for laminate.
Sponge Mop Heads
Sponge mops are also too absorbent for laminate floors. They tend to hold onto too much liquid, leaving excess water behind that can seep between the floorboards and cause damage.
Amount of Moisture
As mentioned above, minimizing moisture is crucial when mopping laminate floors. Too much water can lead to swelling, buckling and discoloration over time.
Look for a mop that has controls on moisture level. Some mops have a lever or dial that adjusts water flow from the tank to the head. Others come with removable tanks so you can fill them with just a small amount of liquid.
Having a way to wring out excess moisture from the mop head before mopping is also useful. Avoid mops that would just sop up water and leak it back out when squeezing.
Weight of the Mop
A heavy mop puts more pressure on delicate laminate flooring. Excessive weight can dent the surface or pop out the locking mechanisms between planks.
Seeking out a mop on the lighter side – even if it means sacrificing some other features – helps protect your flooring. Mops made from aluminum, plastic and other lightweight materials are preferable to solid wood handles.
Ease of Use
Since mopping can’t be an intensive, laborious chore on laminate, convenience features are appreciated.
Look for mops with swiveling heads to easily get around furniture legs and into corners. Long handles eliminate the need to stoop as you clean. Removable mop heads simplify throwing them in the laundry.
Other nice extras include built-in wringers, onboard cleaning solution tanks and extending handles for reaching ceilings and walls.
Best Mops for Cleaning Laminate Floors
Now that you know how to select the ideal mop for laminate, here are some top recommendations in various categories:
Best Microfiber Mop: O-Cedar Dual-Action Microfiber Floor Mop
- Ultra soft and gentle microfiber head won’t scratch
- Built-in scrubber strips for extra cleaning power
- Washable and reusable pad
- 360-degree swivel head
- Telescoping handle adjusts from 3 to 5 feet
This O-Cedar mop is designed specifically for hard surfaces like laminate. The microfiber pad attracts and absorbs dust but doesn’t soak up excessive liquid. The scrub strips provide extra cleaning action.
Customers praise this mop’s easy gliding motion and pivot head that gets into corners and under furniture. The head even flips over when you need to scrub tougher spots. It’s lightweight, durable and comes at an affordable price point.
Best Spray Mop: Bissell PowerFresh Slim Hard Floor Mop
- Built-in water tank and spray nozzle
- Washable microfiber pads
- Flips over to scrub stubborn spots
- Adjustable steam control
- Swivel steering
The Bissell PowerFresh mop allows you to spray the perfect amount of cleaning solution onto laminate floors. The onboard 22 oz tank is easy to fill and controls fluid flow.
Microfiber pads gently lift dirt and the flip-down scrubber scrubs sticky spots. Adjustable steam loosens debris without excess moisture.
Reviewers say this mop makes quick work of dirty floors. They like the spray trigger control and self-standing design. Pads are simple to remove for washing.
Best Steam Mop: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
- Sanitizing steam cleaning
- Washable microfiber pads
- Variable steam control
- Easy scrubber release
- 23 foot power cord
For an even deeper clean, try the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop. Steam sanitizes floors without leaving excessive moisture behind.
The amount of steam is adjustable based on need. The microfiber pad scrubs and absorbs dust at the same time. Easy-release scrubbers provide extra scrubbing power.
Customers love this mop’s ability to both steam and scrub their floors spotless. The swivel head maneuvers easily around furniture and walls. It heats up quickly and leaves floors clean but dry.
Best Budget Mop: O-Cedar Microfiber Cloth Mop
- Affordable price
- Machine-washable head
- Built-in wringer
- 360-degree swivel neck
- Telescoping handle
This easy-to-maneuver O-Cedar mop provides effective cleaning without the premium price tag. The ultra-absorbent microfiber head attracts dust and is machine washable.
The cloth glides smoothly across floors and swivels to reach every angle. Reviewers mention the wringer works well to remove excess liquid before mopping.
While not packed with features, it provides laminate-safe cleaning at a budget-friendly cost. The lightweight plastic design is easy to use anywhere.
Best Electric Mop: Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry Robotic Floor Mop
- Hands-free robotic cleaning
- Dual spin mop pads scrub and polish
- Wet mopping and dry sweeping
- Edge cleaning design
- Includes disposable pads
Take floor cleaning off your hands with the Bissell SpinWave robotic mop. It uses advanced navigation to map rooms and clean floors automatically.
The spinning mop pads scrub sticky messes and sweep up dirt and debris. Use the wet mop setting for cleaning solution or dry mode for quick touch-ups.
Customers say this little robot does an impressive job keeping floors clean. The edge design reaches corners and walls. It senses stairs to avoid tumbles. Set it to clean when and where you want.
Tips for Mopping Laminate Floors
Once you’ve selected the right mop for your laminate, follow these tips to keep floors spotless and undamaged:
- Sweep or vacuum first to remove loose debris that could scratch if mopped over.
- Use only laminate-approved cleaners, never oil soap or other harsh chemicals.
- Spray cleaner directly onto floor, not mop, to control amount of moisture.
- Don’t oversaturate – wipe up excess liquid to prevent seepage between planks.
- Avoid steaming or soaking laminate floors – always use a barely damp mop.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent staining and water marks.
- Mop in the direction of the planks to prevent catching edges.
- Let floors fully dry before walking on them after mopping.
With the proper mop and techniques, you can effectively clean laminate floors without all the elbow grease of traditional mopping. Keep floors looking fresh in between deeper cleans by quickly mopping high traffic areas and entryways. A good mop is a worthwhile investment for maintaining beautiful laminate flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a Swiffer mop on laminate floors?
Swiffer mops are not recommended for laminate floors because they apply too much cleaning liquid. The disposable pads also may not glide as smoothly. Use a microfiber mop with limited moisture instead.
What kind of mop leaves the least amount of water?
Microfiber and steam mops generally leave the least amount of residual moisture. String and sponge mops soak up and release more water. Look for adjustable controls that limit water flow.
How do you dry mop laminate floors?
Dry mopping can be done a few ways:
- Use a microfiber mop dry or barely dampened with water
- Attach a microfiber cloth to a dust mop frame
- Use disposable dry electrostatic mop pads
- Try a vacuum with a mop brush attachment
Dry mopping picks up dust and debris without cleaning solution. It’s great for quick touch-ups.
Can you use vinegar and water to mop laminate floors?
Yes, vinegar and water is safe for cleaning laminate floors. Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon water for a cleaning solution. Avoid dish soap or other detergents. Always wring mop well so it’s only slightly damp.
How often should you mop laminate floors?
Laminate floors should be fully mopped about once a week in most homes. Spot clean high traffic areas and entryways more frequently. Dry mop in between to pick up surface dust. Avoid over-mopping, which can damage protective coatings.
Conclusion
Mopping effectively cleans laminate floors without harming the delicate surface. Choose a mop with microfiber pads or steam cleaning features to sanitize floors without excessive moisture. Use proper mopping techniques to prevent trapped water or a flooded surface. Invest in a quality laminate-safe mop to make routine floor cleaning easier. Your floors will stay like new for years to come.