Updated Feb. 01, 2024
With so many of the best laminate floor cleaners on the market, we found the ones worth buying. These top picks make your surfaces sparkle and shine like new.
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The best way to maintain the beauty and luster of your laminate flooring is by caring for them correctly and using the best laminate floor cleaner. Over time, and with normal wear and tear, your laminate floors could fade and dull, and cleaning them with whatever is under the sink just won’t do.
Along with the right tools—like the best mops for laminate floors and the best vacuums for laminate floors—you need to use certain products to clean laminate floor correctly.
According to an exclusive interview with the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA), when choosing a safe laminate floor cleaner, first and foremost, “never use any type of cleaner that works by excessive amounts of liquid or uses steam.”
Liquids, steam and products that promise to leave a protective coating (like wax) can damage your flooring beyond repair. That said, they note that “it is always advised to check with the specific manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning, as each manufacturer may have differing cleaning and care.”
So, stop using a steam mop on your laminate flooring and pick up one the best laminate floor cleaners listed below.
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If you worry about dulling or damaging your laminate finish every time you clean, stop the madness and pick up a bottle of Black Diamond Stoneworks Floor Cleaner. This product won’t damage the existing finish of natural and laminate wood floors, and it has a triple-action poly shield additive that prevents gunk from sticking to the floor. An excellent problem-solver for messy cooks, drippy eaters and sloppy sippers—when spills happen, all you need to do is spray and wipe with a damp mop.
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Stretch your household budget with this Zep Floor Cleaner. It comes in a one-gallon jug and is ready to use on floors, baseboards, moldings and cabinet doors. Simply pour the liquid solution into a refillable spray mop or apply directly on the surface and wipe with a cleaning cloth or any microfiber mop head.
The professional-grade formula is made to spray and wipe, so cleaning laminate floors is a breeze. In addition to restoring shine and removing scuffs and spots, Zep cleaner also has a fresh scent, so it leaves your floors smelling and looking clean.
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Let’s talk about pet stains, shall we? You know the ones we mean: Urine, fecal matter and other unnamed excrements. Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner is a dual-action, bio-enzymatic cleaner that eliminates all these messes—from everyday to severe—as it destroys odors and disinfects. Penetrating deep without ruining the floor’s natural finish, it’s safe to use around you and your furry friends.
Among the 5,600+ five-star reviews on Amazon, verified purchaser Brittany D. says it “works like a dream!” She explains: “It cleaned up the messes, eliminated the smell and didn’t mess up my laminate or tile. Plus the pups all potty trained now that he no longer goes back to the places he’d peed before. Definitely a Miracle!”
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Over the hard-working life of your floors, stuff happens. Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer turns back the hands of time by filling in scratches and dings, as well as renewing the luster that years of normal wear and tear can dull. It’s one of those laminate floor cleaners that is so simple to use: just mop it on and let it dry. Your room will be back in commission, looking better than ever, in less than an hour. The only thing easier? These robot vacuums.
Cininie, one of the 11,000+ five-star reviewers on Amazon, says “you’ll be amazed” at the results. “My laminate floors are about 30 years old and had lost their shine. They had many scratches and were dull. After my first application, the shine came back and they look great. I did not expect to get such great results. I will not use any other product on my floors again.”
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A wood-care specialist since 1941, Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner gives a professional, streak-free clean without clouding or leaving sticky scum behind. Squirt it on and lift dirt and grease safely off the finish without the need to rinse. Recommended for laminate floors and various hardwoods—you’ll get a rejuvenating shine, no floor sanding required. Not only does it help fade existing scratches, it also contains a micro-filling technology that prevents new ones from forming!
Just take it from the many happy customers, like Robbie B, who says: “I’ve spent 3 years bitterly regretting my decision to buy and have laminate floors installed. This was a last-ditch effort at getting them clean, not hazy, not sticky, not streaked and not reeking of off-gasses. The product has good slip and glide properties so it goes on easily. NO AWFUL ODOR and my floors look beautiful again. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could.”
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Dirt dulls, but Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish makes floors shiny again with a toxic-free formula that’s safe you and the environment! Employing an advanced polymer technology specifically formulated to gloss and resist micro-scratches, it not only works on laminate and hardwood, but vinyl, tile, stone and other hard surfaces as well.
Quick Shine is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as a green cleaning product and contains no aluminum, ammonia or formaldehyde. The cleaning solution works to restore a rich, glossy shine to hard floors without damaging their finish (or your health).
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According to thorough testing, the Swiffer PowerMop Wood Mop system is a huge improvement on the WetJet—and Swiffer’s best mop for wood floors. Between the lemon-scented quick-dry wood floor cleaner and two included soft pads that absorb dirt and grime, it’s easy to clean floors in half the time of regular mops.
A large swivel head effortlessly maneuvers around obstacles like couches and toilets, and there’s zero residue or sticky feeling left after cleaning. Just spray, wipe and let the solution dry for 15 minutes—no scrubbing needed.
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For those looking for a floor cleaner free from nauseating scents, your search is over. Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner offers a residue and streak-free formula that works on a myriad of floor types—including laminate. This PH-neutral formula uses plant-derived ingredients that protect floors and removes dust, dirt and grime.
Because it’s water-based and biodegradable, it’s safe for use around children and pets. A little goes a long way, so we recommend spreading just capful around with a microfiber cloth or mop and adding more if needed.
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Kitchens require additional considerations when looking for the best laminate floor cleaners. Grease and food stains cause damage and don’t easily disappear with the use of traditional floor cleaners. Enter: The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaner.
This TikTok cleaning product promises (and delivers) a streak-free, brilliant shine on even the most soiled laminate planks. It provides a deep clean, while still remaining gentle enough to use on most surfaces around the house. Better yet, this rinse-free cleaner cuts through food stains and grease without harsh scrubbing.
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When it’s time to use wax, polish or sealant, it’s crucial that every drip and dust bunny gets eliminated prior to go-time. A half-cup of Aunt Fannie’s Ultra Concentrated Floor Cleaner plus two gallons of water offers plenty of cleaning power thanks to a blend of natural ingredients like vinegar and essential oils.
Because it’s ultra-concentrated, a little goes a long way. That saves money in the long run—and who can argue with that? After cleaning, reviewers report a slight vinegar scent that dissipates as the cleaner dries, leaving behind a pleasant eucalyptus scent.
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When it comes to flooring, it’s important to use quality products that protect your investment. We looked for products that tackle common complaints—including pet urine and aging floors—so that no matter what kind of laminate floor you have, there’s a compatible cleaner on this list.
We looked through over 50 top-selling floor cleaners, including scent-free and eco-friendly options. Then, we narrowed down the list by combing through real reviews. Taking into consideration cost, performance and value, we’re confident in our choice of the 10 best laminate floor cleaners.
NALFA recommends seeking out cleaners with a neutral pH specially formulated for laminate floors that also don’t leave a residue. Always use a product specifically designed for use on wood or laminate. Natural, non-abrasive, pH-balanced ingredients work best, so always read the label before buying.
Avoid the following when buying laminate floor cleaners:
There are different ways to preserve the laminate flooring in your home. Here are our top cleaning tips to help maintain laminate flooring for years to come:
Vinegar can dull laminate flooring, as well as any other abrasive or acidic solution. Just like abrasive scrubbers and rough pads, acidic cleaners will eat away at your floor’s finish, which causes it to lose shine over time. However, according to NALFA, vinegar is fine to use at the recommended dilution rate of one part vinegar to 10 parts water.
Yes, you can use the Swiffer WetJet on laminate flooring—as long as you opt for the wood floor version. In fact, spray mops are the best option for laminate flooring, as they don’t over-saturate the area with liquid, which can cause damage. However, NALFA recommends keeping an eye out for residue, which contributes to build up after a short period of time.
If you’re curious about which mops work on certain floors, check out our list of the best mops for every type of flooring (including laminate).
I’m an independent writer, copywriter, editor, journalist, and blogger living and working in a medieval hill town in Italy. Not only do I write travel and lifestyle-related articles, I produce creative online marketing content and engaging product/brand descriptions for U.S., U.K. and Italian clients.
Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted the North American Laminate Flooring Association in an exclusive interview about the best laminate floor cleaners.
Originally Published: April 30, 2021
