Cleaning Laminate Flooring in Ontario Homes
Laminate flooring is one of the most common floor coverings in Ontario rental units and owner-occupied homes — affordable, durable, and relatively low-maintenance. But "relatively low-maintenance" doesn't mean "maintenance-free," and the wrong cleaning approach causes irreversible damage to laminate that's entirely preventable.
What Damages Laminate
- Excessive water: The #1 cause of laminate damage in Ontario. Water that seeps into seams swells the inner fiberboard core — permanently. Standing water from a wet mop or spill that isn't wiped immediately causes bubbling and warping that no amount of drying will fix
- Steam mops: The high heat and steam penetrates laminate seams and swells the core — never use a steam mop on laminate
- Wax and polish products: Leave a dulling residue film on laminate and are not appropriate for this surface type
- Ammonia and abrasive cleaners: Damage the laminate's clear protective wear layer
Correct Routine
- Daily: Dry dust mop or microfibre sweep — removes the grit that scratches the surface underfoot
- Weekly: Barely-damp microfibre flat mop with a laminate-specific cleaner (or plain water) — wring out the mop until almost dry before use
- Spills: Wipe immediately with a dry cloth, followed by a barely-damp cloth if needed
Professional Cleaning
Professional cleaners use laminate-appropriate products and properly wrung mops — one of the reasons professional cleaning maintains laminate condition better than many DIY approaches that over-wet the floor.