Cleaning laminate Hardwood flooring

[Moved_south]

We have dark laminate hardwood flooring and I cannot for the life of me make it look CLEAN. I have always used a steam mop on my floors, but I can vacuum and then steam mop these floors in our new house (even with a cleaner on the cloth) and the floors still look splotchy. Anyone have a product or method that they have found that can make the floors look as clean as they actually are?? Thanks

 

[LuckyMe143]

We have dark laminate hardwood flooring and I cannot for the life of me make it look CLEAN. I have always used a steam mop on my floors, but I can vacuum and then steam mop these floors in our new house (even with a cleaner on the cloth) and the floors still look splotchy. Anyone have a product or method that they have found that can make the floors look as clean as they actually are?? Thanks

I have a refillable swiffer type mop. I make my own solution. It is 1c vinegar, 2 tbsp rubbing alcohol, 2 tsp blue dawn dish soap, and 2c warm water. I think that's the correct measurements. Add the dawn last. If you don't have dawn use want you have.

 

[Nickel]

Is there something wrong with the floors that makes them look that way? I've been using Mrs Meyers to clean my laminate and it works well, but they looked fine to begin with. Which steam mop do you use? Most of them don't get hot enough to really get the floors good and clean so that may be your problem. Maybe try mopping with a vinegar and water solution?

 

[Moved_south]

I have a refillable swiffer type mop. I make my own solution. It is 1c vinegar, 2 tbsp rubbing alcohol, 2 two blue dawn dish soap, and 2c warm water. I think that's the correct measurements. Add the dawn last. If you don't have dawn use want you have.

Do you use the cloth thingys that come with the swiffer? I hate using those and just throwing them away. One of the reasons I love the steam mop is the washable cloths. I have heard about the vinegar and dawn concoctions before. May try mixing these in a spray bottle and misting the floor or the steam mop pad. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Moved_south]

Is there something wrong with the floors that makes them look that way? I've been using Mrs Meyers to clean my laminate and it works well, but they looked fine to begin with. Which steam mop do you use? Most of them don't get hot enough to really get the floors good and clean so that may be your problem. Maybe try mopping with a vinegar and water solution?

I have the shark steam mop. It works great on tile and made my old crappy laminate floors look really nice and clean. I am thinking that the darkness of the new floors has something to do with how splotchy it looks. They looked fine when we moved in, but with child and animals running around they just always seem to have these splotches that I cant get rid of. Will try the vinegar and water solution next time I mop and see how that works. Thanks!

 

[czygvtwkr]

Are the splotches differences in the level of sheen?

 

[Nickel]

I have the shark steam mop. It works great on tile and made my old crappy laminate floors look really nice and clean. I am thinking that the darkness of the new floors has something to do with how splotchy it looks. They looked fine when we moved in, but with child and animals running around they just always seem to have these splotches that I cant get rid of. Will try the vinegar and water solution next time I mop and see how that works. Thanks!

The Shark only heats to 110 degrees whereas something like the Eureka Enviro steam mop heats to 220. Hopefully the vinegar works for you!

 

[LuckyMe143]

Do you use the cloth thingys that come with the swiffer? I hate using those and just throwing them away. One of the reasons I love the steam mop is the washable cloths. I have heard about the vinegar and dawn concoctions before. May try mixing these in a spray bottle and misting the floor or the steam mop pad. Thanks for the tip!

Mine has the washable cloth too. Got it at Walmart.

 

[Moved_south]

Are the splotches differences in the level of sheen?

I don't think so... it seems to be wherever there has been any moisture-- from where the dog lays and steams up the floor with his breathing or little drops from washing dishes, damp paw/foot prints, etc.

 

[czygvtwkr]

If it was caused by moisture that could be a problem. IDK about laminate but for wood really strong tea (unsweatened) is a good cleaner.

 

[General Lee]

I don't think so... it seems to be wherever there has been any moisture-- from where the dog lays and steams up the floor with his breathing or little drops from washing dishes, damp paw/foot prints, etc.

This ^^

Your "blotches" are mainly from foot prints (bare feet) or sweaty socks after you just kicked off the shoes. All wood floors have them, you just can't see it on light colored floors.

Try the wood floor cleaner "BONA". You can find at Lowes, True Value, Costco, etc. It takes care of my blotches.