Which mop is best for cleaning laminate flooring? How to wash laminate flooring: description and characteristics of mops

Laminate has high wear resistance, but still requires carefully selected cleaning equipment in order to maintain its presentable appearance longer. Now they are presented in a large assortment, and it is difficult to settle on any specific specimen. To simplify this task, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the main options and their features.

Choosing a mop: 5 criteria

To understand which mop is best for washing laminate flooring, you should take into account the individual characteristics of the washing tool itself and the room for which it is purchased:

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	Criterion 1. Material of the washing unit body It can be made of plastic, aluminum or wood. The first option is most preferable, ensuring lightness and mobility of the entire structure.
	Criterion 2. Spin modes Spin functions differ depending on the type of structure: it can be a twisting mechanism or a “butterfly”, with an automatic or manual lever. Some models are equipped with a special compartment with a mesh in the bucket for manual spinning. The more technologically advanced the unit, the higher its price, which should be taken into account when looking for budget options.
	Criterion 3. Size of working washing surface The wide and thick nozzle is ideal for apartments and large areas. If you have a small home and a lot of furniture that is difficult to move, pay attention to thin and 360° rotating nozzles that can penetrate any hard-to-reach places.
	Criterion 4. Material and type of nozzle Can be made of microfiber, cotton or rubber (sponge surface). They look like long loops connected with tape, which make it easier to collect dirt from the floor surface. Or it is a solid fabric that practically does not leave moisture and stains.
	Criterion 5. New technologies A automate and simplify household work. If you value time, and the high price (within 2-5 thousand rubles) for a high-quality unit does not scare you at all, then a steam mop or steam generator (steam cleaner) will effectively cope with washing floors and other surfaces, including upholstered furniture, while simultaneously providing them with disinfection.

To ensure that the mop for cleaning laminate flooring does not leave streaks or other marks, move the mop along the direction of the pattern on the floor.

Mop with wooden base

Regular mop with wooden base is not popular now, as it is considered obsolete. For the most part, it is used by fans of products made from natural materials, or by organizations for cleaning industrial premises.

However, wooden floor cleaning equipment has obvious advantages:

• simplicity of design;
• environmental friendliness;
• durability;
• efficiency.

This unit does not require frequent replacement of attachments, like all other options; moreover, the kit often comes with a replaceable bristle brush.

The price of the product in a hardware store will be only 100 rubles, but it is not always convenient to use due to the lack of a spin system and poor accessibility in hard-to-reach places.

Mop with loops

This is a plastic handle with long loops at the end, which are most often made of cotton or polyester. With a manual or automatic spin system, this universal mop is suitable for cleaning premises from any type of dirt, be it dust or stubborn stains.

Price unit costs on average 500–700 rubles.

Butterfly mop

The butterfly squeezing mechanism can be found most often in stores. Many have already appreciated this design, which allows you to quickly and effortlessly remove excess moisture from the nozzle by squeezing the nozzle on both sides.

There are 3 options for the surface of the nozzle:

• microfiber;
• cotton;
• spongy surface.

The first two materials are more suitable for repeated use, since such material is easy to wash. A sponge surface is better at removing old marks or stains, but it can also quickly become unusable and require replacement.

Often, such products have a rotating nozzle; by choosing the appropriate thickness, you can clean dirt from hard-to-reach places and under low furniture. Simple instructions Using the “butterfly” allows you to make cleaning not only high-quality, but also quick.

Price devices cost on average 800–1500 rubles.

Steam unit

The steam mop is still gaining popularity, but has already shown its effectiveness not only in cleaning large rooms, but also in disinfecting the treated areas (floors and upholstered furniture) by supplying hot steam.

In addition, cleaning time is reduced due to the fact that there is no need to rinse and wring out the nozzle; you just need to add water.

High price– approximately 2500–4000 rubles depending on the model.

Note! The hot steam function can be quite dangerous due to the possibility of burns, so be careful when cleaning.

Conclusion

I hope that the information described will help you figure out on your own which mop to choose for laminate flooring. We have discussed their main types and design features.

More visual instructions for choosing are in the video in this article. I invite you to comment if you have anything to add on the topic or want to ask a question.

Laminate is the most common floor covering, which is characterized by excellent performance characteristics and an optimal price. Many experienced owners are faced with one problem: how and how to properly care for a laminate floor. In the age of high technology, a rag soaked in water is no longer relevant.

Therefore, in this article we will talk about which mop is best for washing lamites. Since low-quality equipment leads to scratches, stains and various deformations.

Laminate floor care requirements

You are probably wondering one question: what difference does it make what and how to wash it? You can just use a regular squeegee and rags. But this is not so; modern floor coverings put forward a number of requirements for caring for their surface.

1. The amount of water that falls on the surface should be minimal, and this indicator does not depend on the class of the laminate.
2. The material should not be hard, but softer and more delicate. Since intense mechanical impact can lead to scratches and gradual abrasion of the coating.
3. Use of special cleaning products. The washing solution must have a neutral pH and not contain abrasive particles (sodium carbonate or other salts). Experts advise buying polishes and detergents recommended by the manufacturer. Experienced housewives compare the compositions of branded products and inexpensive ones. And they buy analogues.

The question of purchasing a mop for cleaning laminate flooring arises urgently in houses and apartments in which up to 80% of the floors are covered with this floor covering.

Types of mops

Specialty mops are technologically advanced mops. They are more compact, convenient and made of lightweight plastic with various attachments for washing. Brushes do various shapes and are made from special microfiber material.

Experts warn you not to buy brushes with Velcro, they have a short service life. Recently, a large number of mops for washing laminate flooring have appeared on store shelves; we will look at the main types:

There is another type of mop - these are mops for washing laminate floors with a spin cycle. Usually supplied with a bucket. Made in the form of butterfly wings or an envelope.

The attachments are made from microfiber, cellulose, and sponges of different densities. It is not recommended to use rope attachments for laminate flooring, as a lot of water remains on it after spinning.

But their package always includes:

• Bucket (maybe two buckets).
• The base is on wheels, with a convenient handle for movement.
• Spin block.
• Mop.

The platform of these mops rotates 360 degrees.

1. Steam mops. As we understand, progress does not stand still. And many manufacturers keep up with the times and offer devices that run on water vapor. We will take this topic a little beyond a simple discussion and talk about it in more detail below.

Of all the above types of mops, for home use it is best to choose a universal mop. Since it can clean the surface ceramic tiles, parquet, laminate, linoleum, etc.

Brief description of mop heads

The most main feature attachments is that they can be purchased separately from the mop. Now we will look at the main types of nozzles and give them a brief description.

It should be noted here that the dimensions of the platforms and fastening of the nozzles are of the same standard from most manufacturers. Therefore, most nozzles are the same size.

You should also properly care for the attachments, only then will they last a long time. They should be washed or rinsed periodically in clean water (see instructions) and then dried.

There is another classification of nozzles according to the type of cleaning:

• Nozzles for dry cleaning.
• Nozzles for wet cleaning.
• Universal, designed for any surface and any type of cleaning

Steam Mop

As we said above, we brought this type of mop into the discussion, because ordinary mops (household, universal or professional) are equipment, that is, a simple tool.

A steam mop is a complex device that weighs an average of 2 kg and has a half-liter water tank. That is, water is brought to a boil and, under high pressure, hits the surface of the laminate floor. This steam jet removes even old stains.

The most important advantage is that no detergents are required to clean the floor. And also during steam washing, disinfection occurs immediately. Steam kills most bacteria and microorganisms.

So its use is mandatory in the presence of small children and people suffering from allergies. The steam generator may come with different attachments. Or they can be purchased separately.

These attachments will help you clean your bathroom, toilets, sinks, and various other surfaces. In a word, we can say that this is a universal device designed for cleaning and washing various surfaces.

The disadvantages include the high cost. You should only take trusted brands. Another drawback is that you must strictly follow the instructions, since violating the rules and regulations will lead to damage to the laminate.

When choosing a device, you should pay attention to:

1. Power cord length. To avoid using extension cords and carrying cables, it is advisable to choose models with a long power cord.
2. Weight. Everything is clear here, the less weight, the easier it is to operate.
3. Working hours. This means continuous work, it should be 30-40 minutes.
4. Versatility and mobility. Some models can be easily removed and disassembled, which allows you to use them for cleaning clothes, bathtubs, curtains and much more.

Instructions for use.

1. We fill the container with the required amount of water up to the mark, while the mop should be disconnected from the power supply.
2. Set the required mode on the handle of the device. For cleaning laminate floors, a weak (low) or average level steam supply
3. We turn on the steam mop to the electrical network and begin to move it across the floor surface.

If you are afraid that the steam coming out of the nozzles will harm your laminated coating, then you can use special wipes.

How to choose a mop for laminate flooring

Below we will give a few practical advice, based on which you can choose the right mop.

If you need to dry clean or polish the surface, it is best to use a laminate brush or a mop with a wool attachment. A wool or cotton nozzle perfectly collects dust from the surface.

As we see, there are many small nuances that should always be taken into account.

Instructions on how to properly wash laminate flooring

As we said above, cleaning and detergents should not contain small and abrasive particles, as they can cause irreparable damage to the coating.

We remove dust and pieces of dirt from the surface. To do this, you can use a broom or vacuum cleaner with soft attachments. Brushes in the form of vacuum cleaner attachments will not damage the surface of the laminate.

We dilute a special composition for washing laminates clean water, according to instructions. In order to make sure that the product is absolutely safe for coating, you can try it on a small piece.

You can use a traditional washing solution. To do this we mix 500 ml. vinegar in 5 l. Clean water. There are no streaks left from this composition.

Then we take the prepared solution and wet the nozzle, squeeze it out and start washing the floor. We try to rinse the rag (nozzle) as often as possible.

Difficult to remove stains are best treated with special liquids containing ethyl alcohol or acetone.

All you need to do is simply drop a few drops onto the stain, wait 3-5 minutes, and wipe with a rag. These products are sold in almost any hardware store.

Conclusion

We can conclude that if you want to maintain and keep the surface of your laminate floor clean and in good condition for as long as possible, then you should definitely buy a mop for cleaning laminate floors.

When choosing, you should rely on the knowledge and information you received in this article. The main thing is that this equipment is convenient and functional.

Laminate flooring is a little tricky to use and requires special handling. Many housewives do not know what cleaning devices to use for it. And therefore the question is very often asked: is it possible to wash laminate flooring with a steam mop?

If you handle the coating incorrectly, the result will not be long in coming. You will see the laminate become dull, streaked or scratched, making it appearance completely unsightly.

It is necessary to take care of laminate flooring constantly and correctly. The least you have to do is walk around your apartment every day with a damp cloth. As for the rest of the rules, you need to know:

1. Do not use cleaning products that contain an abrasive substance. It will make holes in the surface of the material.
2. It is not recommended to clean laminate flooring with hard tools with a metal or plastic coating; they leave scratches.
3. To remove stains, you can use acetone or ethyl alcohol. Fresh stains can simply be wiped with a soft cloth soaked in this solution.
4. On store shelves you can find many products that are suitable for laminate flooring and do not harm it.
5. Large dust particles must be swept up with a broom. For fine dirt, use a vacuum cleaner.
6. In order not to spoil the covering in the hallway and not drag dirt into the apartment, lay a carpet or a large floor cloth in the hallway, on which it is recommended to leave shoes.
7. If you are using a steam cleaner, create additional space between the nozzle and the floor by placing a napkin under the first one.

The coating near doors is more sensitive, so cleaning in these areas must be done with extreme caution. It is recommended to wash the floor several times a week.

How to choose a mop

It is a mistake to believe that any cleaning tool is suitable for laminate. Some devices will not only not be able to properly clean the surface, but may also damage it. Best fit rectangular a mop to which you can attach several attachments:

1. The first option is suitable for dry cleaning.
2. The second option is used when it is necessary to wipe off dust.
3. The third nozzle washes surfaces without leaving any damage.

If you don’t know which model of such a mop to choose, then pay attention to manufacturers such as Promo, Velida and Universal. To make your life easier and reduce cleaning time, choose models with a spin function.

There are also more advanced options, such as a steam mop or a vacuum cleaner. Regarding the latter, this is a fairly effective, but cumbersome tool. But the mop effectively copes with its tasks, is compact and costs much less. But a logical question arises: is it possible to use a steam mop for laminate flooring?

Everyone knows that a large amount of moisture has a bad effect on the coating, especially if it is made of strips. Water gets into the joints and swelling can occur. Whether this applies to laminate is an ambiguous question. The manufacturers of this coating claim that laminate flooring can be washed with a steam mop only when the coating was laid on an adhesive basis. If you were just collecting boards, then the use of this device is not recommended.

How does a steam mop work?

In fact, this is an extremely effective tool that is suitable for washing different surfaces. But how to use a steam mop correctly?

1. The device is equipped with a small reservoir into which plain water is poured before washing.
2. Under the influence of the mechanism, it heats up to a temperature of 100 degrees.
3. Steam comes out of the holes under low pressure, which cleans the surface.

The peculiarity of this device is that it not only washes the floor, but also disinfects it. This is especially true if you have small children in your apartment.

Floor cleaning instructions

The question of how to use a mop arises for a reason. Many, flattered by the beauty of laminate, covered the floor in their apartment with it, and then took it up. Smudges began to form on it and scratches appeared. So how can you clean without damaging your floor?

1. Before you begin wet cleaning, remove all large debris with a broom or special brush.
2. Vacuum any remaining dust. The main thing is to use a nozzle with a retractable brush so that the plastic edges do not scratch the floor.
3. Take a specialized cleaning product and dilute it with warm water.
4. While wetting the nozzle, wipe the coating with small fragments. After each wetting, the nozzle or sponge must be thoroughly wrung out to prevent excessive moisture from the floor.

Before you start cleaning your floor, carefully read the instructions on the cleaning product box.

What you need to know when choosing cleaning products

Many people, when they come to the store to buy a cleaning product, fall into a stupor. There is so much choice that it is not so easy to understand what exactly you need. When choosing laminate cleaning products, consider the following:

1. If the product contains sodium carbonate, then it is not suitable for you.
2. Compare the composition of a universal liquid with the composition of a specialized one, most likely you will not find any differences, so there is no point in overpaying.
3. You can even skip washing with cleaning products and add a little table vinegar to the water.

When using detergent, do not allow it to come into contact with the skin of your hands - minor injuries may occur. It is recommended to use rubber gloves for cleaning.

Tips for removing various stains from laminate flooring

It happens that you did not immediately notice some kind of damage or stain, and it is no longer possible to wipe it off with acetone. What to do in such cases and how to clean the surface?

1. If wax gets on the laminate, wait until it dries and carefully pick up the blot with a knife. Remaining marks can be wiped off with a mild soap solution.
2. To remove various stains, you can use both specialized sponges and linen cloth.
3. Many stains can be easily wiped off with a window aerosol that contains alcohol.
4. You can get rid of scratches on the surface using special putties or colored sealant.
5. If your shoes have left streaks on the surface, you can remove them using a regular rubber band.

Don't be afraid to wash or clean the covering, because lack of cleaning can cause it to become damaged just as much as careful care.

If you chose the adhesive method when laying the laminate, then you acted extremely wisely. In this case, you can use steam mops, washing vacuum cleaners, and other technological advances. If this is not the case, then you will have to make some efforts to maintain the floor in its original form.

Caring for any type of floor covering has its own characteristics, nuances and limitations. Most often, restrictions apply to the use of all kinds of cleaning products and detergents. Despite the fact that many manufacturers of laminate flooring claim that laminate flooring is relatively easy to care for, there are certain requirements and rules that must be followed in this area. A mop for laminate flooring deserves special attention; you need to select it to care for the coating with skill.

Cleaning laminate floors can be done with mops different types. Several main types should be distinguished:

• Household mop. Such models are usually equipped with a telescopic handle with adjustment and a movable platform, which allows you to wash the floor even in hard-to-reach places. Such household models are quite suitable for cleaning laminate floors. Very often there is no need to buy something expensive and professional for cleaning. Especially if the laminate is laid in one or two rooms of the home.
• Universal mop. Models of this type are suitable for washing various floor coverings: laminate, linoleum, wooden floors, ceramic tiles, etc. This versatile mop features a rubber squeegee to remove excess water and an abrasive coating to remove tough dirt. That is why when cleaning laminate flooring, you need to use such a mop as carefully as possible. It is very good if the kit comes with special soft attachments, which are an excellent solution for laminated floors.
• Professional mop. It is not recommended to use professional mops for cleaning small residential areas. These models are most suitable for office spaces and rooms with a large area. They are equipped with many types of attachments, which is very convenient for choosing the most suitable option for cleaning a certain type of floor.

Steam models

A steam mop is a high-tech device that can be used to clean almost any surface and remove any type of dirt, regardless of its age.

In the case of laminate floors, you need to use steam mops especially carefully: you should not turn on the device at full power, you should not try to scrub the same stain repeatedly, and you should not use them often to clean a laminate floor.

Instructions for cleaning laminate flooring with a steam mop are as follows:

• The water container must be filled to the maximum level.
• Particular attention should be paid to the choice of operating mode of the equipment: low or medium level of steam flow, which is well suited for any wooden floors and surfaces (including laminated floors). High level feeding is an option for tiles and stone surfaces.
• Next, you need to turn on the mop, moving it as carefully and slowly as possible over the surface of the laminated floor, as if stroking it.
• You shouldn’t quickly drive over the laminate, because this way you won’t be able to soften the dirt.
• Immediately after cleaning the laminate, remove all remaining moisture with a dry towel.

Steam mops are, of course, much more expensive than regular and traditional models, so very often there is not much point in purchasing them.

How to clean laminate flooring without leaving streaks?

The use of mops very often results in visible stains remaining on the laminate floor after washing.

That is why it is recommended to use the care products recommended by the laminate floor manufacturer. As a rule, suitable detergents, tools and elements for caring for laminate flooring are necessarily indicated in the product instructions.

For example, very often European manufacturers recommend washing laminate floors with microfiber cloths, using specialized branded detergents that can be purchased on the company's official websites. These detergents are really good - they leave no streaks behind, and stains are removed in no time. The main disadvantage of these funds is their high prices.

Can I use a vacuum cleaner to clean laminate flooring?

Indeed, vacuum cleaners are well suited for cleaning laminate floors. And, as a rule, washing vacuum cleaners are an excellent solution for almost all types of laminate flooring. In this case, preference should be given to those models of equipment that can provide minimal moisture to the floor - it is very important that during the cleaning process and after it the laminate floor is dry or slightly moistened, and not drowned in water.

Also, when choosing a washing vacuum cleaner, you should pay attention to its wheels, with the help of which it will move along the floor. The best option in the case of laminate is rubberized thick wheels, which are unlikely to cause any harm to the coating. If the wheels are hard plastic or metal, then there is a high probability of scratches and abrasions on the laminate after using the vacuum cleaner.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the brush and nozzle that will be used to clean the laminate floor. It is very good if the vacuum cleaner comes with a special rubber attachment that will collect moisture immediately after cleaning (something similar is implemented in mops designed for washing windows). Nozzles for cleaning laminated floors should be soft and fluffy so that they cannot damage the top protective layer of the coating.

If, after using a mop or vacuum cleaner to clean the laminate floor, a certain amount of moisture remains on the surface, then it must be removed as quickly as possible using a dry cloth or paper towels (even if the laminate floor has moisture-resistant characteristics - you should not use this advantage of the coating when cleaning ).

The usual parquet, linoleum and tiles are increasingly being replaced with more affordable modern materials. But modern floor coverings require special care products. To ensure that your floor lasts for a long time, it is important to choose the right mop. The type of coverage is taken into account. Let's find out which mop for laminate flooring is better? They are produced in huge quantities, all have advantages and disadvantages.

Laminate flooring - features

Visually, it seems that laminate is a very durable material, but it is more vulnerable than it seems. Thanks to the top layer of melamine or acrylic, the material is protected, including from liquids.

Laminate is available in six classes, which differ in the thickness and density of the top layer:

• 21, 22, 23 – household laminate, which is used in residential premises. This material quickly wears out and is susceptible to mechanical damage.
• 31, 32, 33 – the material is used in domestic and public spaces.
• 34 - used in rooms where the load is extremely high.

Important! To make the load-bearing part of this flooring, compressed wood chips and special protective impregnations are used. It is their quality that affects the resistance of the material to moisture.

The moisture-resistant laminate from well-known manufacturers does not deform even if it sits in water for six hours. It can be used in the kitchen or bathroom, but its cost is quite high. When choosing budget option the rules for using the material must be followed.

• Important! If, despite following the flooring care rules, the laminate still requires repair, do not rush to think about completely replacing it. First, study the questions:

Types of mops

We already know that liquid can be detrimental to laminate floors. How to wash them correctly? Mop for washing laminate flooring - how to choose?

Hardware stores are filled with a variety of mops, each with advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the main types of laminate cleaning products:

• Household - this product includes a telescopic handle and a movable platform. Thanks to the telescopic handle, the length and angle of inclination can be adjusted.
• Universal - used for cleaning not only the floor, but also any other surface. The platform on the universal model is equipped with special ends: a rubber scraper effectively removes water from the floor, and an abrasive material on the other side cleans any contaminated surfaces.
• Professional – used for cleaning large rooms.
• Steam – the cleaning process uses steam, which removes heavy dirt.

How to properly care for laminate flooring?

Once you have chosen the best mop for laminate flooring, you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules for caring for this material, because this will make it last even longer.

Rule 1

In order for a floor to last a long time, it needs to be maintained. Most often, dirt is brought into the apartment with shoes. After this, sand ends up in all rooms, and since it is an abrasive material, the laminate becomes covered with scratches. In order to avoid this, the corridor should be equipped with a good rubberized mat, which will trap all the dirt.

Important! Not worth using washing vacuum cleaner for washing the laminate, since behind it there is large quantities moisture remains. But if you decide to purchase a device suitable for cleaning surfaces, then it would be a good idea to read several reference articles:

Rule 2

Which mop is best for laminate flooring in an apartment? Before you find out, you should answer the question: is it even possible to wash your flooring? Some types of it are not at all afraid of moisture, but with a conventional coating, when water gets between the seams, the top layer swells. For this reason, water-based adhesives should not be used for gluing laminate flooring.

At least every day you can dry clean the floor using a vacuum cleaner. The main thing is to use a special brush with long bristles.

Important! Do not allow sand, dust or other abrasive particles to accumulate on the flooring.

Rule 3

After vacuuming, you can perform wet cleaning. The problem is that the water is alkaline. When used for cleaning, white stains remain on the floor. To neutralize it, use regular vinegar. The cleaning solution contains:

• ¼ cup white vinegar;
• 2 liters of warm water.

Mop for laminate flooring - which one is better? It is better to use those options in which the surface is made of microfiber. After washing the floor, you need to open the windows for a while so that it dries thoroughly.

Important! If puddles remain on the floor covering during the washing process, they must be removed immediately using a dry cloth.

Rule 4

When using special chemicals, it is important to pay attention to the components included in its composition. To prevent the shine from disappearing, the composition should not include soap or ammonia. Laminate flooring does not require rubbing or polishing. If scratches and abrasions appear, they can be eliminated using special pastes.

Removing stains

Often, a variety of stains appear on the floor, especially if there are small children in the house, which are not so easy to remove. But this is also possible, the main thing is to know how to approach them!

Important! If stains appear, you need to begin removing them as quickly as possible.

Ink

To remove ink stains, use plain water and a cloth. If you cannot deal with the contamination this way, you should use a special detergent for the laminated surface. If the stain is old, you will need a stain remover.

Wine

In this case, a rag is moistened with denatured alcohol and used to wipe the contaminated surface.

Marker

If the floor turns out to be a canvas for young artist and traces of the marker cannot be wiped off, on soft cloth White spirit is applied and the stains are wiped off.

Blood

To remove this type of contamination, use a regular glass cleaning spray. After the stain disappears, the surface is washed with plain water.

Black shoe marks

To remove marks left by soles, a regular eraser is often used. If you don’t have it on hand, prepare a solution baking soda. You can also use glass cleaner.

Important! Unfortunately, even with the most careful use, the laminate flooring gets scratched and loses its appearance; see all about the methods of restoring laminate flooring in our master classes:

Video material

Caring for laminate flooring is not that difficult. The most important thing is regular cleaning using specially developed products. Thanks to this, the floor covering will delight you with its appearance for decades.