Laminate flooring is not cheap and any wrong product, if chosen, can damage, warp or fade the surface. Maybe you’re considering a switch from your old multi-purpose cleaner to Mr. Clean Multi surface cleaner. Let’s see if it is right for laminate flooring and if there are better options.
Can Mr. Clean All-Purpose Cleaner Be Used on Laminate Floors?
Mr. Clean Multi surface cleaner can be used to clean laminate floors and for this purpose, the option with Febreze Meadows and Rain is a good choice.
This cleaner can remove dirt, grime, and grease from Laminate, but you have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Here’s what’s important to know before you use Mr. clean on your laminate floors:
1- You should always test an inconspicuous area of your laminate floor before applying a large amount of Mr. Clean to ensure there will not be any unfortunate damage from the cleaning process (i.e., streaks or damage).
2- If you use the cleaner in its full strength (without diluting), it might damage your laminate floors over time by breaking down the finishing. By diluting it first, you’ll be able to use less of the product without worrying about damaging your flooring or causing other damage that could lead to costly repairs down the line (like cracked tiles).
In addition to this, Mr. clean all purpose cleaner is still very tough even after diluting, which makes it the perfect cleaner when you want to get rid of stubborn stains, while still being gentle on your laminate.
This cleaner can be used for a variety of surfaces such as tile, hardwood floors, linoleum as well as bathroom and toilet areas, countertops, and garbage cans.
How to use Mr. Clean on Laminate Floors?
After testing the cleaner in a small area and giving it some time, see if it produced any adverse effects on the flooring. If not. proceed with the following steps:
STEP 1: Gather your cleaning supplies; you will need a bucket, mop, and a bottle of Mr. Clean’s multi-purpose liquid.
STEP 2: Remove any small items (pots, stands, etc) and carpets from the floor and if possible, move your furniture out of the way.
STEP 3: Sweep away any visible dirt with a dust mop. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with beater brushes as it will scratch the laminate floor.
STEP 4: In 1 gallon of water, mix ¼ cup of Mr. Clean. This will be about half a bucket of water.
Caution: Do not use warm or hot water for mopping, just use water at room temperature.
STEP 5: Dip the mop in and wring it completely. Mop your floor and replace the solution if it becomes dirty.
Too much water can cause the planks to warp over time so ensure to wring out the excess water. (Source)
STEP 6: Buff with a microfiber cleaning cloth. This will add to the floor shine.
Laminate Flooring and Different Messes (With Solutions!)
Laminate floors are made up of multiple synthetic layers that consist of a particleboard wood base covered by an image layer and a transparent wear layer. (Source)
This makes them durable, but with children (and adults) and pets, messes and spills are inevitable. Common household spills and messes include:
1- Coffee, wine, and juice
If you spill any on your laminate floor, wipe it immediately. Spray on diluted water and vinegar and wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
2- Urine
Use paper towels to dab it up.
–Mr. Clean has another product called Multi-Surface Pet Cleaner with Febreze Odor Defense. Test it on an inconspicuous area first, before using it to clean up a pet mess.
–You can also use vinegar and water, or baking soda to remove stains and odors.
–You can also use an enzyme cleaner to remove those stains and especially the odor if it is pet pee.
The odor of pet pee should be dealt with properly. Dogs like to pee in the same spot due to the smell as it is their ‘territory’.
3- Oil-based spills
These can be from salad dressing, gravy, and cooking grease. Wipe the mess and then spray water and vinegar solution on it. Wipe it again with a clean cloth. If the area is still greasy, apply the vinegar solution onto a cloth and wipe the area again.
4- Dirt and mud
Wipe it off with a damp cloth, and again with another clean cloth.
5- Crayon and ink marks
Pour some rubbing alcohol on a cloth and blot the marks with it. Wipe off with a damp cloth.
6- Nail polish
If nail polish spills on the floor, wipe it up using acetone before it dries.
7- Wax
If candle wax happens to spill, wait for it to dry, and then gently scrape it off with a non-abrasive scraper. Wipe the area with water and vinegar solution.
Excessive water and liquid are bad for laminate floors. (Source) Spills should be wiped away immediately to avoid discoloration. Excess water will make the wood bubble, buckle, or warp. Sweep up any crumbs or loose dirt as well.
Cleaning Laminate Floors (Maintenance Tips!)
1- Improper cleaning, cleaning residue, and built-up dirt will also make the floor look dull.
2- Certain brands of laminate flooring will have specific instructions on how to clean it. It is important to follow them.
3- Do not leave vinegar solutions on the laminate floor for too long. (Source)
4- Do not use polish, wax, or bleach on laminate floors.
5- Do not scrub with steel wool or abrasive scouring pads to remove stains as this will leave scratches.
6- Never leave stagnated water or any other liquid on the floor.
7- Do not use steam mops. Steam cleaners will also eventually damage the floor due to moisture.
8- Keep a welcome mat outside to gather dirt and soil from shoes.
Conclusion!
Mr. Clean multi-surface cleaner should only be used in a diluted form to clean laminate floors. This dilution has to take place in water at room temperature only and not in hot water or warm water. In any case, avoid using the cleaning solution daily on your wooden floors.
Check out our other articles on whether you can use Mr. Clean multi surface cleaner on surfaces like granite or even carpets.
